WORKSHOP I

Small Group Sharing on the Catechetical Needs and Concerns

Facilitator: Dr. Linda Tacorda

Small Group Sharing on the Catechetical Needs and Concerns

• PERSONNEL
• FORMATION
• RESOURCES
• SUPPORT
• LINKAGES

BACKGROUND:

ECCCE has asked all these years about catechetical concerns on the areas cited above:

1979 – 1st National Consultation – Silang, Cavite (La Salette Shrine) 2 concerns came out:

• need for coordination of efforts in Christian Formation, and
• need for an inculturated catechesis

1988 – National Catechetical Convention – Fairview, QC (OMI Missionary Center)

The following concerns / needs came up:

• Quality Formation (then only 5% were professional catechists!)
• Dearth of catechists (need for thorough recruitment and screening of catechists)
• Need of “catechetical experts” in the faculty line-up
• Lack of funds / resources / materials and facilities
• Linkages with other catechetical centers for support and sharing of resources
• Need of support from parents, parish community, clergy and bishops

2000 – Joint – meeting by CEAP & ECCCE that called for paradigm shift (from input of Abp. Leonardo Legazpi)

• More contextualized catechesis
• Progressive catechesis for a life-long process
• From apologetical catechesis towards an inter-religious dialogue

2003 – January National Convention in Antipolo

• Called for training catechetical coordinators

From a space of 16 years from 1988… what had progressed through our Catechetical Formation Centers / Religious Education Departments?

Lead questions:

1. On Formation–
   1. Professional training of catechists
      1. Updated curriculum? With CCC / CFC / GDC bases?
      2. Adjusted to the call of times? Inculturated materials?
      3. Do you have an on-going program for your professional catechists?
   2. Training of volunteer catechists
      1. How does your formation center address the reality of about 90% volunteer catechists?
   1. What kind of training do you offer them?
   2. Initial formation? Or on-going formation?
   3. Training of catechist – coordinators
   1. Do you have a program for their needs
2. Resources
   1. How do you meet issues on funds / materials / facilities / catechists’ welfare and development?
3. Support
1. What is the status of the support you get from the parents / parish community / clergy / bishop?
2. Do you get support from other catechetical centers?

TO BE REPORTED:

1. What are your recommendations for action on the regional / Ecclesiastical province level?
2. What are your recommendations for action on the national level (ECCCE)?

Results of this workshop click here.

Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines

Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education

CBCP Bldg., 470 Gen Luna St., Intramuros, 1002 Manila Philippines
Tel. No. +632 5274161
Fax No. +632 5275417
Email: eccce@cbcpworld.com