Description
With this Apostolic Letter issued “motu proprio,” Pope Francis established the lay ministry of catechist, intended to respond to an urgent need for the evangelization of the modern world, and undertaken in a “secular” manner, avoiding clericalization.
Publisher & Date
Vatican, May 11, 2021
1. The ministry of Catechist in the Church is an ancient one. Theologians commonly hold that the first examples are already present in the writings of the New Testament. The service of catechesis may be traced back to those “teachers” mentioned by the Apostle in writing to the community of Corinth: “Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for th