The focus of our Christian faith is to Live and Move and Have our being in HIM. Not all can sustain this kind of living motto and quite impossible as the challenges that surround us is overshadowing. It is not a world that is perfect but we try to make the best of situations. Some make it, others falter and yet some others channel their very last energies into making it happen. It eventually narrows down to ‘CHOICES’.

             What keeps us going is the strength drawn from the inner depth of our relationship with God who is our driving force. Ever willing to lift us when we are weighed down and to give us the push.  It feels like a tight rope pulling us and we need to make our choice  to go forward or fall backward. And when we have succeeded through God’s intervention, we need to retell our experience story to others so that all ears hear the pattern of remaining true followers of Christ.!

            Our Holy Father’s recent announcement on instituting a new  ministry  of  ‘Catechists’ with the apostolic letter  Antiquum Ministerium  is timely and comes into effect  immediately. There is a time and season for everything and the time for this spiritual calling and preparedness has come.  The whole universal Church moves in conformity to what is laid out for us by the Universal Shepherd. Not surprisingly, a number of recent apostolic letters or encyclicals  by  Pope Francis has struck a chord with many as they ponder and reflect on the emergence of  his vibrating content unfolding into our loins and heart. The pandemic has provided us a window of great discernment to make right any wrong, to look at our measure of indecisiveness, vision and mission analogy and areas that are lacking.

             Life is complex due to the choices we make.  However, a gush of freshness and awakening is always welcoming as this keeps us in check and allows us to bring newness to our old ways in keeping with the times. Much has been said about Catechists and a serious review of the due process is vital so that one is equipped and ready for every good work. Only then can we teach the fundamentals of the faith with boldness and vigour.  None of us will get to experience what prophet Jeremiah confessed, 20:9 “I will not speak in his name anymore but then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones.”  However, one should skip this mission task if he or she falls short of enrichment and charisms. 

When asked about the entry of this new ministry, some priests and catechists of our Peninsular Malaysia diocese  say…….  

We  do agree to the call and need to form our Catechists with training, ongoing formation and fully equipped with Sacred Scripture.  However, this is going to be a process that will require total dedication and commitment.  “The harvest is rich but labourers are few”.  

In any ministry or profession, proper training is needed before one could carry out tasks and responsibilities. Also, one needs to be the right person for the "job." That's why it is high time we take seriously what the pope has written in his Apostolic letter, and come up with concrete ways to make it happen. Let us help our catechists become better catechists for the Glory of God ……Fr Andrew Kooi

Having taught for 12 years, I am still learning.  It would be good to take a serious view of the teaching approach, training and preparedness. I have given my views in my own parish which included having a pool of enthusiastic, passionate teachers but discussions did not lead to action.    The end result is we just approach anyone in passing to fill the slot. ……Hilda T.

I gave up after two years of teaching and of course I do regret it.  I lacked the endurance to continue but the circumstances were too overwhelming.  It would appear like a lame excuse but our willingness at most times is triggered by much insecurity within our own field, so doing your best is seen as ‘who is the greatest?’……I am all for this “Ministry of Catechists’ for the formation of our young ones in sound footing is crucial…….Malcolm Kingsley