History made as first lay catechists instituted
By Catherine Sheehan
Nineteen catechists from parishes around Tasmania were formally instituted at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart on Sunday 26 March, one of the first groups to be instituted in Australia.
During Sunday Mass the 16 women and three men were instituted by Archbishop Julian into the Ministry of Lay Catechists established by Pope Francis in May 2021 as a form of service to meet the pastoral needs of the local Church.
For the catechists it was the culmination of two years of formation under the guidance of Dr Christine Wood, Director of the Office of Evangelisation and Catechesis.
“This was an historic moment in the life of the Church in Tasmania,” Dr Wood said.
“It’s such a blessing that so many have heard God’s call to participate in catechetical ministry and showed great enthusiasm and endurance in completing the two-year formation program.
“It’s significant that lay people are now being instituted into this ‘stable’ catechetical ministry. Previously, the ministry was restricted to clergy and religious.”
Addressing the catechists in his homily, Archbishop Julian emphasised the importance of their role.
“I am grateful for your offer of service and pray that God will bless your work and make it fruitful,” he said.
“You stand in a line of illustrious men and women over the ages who have dedicated themselves to handing on the faith.
“I encourage you today to offer yourself afresh to the Lord. It is God who has called you. Pray that the Holy Spirit who has been at work in you may inspire your teaching and make it fruitful in effectively transmitting the beauty, truth and goodness of the Catholic faith.”
Catechist Lynelle Davis, who teaches at Star of the Sea Catholic School in George Town, said being instituted after two years of formation was an exciting moment.
“It was really, really exciting, and I knew it was going to be, but I don’t think it hit me until we were all sitting there in the front few rows.
“We’ve been chosen and we’re accepted and we’ve passed through what we needed to, and now we’re being acknowledged.”
The catechists completed the Catechist Formation Program which included an overview of the Catholic faith, study of Scripture, Catechetical Methodology, and courses in RCIA and Catechumenate, or Sacramental Preparation and Christian Discipleship.
Most are now equipped for ministry in RCIA, adult faith formation, children’s sacramental preparation, evangelisation, marriage preparation, baptismal preparation, Endow Women’s Groups, and bible studies.
Mrs Davis said the program was an “amazing” way of deepening her personal faith and obtaining the knowledge and formation necessary to pass the faith on to others.
“I just think it was a wonderful opportunity for me, and I think more people should do it. Christine, the information and knowledge that she’s got and the way she explains it and shares it with others is not to be underestimated. She’s amazing.”
Dr Wood expressed her gratitude to Archbishop Julian for his support of the ministry.
“Archbishop Julian has always supported a strong catechetical ministry in the Archdiocese,” she said.
“He paved the way for this by instituting the Order of Catechist in August 2020, before Pope Francis established the ministry of lay catechist in May 2021. So, in a manner, Archbishop Julian is a trailblazer in Australia.”