Seven more catechists instituted to serve across Tasmania

By Josh Low

History was made two years ago as the first group of catechists were instituted in the Archdiocese.

Seven more candidates from parishes across Tasmania were recently formally instituted into the lay ministry.

During Sunday Mass on 20 July, the seven candidates were welcomed into the Ministry of Lay Catechists, established by Pope Francis in 2021 as a form of service to meet the pastoral needs of the local Church.

Bestowed by the bishop, the institution of the catechists formally recognises their ministry and service in the diocese, in the name of and under the bishop’s authority.

Several religious sisters who have also completed the catechist formation course, were also acknowledged on the day – being religious, they cannot be admitted into the lay Ministry of Catechist.

In his address to the catechists, Archbishop Julian referenced Mary and Martha from the Gospel passage of the day.

He added that catechesis is much more than just the transmission of knowledge about the Catholic faith but about eliciting deeper faith and stirring the heart to desire to live the fullness of the Christian faith.

“Catechesis is not only to address the mind, but it must also touch the heart,” he said.

“To those about to be recognised as catechists I point to Mary in the Gospel today, who sat at the Lord’s feet engrossed in his teaching.

“As you enter this ministry, always be willing to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening attentively to him.

“May those children and adults who come to receive teaching in the faith be likewise inspired by your words, and finding their hearts on fire, earnestly desire to embrace and live the Christian life. 

“This day is a day of rejoicing as the life and ministry of the Archdiocese is enriched by those who have responded to a call to advance the catechetical mission of the Church,” he said.

Michael and Elisabeth Ryan from Circular Head Parish were among the seven instituted catechists, and said they were inspired to take on this ministry following their retirement and resulting free time.

“We’ve learnt so much ourselves (through the process) that we hadn’t known despite being Catholics our whole lives,” Michael said, adding that the formation received also gave them a deeper understanding into why the Church teaches what it does.

Elisabeth added that Office of Evangelisation and Catechesis Director, Dr Christine Wood, was a great help.

“Christine was so good – she brought everything to a level that as easy to digest.

“Now we are looking forward to helping to foster and nurture the faith, especially for the families in our parish,” she said.

“We have a very good relationship with our Parish Priest Fr Amal [Devadoss] and our aim is to help him as much as possible.

“So far, we’ve started a family group at our parish who meet once a week – parents come with their children, and we try to put on a largely child-based program which introduces the sacraments to the children; but the parents are enjoying it too.

“There seems to be a real lack of understanding of the faith even among cradle Catholics and I’d like to think we can inspire people to do more than just coming to Mass on Sundays.”

Kingston-Channel parishioner Madeline de La Motte has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation program in her parish, aimed at three to 12 year-olds and carefully designed to foster the religious life of children.

“Encountering the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was like finding a gold mine,” she said.

“It is a ministry that is based on solid and ongoing research in the spiritual development of the child, and in its delivery uses developmentally appropriate methodology and pedagogy.

“It’s heartening to know that the Archdiocese values this ministry and has recognised the hard work that has been done by many people to bring it to life over the past several years.

“I hope to continue learning from and contributing to this ministry, as I see how impactful it can be in fostering in the child a deep understanding of our faith, and an assurance of the love of God,” she said.

The seven catechists installed on 20 July were:

• Catherine Sandric (Kingston-Channel Parish)
• Madeline de La Motte (Kingston-Channel Parish)
• Juliana Gunardi (Richmond Parish)
• Sarah King (Claremont Parish)
• Christine Smith (Cathedral Parish)
• Michael Ryan (Circular Head Parish)
• Elisabeth Ryan (Circular Head Parish)