Catechist Formation

The ‘Order of Catechist’

In August 2020, Archbishop Julian Porteous established the ‘Order of Catechist’ for the Archdiocese of Hobart. This Order establishes the role of catechists within the life of the Church in Tasmania. Evangelisation and catechesis are the two primary works of the Church in her mission to spread the gospel and make Christian disciples. The Order has been placed under the patronage of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom.

Archbishop Porteous’s document on the ‘Order of Catechist.’

The Task of Catechesis

The task of catechesis is “to show who Jesus Christ is, his life and ministry, and to present the Christian faith as the following of his person” (General Directory for Catechesis, 41). As such, the Verbum Domini Biblical & Catechetical Institute seeks to form adult members of the Christian faithful to be firmly committed disciples of Jesus Christ, who are confident and competent in transmitting the integrity of the Catholic faith and life to those who are enquiring about Christ, those in the process of full initiation into the life of the Church, and those members of the Christian faithful who seek a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ and conversion to the Person of Jesus Christ.

Formation of the Catechists

Knowing how to promote ongoing conversion requires a specialised formation for catechists. Catechesis is not simply communicating information about the Catholic faith; it is aimed at forming people to be mature Christian disciples. Catechists themselves must be authentic witnesses to their own Christian faith and possess a deep spiritual life nourished by the sacraments.

The formation of catechists includes spiritual, scriptural, doctrinal, apostolic, and professional areas. The Verbum Domini Biblical & Catechetical Institute facilitate this formation. Please contact us for more information on when these courses run.

Once the formation is completed, and with the recommendation of those responsible for their formation, candidates will be presented to the bishop to receive a formal mandate to be a Catechist in the Archdiocese of Hobart. This means they will be commissioned to participate in the bishop’s own teaching office within the local church. Mandated catechists will be able to assume the ministry of catechist where required in the archdiocese.

Want to know more about the Catechist Formation course and when it runs? Contact us today!