Eight hundred eighty catechists from 66 parishes across the Archdiocese of Jakarta gathered October 31 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, to celebrate Catechists’ Day, rvasia.org reported.
The event, organized by the South Deanery, drew participants from all eight deaneries of the archdiocese, the Catholic Church’s principal ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Indonesia’s capital.
Cardinal Suharyo Emphasizes Accompaniment Over Instruction
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, told the gathering that catechists serve as companions who help people deepen their faith through dialogue, prayer and everyday experiences rather than functioning solely as teachers of doctrine.
He described Christian life as an ongoing journey toward the fullness of love and stressed that faith formation should help people discover meaning through life experiences, encounters with others and reflection on everyday situations rather than simply transmitting religious information.
The cardinal encouraged catechists to listen to people’s questions, experiences and struggles, noting that even questions raised by children can become opportunities for deeper reflection and mutual learning.
Eight Senior Catechists Share Faith Journeys
Eight senior female catechists from across the archdiocese shared personal accounts of their faith journeys and voluntary service in their respective parishes, illustrating that catechetical ministry requires personal commitment, faithfulness and a willingness to accompany others beyond preparing people for sacraments.
Fr. Putranto Highlights Prayer Within Families
Fr. Carolus “Uut” Putranto, chairman of the archdiocesan Catechetical Commission and a theology teacher at the Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta, emphasized that catechists must recognize the different experiences and circumstances that shape individual faith journeys.
He highlighted prayer within families as an important means of passing faith between generations, noting that praying together among parents, children and grandparents can become a meaningful expression of faith beyond formal religious instruction and sacramental preparation.
Priests and Catechists Called to Cooperate
The celebration highlighted the need for priests and catechists to work together. While catechists contribute significantly to faith formation and sacramental preparation, they require pastoral guidance, encouragement and opportunities for continued formation, while priests are called to accompany and support their ministry.
The gathering provided an opportunity for catechists to strengthen fellowship and renew their commitment to evangelization, with participants called to witness their faith through their lives and walk alongside others as they grow toward Christian maturity.