105 catechists attend PEKA gathering

BUNDU TUHAN – One hundred and five catechists from the Association of Catechists Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese (Perwakilan Katekis Keuskupan Agung Kota Kinabalu, PEKA), including 13 from Keningau Diocese, gathered at the retreat centre here on 20-21 Jan 2017 to discuss in depth the role of a catechist and the guidelines for serving.

Father Bruno Yasun, spiritual adviser for PEKA, emphasised the shortage of priests in the archdiocese due to the increased number of serving areas and parishioners.

Catechists who serve as teachers are under the care of the catechetical commission.  Those who lead liturgical services in the absence of a priest are now focusing on leading according to the revised rite.

Two workshops were presented: Why are catechists nowadays less enthusiastic in serving? and Hope of catechists for the future. These were discussed in relation to three main issues identified as challenges to the church: Secularisation, Apathy and Islamisation.

The discussions were recorded and would be presented by Fr Bruno at the March clergy meeting.

In his conclusion, Fr Bruno said the meeting has provided a better grasp of the catechists’ aspirations, after listening to all the presentations. He also commented that the catechists could be called coordinators of the local ministry. – Emma Petrus