Catholic life in Indonesia has become decadent as a result of the local Church’s neglect of catechism and evangelization, according to a Jesuit priest. “Catechism and evangelization have become major problems for the Catholic Church,” Jesuit Father Telephorus Krispurwana Cahyadi told 52 catechists from Jakarta archdiocese. He pointed to a growing number of divorces among young couples as a prime example. Catechists must pay serious attention to their task in teaching the Catholic faith he told the gathering organized by the diocesan commission on catechetic at the archdiocese’s hall on March 19. “Do your job, which is to proclaim the Good News,” he urged. The lecturer at the Jesuit-run Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta voiced concerned over Catholics seemingly concerning themselves over the Church’s appearance rather than the liturgy that develops a meaningful relationship with God. “This indicates our Church likes to show off and be seen as a successful Church,” he claimed. Agustina Sri Rahayu from Trinity Church in Cengkareng agreed with Father Cahyadi’s assessment. “Well, it is not only me who feels the Catholic Church has not paid serious attention to catechism. I think all catechists feel it too,” she said. She suggested that catechists should be more creative so as to attract students. A similar opinion was voiced by another catechist, Fransiskus Mulyadi: “Families and parishes also play significant roles in the faith formation of children,” he said. Related report Bishop-elect to prioritize faith formation in traditional-religion area IJ13688.1646