UCA News
Contribute

Catholics 'must promote' Catechism

Neglect of formation has made Indonesians 'decadent,' says Jesuit
Catholics 'must promote' Catechism
Jesuit Father Telephorus Krispurwana Cahyadi (with laptop) discusses with catechists in Jakarta
Published: March 21, 2011 08:53 AM GMT
Updated: March 21, 2011 09:27 AM GMT

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

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia