Ongoing Adult Catechism
Most often, we are tempted to think that once we have received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, we are done with Catechism.
That is far from the truth.
The reception of the Sacraments of Initiation is not the end of faith formation but rather the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in the knowledge, love, and service of God.
As St. Peter exhorts us:
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Likewise, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that faith formation is an ongoing responsibility for all Christians. The Church continually calls her members to deepen their understanding of the faith and to mature spiritually.
Unfortunately, many Catholics stop studying their faith after receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. As a result, they often struggle to explain, defend, or fully appreciate the teachings of the Church.
This is one of the reasons why ongoing adult catechesis remains essential in every parish.
In some parts of Europe and elsewhere, parishes devote special attention to the study of the lives of the Saints. Each year, a parish may select a particular Saint and study his or her life, vocation, gifts, struggles, virtues, writings, and contributions to the life of the Church.
Such programmes help the faithful to learn not only Church doctrine but also practical examples of Christian holiness.
The Saints remind us that holiness is possible despite human weakness.
As Sacred Scripture teaches:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Ongoing Adult Catechism should therefore be organised regularly in the parish. It should provide opportunities for adults to deepen their knowledge of Sacred Scripture, Church doctrine, the Sacraments, Christian morality, prayer, the lives of the Saints, and contemporary issues affecting the faith.
Such sessions may be held periodically throughout the year and should be open to all parishioners.
The Church can never have too many informed Catholics.
Indeed, the more we learn about our faith, the more we are able to love, live, and defend it.
For this reason, every parish should regard Ongoing Adult Catechism not as an optional programme but as an essential part of its evangelising mission.
Faith formation does not end at Baptism, Confirmation, or First Holy Communion. It continues throughout our lives until we meet the Lord face to face.
May our parishes continue to create opportunities for adult Catholics to grow in faith, wisdom, and holiness, so that they may become mature disciples of Christ and effective witnesses to the Gospel.
On Marriage School in the Parish: Are We Hitting the Target?
In this modern era, everything seems to be fast-tracked. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find a good number of young couples who wish to have their marriages blessed in the Church while trying to skip or shorten the Parish or Diocesan Marriage School.
Most often, they come with various excuses, such as travelling abroad, work commitments, or even a hidden pregnancy.
Unfortunately, some of these couples organise elaborate and expensive weddings only to separate or divorce a few months or years later. In many cases, this is because the marriage lacked a solid foundation. They paid little attention to the red flags, barely knew each other well enough, did not fully understand what Catholic marriage entails, and were not adequately prepared to sustain their marriage through prayer, communication, sacrifice, patience, and the proper handling of marital conflicts and adjustments.
For this reason, the Church places great importance on marriage preparation.
As Sacred Scripture teaches:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Likewise, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601).
Marriage School therefore remains an essential part of preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Where are the Parish Marriage Facilitators/Counsellors?
It is rather unfortunate that in some parishes the Marriage School is not well organised or adequately supported pastorally.
Sometimes, the facilitators entrusted with the programme may themselves be facing serious challenges in their marriages. This may make it difficult for young couples to look up to them as mentors and role models.
There is therefore the need to identify competent, experienced, committed, and exemplary Catholic couples who can effectively mentor and accompany young couples preparing for marriage.
There is also the need for diocesan marriage syllabi, manuals, and formation materials to be designed, approved, and officially adopted for use in all parishes, thereby ensuring uniformity and sound Catholic teaching.
- Marriage Formation Deserves Greater Attention
I am of the view that since Marriage is a Sacrament and a vocation, and since the family is the Domestic Church and the foundation of society, we must dedicate greater attention to marriage formation, both before and after marriage.
The Second Vatican Council reminds us that:
“The family is, so to speak, the domestic church” (Lumen Gentium, 11).
Most often, the major challenges in marriage emerge several years after the wedding. This highlights the need to take post-marital formation and accompaniment seriously.
- Organisation of Marriage School
I would humbly suggest that, in order to make Marriage School more effective, it could be organised at the deanery level or, where possible, at the diocesan level, under the supervision of competent diocesan personnel appointed by the Bishop.
Such an arrangement may help ensure consistency, quality formation, and the availability of experienced facilitators.
- Duration of Marriage Formation
Basically, I believe that since marriage is a lifelong commitment, six months of formation may not always be sufficient.
While the exact duration remains the responsibility of the diocesan bishop and local Church authorities, I believe that couples should be encouraged to begin their preparation well in advance of their intended wedding date.
Adequate preparation provides the opportunity for deeper reflection, proper discernment, and a fuller appreciation of the responsibilities associated with Catholic marriage.
- Greater Pastoral Attention to Marriage
Considering the many difficulties affecting Catholic marriages today, I humbly recommend that greater pastoral attention be given to marriage and family life.
Just as many dioceses celebrate Laity Week annually, there could be greater emphasis on programmes that promote marriage enrichment, family life formation, and reflection on Catholic teaching concerning marriage.
Marriage study materials could be developed by the appropriate Church authorities to assist parishes and dioceses in strengthening marriage formation.
In addition, I would humbly advise that, as part of the Diocesan Bishop’s pastoral plan, opportunities be created from time to time for the Bishop to meet with married couples within the Diocese or Deaneries for pastoral interaction, encouragement, and formation.
Such encounters would strengthen families and demonstrate the Church’s continuing pastoral concern for married couples.
As St. Paul teaches:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
May our Catholic families continue to grow in faith, unity, holiness, and love, becoming true Domestic Churches and living witnesses of Christ in the world.
Conclusion
I would sum up the pastoral life of a parish with a beautiful and touching programme of one young bereaved widow and Catholic Sister, Miss Bernice, on My Faith Story, by the Accra Archdiocesan Communication Office.
As a Church, the pastoral life of the parish must evolve and encompass not only pastoral care for the sick, the aged, the youth, Sunday School children, and married couples, but also our young and elderly Catholic widows, physically challenged parishioners, and couples battling with childlessness.
The Church is called to accompany all her children, especially those who are going through difficult moments in life.
As St. Paul reminds us:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
I remember that during one of our Presbyteral Meetings, an expert was invited to give us a presentation on pastoral care for such particular pastoral realities, but after the talk, that was all.
As a Church, let us encourage the Christian Association of Catholic Widows and offer them adequate pastoral support through formation programmes and counselling.
Likewise, let us extend similar pastoral care to widowers, persons living with disabilities, and couples struggling with childlessness and other family challenges.
I am sure this should serve as a wake-up call for us to establish counselling centres in our parishes and deaneries, in addition to the diocesan counselling centres.
The diocesan centres could even be mobile, since our faithful need such services now more than ever.
As our Lord says:
“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
May our parishes continue to become places of faith, hope, healing, and pastoral care for all God’s people.
By: Rev. Fr. Albert Kyei Danso
Chaplain, Holy Family Ghanaian Catholic Community Church,
Italy
