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Diocese of Sandakan sets up Catechetical Office

by | Apr 21, 2010 | Uncategorized

Sandakan : Catechesis is the responsibility of the entire community and is most effective when there is a real partnership between the parish community, the family and those who serve as catechists in parish programmes.

In accordance with the General Directory of Catechesis (GDC) 267 which reads, ‘Catechesis is so basic to the life of every particular Church, that no diocese can be without its own catechetical office’ and with that Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom announced in late March 2010 the setting up of the Diocesan Catechetical Office.

Sr Veronica Kandaung fsic, who hails from Kg Kotunuon, Tuaran attended a 4 year course in catechetic in ‘Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Kateketik’, Yogjakarta, Indonesia from 1990 – 1994. She was attached to the Pastoral Centre, Keningau from 1995 – 2006. She is well trained in catechetic and has vast experience in catechetical matters . She assumed duty as the Director of the said Office on April,1st 2010.

The Catechetical Office shall exercise the following;

a) to analyze the state of the diocese with regard to education in the faith: such analysis must identify, amongst other things, the real needs of the diocese as far as catechetical practice is concerned;

b) to develop a plan of action which sets out clear objectives, proposes definite suggestions and shows concrete results;

c) to promote the formation of catechists

d) to elaborate, or at least to indicate to parishes and to catechists, the necessary instruments for catechesis: catechisms, directories, programs for different ages, guides for catechists, material for those being catechized, audio-visual aids etc.;

e) to improve personnel and material resources at diocesan and parish level.

In an interview with her, she is of the view that catechists should be properly formed and be exposed to

  • the proper character of catechesis
  • understanding of the Sacred Scripture
  • catechesis within the context of evangelization
  • pedagogy and methodology of the faith education and
  • those to be catechized

She also said, ‘Parents are the primary educators in the faith. All members of the family play an active part in the education of the younger members.’

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