The 79th General Assembly of the CEI "approved the Rite of institution of the ministry of the catechist, authorizing the Presidency of the CEI, assisted by the Episcopal Commissions for the doctrine of the faith, proclamation and catechesis and for the liturgy, to make the necessary changes stylistic and textual, also taking into consideration any observations made by the Dicastery for divine worship and the discipline of the sacraments". This is what we read in the final communiqué of the 79th General Assembly of the CEI which concluded today in the Vatican.
“The text – it is explained –, which now awaits the approval of the Holy See, was validated by the Permanent Episcopal Council in the session of 22-24 January 2024. The Rite is preceded by a Presentation which offers the theological and pastoral framework of the ministry and takes up what is established in the Note ad experimentum regarding the physiognomy and duties of the catechist for the Latin rite Churches in Italy”. “These norms are therefore confirmed – continues the statement – according to which the catechist is called to take care of the catechesis for Christian initiation; to accompany those who have already received the sacraments of initiation in the growth of faith; to welcome and accompany those who express the desire for an experience of faith. Catechists may be asked to coordinate, animate and train other lay ministerial figures within the parish, in particular those involved in catechesis and other forms of evangelization and pastoral care".
