A STABLE LAY MINISTRY OF CATECHIST

Intent and Impact of the Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium

Abstract

Following the publication of the Directory for Catechesis, Pope Francis wrote a new Apostolic Letter in the form of a “Motu Proprio” establishing the ministry of the catechist. This article summarizes the document’s salient features, emphasizing the lay faithful’s role in the catechist ministry. The institution of this ministry, together with the lay ministries of lector and acolyte, will make it possible to have a better-prepared laity in the transmission of the faith. The catechist collaborates with the local bishop and priests in the teaching of the faith to the local community and can be especially beneficial in places where priests and religious are scarce.