28. Initial formation. The initial or basic training period that precedes the beginning of a catechist's ministry is not the same in every Church, on account of the varying local conditions, but, whether the training is given in a catechetical centre or in other ways, it should meet certain requirements. The following criteria should be borne in mind:

- Knowledge of the candidates: they should be known personally and in their cultural milieu, not only so as to avoid making mistaken choices, but also for the formation to be personalized and adapted to the needs of each one.

- Attention to the actual conditions of the local Church and society. The training given should be not only theoretical but practical and rooted in the real life situations of the people.

- A step-by-step approach. The program should be methodical and gradual, respecting each candidate's progress and growth. One should not pretend to have a perfect catechist from the beginning, but should assist him to grow without interruption and incompleteness.

- Orderly and complete method: taking into consideration the situations of mission and of the pedagogy, the training should be based on experience; should aim at developing the whole personality; should promote a continuous dialogue between the candidate and God, the formators and the community; should be liberating, freeing the catechist from conscious or unconscious obstacles to God's action; and should promote unity and harmony.

- The candidates should be helped to draw up a life program, with goals to be aimed at and means to achieve them, but in a realistic spirit. The goals should include identity and lifestyle, and also the qualities needed for the apostolate.

- There should be continual personal dialogue between the candidates and formators, who should be looked upon not merely as teachers but as friends and guides. As mentioned above, spiritual direction is very important, as it touches the depths of a person's soul and helps open it to God's grace.

- The Christian community in which the catechists live and work will also contribute to their formation, for no true apostolic education can take place outside of it. They will be constantly discovering how God's plan for salvation is being worked out in the community.

These guidelines should be taken into account where there are proper structures for initial formation, but even where these have not been established they can serve as a stimulus for both Pastors and candidates. The training should not be improvised or left to the initiative of the candidates themselves.