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The Bishop has primary responsibility for
catechesis in the particular Church
222. The Second Vatican
Council gave much importance to the proclamation and transmission of the Gospel
in the episcopal ministry. "Among the principal duties of Bishops, that of
preaching the Gospel excels". (147) In carrying out this task,
Bishops are, above all, "heralds of the faith", (148) seeking
new disciples for Jesus Christ, and "authentic teachers",
(149) transmitting the faith to be professed and lived to those
entrusted to their care. Missionary proclamation and catechesis are two closely
united aspects of the prophetic ministry of Bishops. To perform this duty
Bishops receive "the charism of truth". (150) The Bishops are
"beyond all others the ones primarily responsible for catechesis and
catechists par excellence". (151) In the Church's history the
preponderant role of great and saintly Bishops is evident. Their writings and
initiatives mark the richest period of the catechumenate. They regarded
catechesis as one of the most fundamental tasks of their ministry.
(152)
223. This concern for
catechetical activity will lead the Bishop to assume "the overall
direction of catechesis" (153) in the particular Church, which
implies among other things:
– that he ensure effective priority
for an active and fruitful catechesis in his Church "putting into
operation the necessary personnel, means and equipment, and also financial
resources"; (154)
– that he exercise solicitude for catechesis
by direct intervention in the transmission of the Gospel to the faithful, and
that he be vigilant with regard to the authencity of the faith as well as with
regard to the quality of texts and instruments being used in catechesis;
(155)
– "that he bring about and maintain... a
real passion for catechesis, a passion embodied in a pertinent and
effective organization", (156) out of a profound conviction of the
importance of catechesis for the Christian life of the diocese;
– that he ensure "that catechists are
adequately prepared for their task, being well instructed in the doctrine
of the Church and possessing both a practical and theoretical knowledge of the
laws of psychology and educational method"; (157)
– that he establish an articulated, coherent
and global programme in the Diocese in order to respond to the true needs
of the faithful: it should be integrated into the diocesan pastoral plan and
co-ordinated with the programmes of the Episcopal Conference.
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