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Higher institutes for experts in
catechesis
251. A higher level of
catechetical formation to which priests, religious and laity might have access
is of vital importance for catechesis. In this regard it is hoped that
"higher institutes for training in pastoral catechetics should be promoted
or founded, so that catechists capable of directing catechesis at the diocesan
level, or within the area of activities to which religious congregations are
dedicated, may be prepared. These higher institutes can be national or even
international. They ought to function as a university so far as curriculum,
length of course and requisites for admission are concerned".
(240) In addition to the formation of those who must assume responsibility
for catechesis, these institutes will also form those who teach catechesis in
seminaries, houses of formation and in the catechetical schools. These
institutes should devote themselves to a congruent level of research in
catechesis.
252. At this level of
formation there is much opportunity for fruitful co-operation between the
Churches: "Here also the material aid provided by the richer Churches to
their poorer sisters can show the greatest effectiveness, for what better
assistance can one Church give to another than to help it to grow as a Church
with its own strength?" (241) Obviously such collaboration has due
respect for the particular circumstances of poorer Churches and their
responsibilities. At diocesan and inter-diocesan levels it is most useful when
there is an awareness of the need to form people at a higher level, just as
there is a similar need for such in other ecclesiastical activities as well as
in the teaching of other disciplines.
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