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Functions and forms of the ministry of
the word
51. The following are the
principal functions of the ministry of the word:
– Called together and called to faith
This function is the most immediate
expression of the missionary mandate of Jesus. It is realized through "the
primary proclamation", directed to non-believers; those who have chosen
unbelief, those Christians who live on the margins of Christianlife, those who
follow other religions. (133) The religious awakening of the children
of Christian families, is also an eminent form of this function.
– Initiation
Those who are moved by grace to decide to
follow Jesus are "introduced into the life of faith, of the liturgy and of
the charity of the People of God". (134) The Church achieves this
function fundamentally by catechesis, in close relation with the sacraments of
initiation, whether these are about to be received or have already been
received. Important forms include: the catechesis of non-baptized adults in the
catechumenate, the catechesis of baptized adults who wish to return to the
faith, or of those who need to complete their initiation; the catechesis of
children and of the young, which of itself has the character of initiation.
Christian education in families and religious instruction in schools also have
an initiatory function.
– Continuous education in the faith
In many regions this is also called
"permanent catechesis". (135)
It is intended for those Christians who have
been initiated in the basic elements of the Christian faith, but who need
constantly to nourish and deepen their faith throughout their lives. This
function is accomplished through a great variety of forms: "systematic and
occasional, individual and community, organized and spontaneous".
(136)
– The liturgical function
The ministry of the word also has a
liturgical function since, when realized within the context of a sacred action,
it is an integral part of that action. (137) It takes different forms
but amongst them the most important is the homily. Other forms in the
liturgical context include celebrations of the word and instruction received
during the administration of the sacraments. On the other hand, mention must
also be made of the immediate preparation for reception of the different sacraments,
the celebration of sacramentals and above all of the participation of the
faithful in the Eucharist, as a primary means of education in the faith.
– The theological function
This seeks to develop understanding of the
faith and is to be situated in the dynamic of "fides quaerens
intellectum", that is, of belief which seeks to understand.
(138) Theology, in order to fulfil this function, needs to confront
philosophical forms of thought, various forms of humanism and the human
sciences, and dialogue with them. It is articulated whenever: "the
systematic treatment and the scientific investigation of the truths of the
Faith" (139) are promoted.
52. The important forms of
the ministry of the Word are: the first annoucement or missionary preaching,
pre and post baptismal catechesis, the liturgical forms and the theological
forms. Then, it often happens, for pastoral reasons, that important forms of
the ministry of the word must assume more than one function. Catechesis, for
example, together with its initiatory forms, has frequently to discharge tasks
of mission. The same homily, depending on circumstances, can take on both the
functions of convocation and of integral initiation.
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