FUNCTION 0F THE CATECHIST

71 No method, net even one much proved in use, frees the chartist from the personal task of assimilating and passing judgement on the concrete circumstances, and from some adjustment to them. For outstanding human and Christian qualities in the catechists will be able to do more to produce successes than will the methods selected.

The work of the catechist must be considered of greater importance than the selection of texts and other tools (cf. AG, 17).

The importance and magnitude of the work to be done by catechists does not prevent the necessary establishing of boundaries around the mole of catechists. They are responsible for

choosing and creating suitable conditions which are necessary for the Christian message 10 be sought, accepted, and more profoundly investigated. This is the point to which the action of catechists extends—and theme lt. stops. For adherence on the part of those to be laugh is a fruit of grace and freedom, and does not ultimately depend on the catechist; and catechetical action, therefore, should be accompanied by prayer. That remark is kself-evidenb, but it is nevertheless useful to recall it in present-day conditions, because today much is being demanded of the talent and of the genuine Christian spirit of the catechist, while al the same lime he is being urged to have the greatest possible regard for the freedom and "creativity" of those to be taught.