Christian Formation&Liturgy

The department comprises the Committee for Catechesis and Christian Formation and the Committee for Liturgy to reflect the interconnectedness between liturgy and catechetics – formation in the faith and living out the faith.

Catechesis and Christian Formation

The Committee for Catechesis and Christian Formation is the Conference’s official respondent to the Holy See’s relevant Congregations and Councils and the bodies of other episcopal conferences. It serves all diocesan and regional needs – developing and promoting research and programmes. It oversees publications, organises congresses and undertakes catechetical activities beyond the means of dioceses or regions.

The committee liaises with and supports training institutes and programmes and works to restore catechesis to its primary and essential role in Christian initiation and formation of all baptised. It is tasked to help implement the baptismal catechumenate as a process of formation and a true school of faith for all catechesis through seminars and workshops.

Other key tasks concern material and courses for on-going formation of catechists, encouraging full participation in the liturgy, liaising with diocesan co-ordinators and stimulating new expressions of the Gospel in the context of the prevalent culture.

Metropolitan meetings with diocesan co-ordinators take place twice a year to support on-going formation and training and particular needs. Focus areas include sensitising local Christian communities to their role as initiating communities, celebrating Catechetical Sunday, using defined guidelines to appoint catechists, promoting care for catechists at parish and diocesan levels, involving local clergy and workshops.

Liturgy Culture

Despite financial constraints, the Committee for Liturgy does its utmost to assist dioceses and parishes to develop and celebrate vibrant and meaningful liturgy.

Liturgy is the official prayer of the Christian community gathered for worship – participation belongs to all and is the responsibility of all.

Department tasks include liaison between the Holy See, other Bishops’ Conferences and the local church; adapting and translating rites and texts; producing relevant materials and texts; promoting liturgical research and inculturation; providing assistance and education consistent with the Pastoral Plan; liaising with diocesan liturgical committees and co-ordinators.

Much of the current work concerns the Mass. This includes revision, translations and adaptations of the Roman Missal which provides “instructions” for celebrating Mass and is rich in the theology and understanding of the Mass. A pastoral introduction is available to assist groups in their study. Workshops can be done on request.

Other work includes national liturgical consultations; researching and publishing a pastoral statement on inculturation and implementation guidelines; producing the annual Order for Mass and Liturgy of the Hours, including a calendar of holy days and feasts. The Order for 2006 will include the celebration of African saints.

CONTACT

Christian Formation

Sister Patricia Finn

Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference

399 Paul Kruger Street

P.O. Box 941

Pretoria 0001

Tel: +27 11 680 2108

Cell: +27 72 299 5797

Mail: pfinn@webmail.co.za

Liturgy

Sister Jordana Maher

Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference

399 Paul Kruger Street

P.O. Box 941

Pretoria 0001

Tel: +27 12 323 6458

Fax: +27 12 326 6218

Email: jmaher@sacbc.org.za