By Pascal Mwanache,
Catholic Priests in the country have been challenged to make catechetical education a priority if they want their Faithful grow in faith in accordance with the Catholic teachings.
Rev Titus Amigu from Lindi Diocese challenged the members of Priests' Association (UMAWATA) during the seminar that was held at TEC-Kurasini Centre, Dar es Salaam this week.
Fr Amigu said that Catechesis is an important tool for the Faithful to learn about the sacraments , better understand liturgical celebrations in accordance to the Catholic teachings. . “Priests are well educated in the major seminary; but many of our Faithful did not have that chance. It is our duty to help them understand and get that knowledge,” he said.
He said that it is unfortunate that the task of teaching catechesis is left to lay people alone who sometimes did not go through deeper catechetical trainings. “Most of people got catechetical instructions during the time they were initiated into the sacraments like baptism, first communion, confirmation and for some few just before getting married. That is not enough for sure, the knowledge they get cannot make them differentiate the Catholic teachings from non-Catholic,” he said.
He insisted that, lack of knowledge on catechesis make the Faithful ignore not only the seven sacraments but make them leave their faith to other Christian denominations because they lack proper understanding of their faith.
He urged Priests to consider teaching Catechesis as part of their core responsibility.
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