AMECEA Pastoral Department held a successful workshop for commission for marriage and family life Apostolate in Nairobi Kenya. The workshop which was held from 23rdto 27th June had 38 participants from eight AMECEA Conferences which include Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan/South Sudan, Malawi and Zambia. Each of the eight conferences had four representatives.According to Fr. Febian Mulenga, Coordinator of Pastoral Department, the workshop was done in two parts with the first part focusing on the centrality of catechesis in evangelization and the role of a catechist. The participants were directors of catechetical institutions, diocesan pastoral coordinators and catechists.
This first part took place on 24th and 25th and focused on the following: Centrality of catechesis in evangelization a topic which was presented by Fr. Febian Pikiti; The challenges in the process of Catechesis and how to overcome them. This was presented by Fr. Febian; Stewardship to the environment, i.e. the role of catechesis which should include appreciation for God’s creation as God’s stewards of creation. Fr. Peter Mbaro and Sr. Elizabeth Nduku, both from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA); Practical activities to enhance catechesis in the area of biblical, catechetical, liturgical, environment and leadership and this was presented by Fr. Patrick Thawale and Sr. Elizabeth Isingi also from CUEA.
· The second part, which took place on 26th and 27th focused on the challenges of marriage and family life-a preparation for the synod which was presented by Fr. Febian. During the presentations, the participants and the moderator followed the methodology of see judge and act whereby they discussed the eight themes (questions) presented for the extra ordinary synod which includes The Diffusion of the Teachings on the Family in Sacred Scripture and the Church’s Magisterium, Marriage according to the Natural Law, The Pastoral Care of the Family in Evangelization, Pastoral Care in Certain Difficult Marital Situations, On Unions of Persons of the Same Sex, The Education of Children in Irregular Marriages, The Openness of the Married Couple to Life, and the Relationship Between the Family and the Person.
The participants through discussions the participants listened to experiences from the various AMECEA Countries and proposed pastoral responses which will be presented during the coming AMECEA Plenary in Malawi.
The participants wished that the Church could do more in supporting the marriage institution which is severely threatened by many external forces.
Cases of separation and divorce are currently overwhelming as many couples find themselves unable to cope with the many challenges that come along in marriage such as financial dispute and infidelity issues.
Mr. and Mrs Alex and Endrina Maxwell from Worldwide Marriage Encounter from Malawi who were among participants of the workshop told AMECEA Online news that the Church the church should come up with different trainings touching on some of the marriage sensitive issues such as financial management, communications in marriages, strengthening relationships between couples etc.
The couple also said that the Church can do better if it supports the groups and movements that promote marriage life and family movements such as worldwide marriage encounter. They also said that the church needs to recognize and not only support such groups and movements but also encourage more couple to be involved.
These sentiments are shared by Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian and Margaret Okuye from Torit South Sudan who were also participants of the same workshop. The couple also felt that a lot needs to be done by the Church to support marriage institution, which is in the verge of collapsing.
Cyprian and Margaret said that the workshop was very important as it gives a way forward for the church to support marriage institution. The couple said that the proposed resolutions from the workshop towards the challenges of marriage life should be greatly considered for adoption as this will help build more families and consequently the church whose pillar is the family.
Speaking to AMECEA online News, Fr. Pikiti said that the response from the participants was overwhelming but time was limited to discuss and address all the issues. Fr. Febian said that the department will make a comprehensive report from the workshop and present it at the Plenary in Malawi.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications and Pastoral Departments