Home » Projects » LAITY FORMATION » Support for a study course in the „biblical apostolate“ for catechists

Support for a study course in the „biblical apostolate“ for catechists

The most recent papal letter ‚Antiquum Ministerium‘, in which Pope Francis establishes the „lay ministry“ of catechist, with its own liturgical responsibilities, was a source of great joy to ACN.

For ACN is already supporting the work of catechists in many countries all around the world. In the year 2020 alone we supported over 18,000 catechists in their work on every continent – most of them in Asia and Africa, but also in Latin America and Eastern Europe. Last year ACN supported 20 projects involving equipping catechists with technical materials for their work or with materials for their pastoral work and catechetical work. In addition there were 35 projects for the training and ongoing formation of catechists in 18 different countries.

In Ukraine ACN is currently supporting a course in Biblical studies for the academic year 2020/21, involving 32 students from various parts of Ukraine. It is taught by professors and lecturers of the Theological Faculty in Lviv and its attached Catechetical and Pedagogical Institute. Most of the teaching is done online, but there are also three three-day intensive courses. 10 years ago the catechetical commission of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church strengthened its focus on the area of the biblical apostolate. The aim was to encourage the faithful to come to better understand the Sacred Scriptures and thereby deepen their faith. Accordingly, publication of the Holy Scriptures was massively increased, and at the same time this study course for catechists was developed. In the years since then the number of Bible study circles in the parishes has increased impressively.

ACN is supporting these studies, which will conclude with an academic dissertation. This year we are giving 4000 Euros.

Don't miss the latest updates!

Ethiopia: Dozens of Orthodox Christians killed in attacks

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has renewed its appeal for…

Christian persecution worsens in much of the world, according to new ACN report

Conflict and persecution are displacing Christian communities in parts of…

Venezuela’s bishops call for free elections and repeal of laws restricting NGOs

In a new pastoral exhortation, the bishops state that Venezuela…

Attack on Church in Jordan leaves nine dead

A Catholic priest says that the attackers have wounded the…

Churches sound alarm after settlers target Christian village and foreign diplomats

Church leaders in Jerusalem have condemned “heinous” attacks by masked…

Church rejoices as priests rescued from kidnappers 

Fr Otache’s plight highlights the difficult security challenges facing parts…

Latin American bishops excited with Pope’s “homecoming” trip

The Church in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru faces very different…

Ebola spreads across the DRC as violence in the east limits health response

Forced displacement caused by violence is hampering efforts to contain…

“Pray, Support and Visit”: ACN Executive president on the situation of Christians in the Holy Land

Following her recent visit to the Holy Land, Regina Lynch speaks about the challenges facing local Christian communities, the importance of supporting their livelihoods and faith, and why Christians around...

Ethiopia: Dozens of Orthodox Christians killed in attacks

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has renewed its appeal for peace and the protection of civilians At least 60 people, including elderly people and children, were reportedly killed in attacks...

Christian persecution worsens in much of the world, according to new ACN report

Conflict and persecution are displacing Christian communities in parts of Africa and Asia, as authoritarian repression and religious nationalism increase pressure elsewhere. The report Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on...