Abstract:
The present paper deals with the problem of formation of catechists in the particular Church in the light of documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Apostolic Exhortation Catechesi Tradendae of Pope John Paul II on catechesis in our time, two catechetical directories: the document entitled General Directory for Catechesis issued by Congregation for the Clergy, and the one entitled Catechetical Directory of the Catholic Church in Poland issued by Polish Episcopal Conference, as well as other Church documents. The paper first discusses the problem of those responsible for the formation of catechists in local Church, including the Christian community, the diocesan bishop, priests, consecrated persons, and lay catechists. Next the aspects of formation are described, particular attention being given both to the prophetic ministry and to the ministry of education in faith, which are fulfilled by catechists. The following section deals with the types of formation, i.e. the basic, the initial, and the permanent (or ongoing) formation. The paper culminates with the proposition of the arrangement of the permanent formation of catechists in the triple form of the common, the group, and the individual formation.