The Archdiocese of Jakarta brought together 880 catechists from 66 parishes on October 31 for a celebration of Catechists’ Day, emphasizing their role not merely as teachers of Catholic doctrine but as companions who help people deepen their faith through dialogue, prayer and everyday experiences.
The gathering, organized by the South Deanery, was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, and drew catechists from the archdiocese’s eight deaneries.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, and Fr. Carolus “Uut” Putranto, chairman of the archdiocesan Catechetical Commission, addressed participants, highlighting the importance of accompanying people throughout their journey of faith.
The celebration included testimonies from eight senior female catechists who shared their personal faith journeys and experiences of voluntary service in their respective parishes. Their accounts illustrated how catechetical ministry involves more than teaching religious knowledge and preparing people for the sacraments. It also requires personal commitment, faithfulness and a willingness to accompany others.
Responding to their testimonies, Cardinal Suharyo described Christian life as an ongoing journey toward the fullness of love. He stressed that faith formation should not be reduced to explaining Church teachings or transmitting religious information. Instead, it must help people discover the meaning of faith through life experiences, encounters with others and reflection on everyday situations.
The cardinal emphasized dialogue as an essential element of catechetical ministry, encouraging catechists not simply to provide answers but also to listen to people's questions, experiences and struggles. Even questions raised by children, he noted, can become opportunities for deeper reflection and mutual learning.
Fr. Putranto, who also teaches theology at the Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta, highlighted the need for catechists to recognize the different experiences and circumstances that shape people's faith journeys.
He emphasized that prayer, particularly within families, plays an important role in passing on faith between generations. Praying together among parents, children and grandparents can become a meaningful expression of faith beyond formal religious instruction and sacramental preparation.
The discussions also underscored the importance of cooperation between priests and catechists. While catechists contribute significantly to faith formation and sacramental preparation, they need pastoral guidance, encouragement and opportunities for continued formation. Priests, in turn, are called to accompany and support their ministry.
The celebration provided an opportunity for catechists from across the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the Catholic Church's principal ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Indonesia's capital, to strengthen fellowship and renew their commitment to evangelization.
The testimonies and reflections highlighted a central message: catechists are called not only to teach the faith but also to witness it through their lives and walk alongside others as they grow toward Christian maturity.
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