Accompanying the Catechised in Their Holistic Development

Abstract

The analyses presented in this paper focus on the accompaniment for the catechised in their holistic development. Thus described, the educational activity of a catechist is consistent with the principle of faithfulness to God and to man. It always concerns a specific catechised person with specific developmental predispositions who lives in a specific community and is influenced by modern culture. By referring to the Catechetical directory and the literature on the subject, it was pointed out that the accompaniment for the catechised in their holistic development is the fundamental pedagogic and catechetic category. Various aspects of accompaniment for the catechised in the contemporary world are presented. Vocation, passion as well as the testimony of life and faith were particularly emphasised. The importance of the encounter, presence, being near and being with the pupil, and dialogue were stressed. Active listening, trust, care, devotion, kindness, empathy, and credibility were also regarded as important. The described traits and predispositions of a catechist play an important role in establishing authentic relations with pupils. They are manifestations of the communicative and pedagogic competence of the catechist and his ability to accomplish his goals, as well as of his awareness of the vocation and the educational mission among the catechised.