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Catechists in Ghanaian Archdiocese Cautioned against Laxity, Urged to “work hard”

Andrew Nana Gyan, Accra Archdiocesan Catechists’ Association President. Credit: Catholic Trends

Catechists in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra in Ghana have been cautioned against laxity, and urged to “work hard” and affirm the dignity of their call to God’s service. 

Speaking at the 2023 Catechists’ Day Celebration, the President of the Accra Archdiocesan Catechists Association encouraged members to continue supporting the Church in her mission of evangelization.

“I will exalt my fellow Catechists not to give up but rather work hard in your various stations and parishes to bring to fore the dignity of the vocation,” Andrew Nana Gyan said during the August 26 event that was held at St. Bakhita Parish of Accra Archdiocese.

Mr. Nana added, “It has been reported that some of us don't show up when duty calls. For Christ's sake, I will appeal that let us make amends and remain focused.”

“Know that in doing our work well, we are also working out our own salvation, which the Lord grants us,” he further said.

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The Ghanaian Catechist recalled that “Catechists over the years have been seen as silent workers. But Thank God Pope Francis in his time has brought to light the dignity of the vocation by making it a full-fledged ministry with the utmost ceremonial rites which accompanies it.”

Mr. Nana went on to highlight challenges Catechists in Ghana face, including financial constraints, lack of teaching modules, and a continuing decrease in their numbers, among others.

“Our humble appeal is to find best solutions to these challenges to pave the way for the formation programs to continue for the vocation to (thrive),” he said.

As a way forward, Mr. Nana proposed specialized catechesis modules for different age groups, catering to the elderly, middle-aged, and youth, and ensuring effective teaching methods for all. 

“We will be glad if module catechesis formation is extended to suit the elderly, the senior Catechists, the middle aged and the youths,” he said.

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The President of the Accra Archdiocesan Catechists Association added, “We also appeal if material for teaching, that is, teaching aids is made available at least in our parishes.”

“It is our hope that we end our tenure of office next year 2024 with a pilgrimage to one of the biggest Basilicas in the world which is in Yamoussoukro Abidjan,” Mr. Nana further said, adding, “Plans are far advanced and if we are granted the permission, it means that Catechists wanting to join should start saving now.”

“We want to thank God for gifts of the ministry of Catechists that we are called and also pledged to do his will as Joshua enjoined the people of Israelites to serve the Lord,” Mr. Nana said during the August 26 event.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.