What is the role of a godparent in the Church, especially in the sacraments of Initiation, and how are they called to be “co-workers with parents” in helping the baptised live a Christian life and persevere in the faith?

A study of Church history shows the immense and important contribution of the religious in catechesis. St. John Paul II stated that throughout history, men and women religious have been deeply committed to the catechetical ministry (CT, 65). The Directory for Catechesis (2020) recognises the religious as “among the figures most dedicated to catechetical outreach” (DC, 119).

Catechetical formation is vital for future priests and deacons. Church documents from Vatican II to the 2020 Directory for Catechesis emphasize the need to study the kerygma, Catechism, RCIA, pedagogy, and Church teaching. Priests must be prepared to lead catechesis in the parish effectively and faithfully.

The parish priest, as catechetical leader, ensures the catechetical formation of adults, young people, and children. He must be fully involved, committed, and work with catechists to form the parish community. The parish is the primary place for catechesis, linking liturgy, charity, and teaching. As St. John Paul II urged, let it not be said the faithful are left without catechesis.