Catechism Commission

Catechism Commission

Catechism

EtymologyHistoryMedieval periodModern period

The term Catechism derives from the Greek word Katecheo (κατηχέω) which means to teach orally. In the early Church, Christian doctrines and precepts were instructed to the newly converted persons and it was considered a catechesis.

The mystery of Trinity, mystery of life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, mystery of the Church, the second coming of Christ, Sacraments etc were the primary doctrines of the Church. Bishops and priests would instruct the newly converted (or new candidates) on sacraments and mysteries. It was considered mystagogical catechesis (learning about mysteries).

Later, no much attention was given to catechesis; faithful including clerics were ignorant of Christian doctrines. Medieval period was notorious for the ignorance. There was a form of catechism which consisted of memorisation of apostle’s Creed and Lord’s Prayer. During the time of Protestant revolution there was catechism in a question-answer form. In 1566, according to the decision of the Council of Trent, a Roman Catechism was published. It was called Catechism of Pius V also.

Bishops and priests were asked to instruct Doctrines and the faithful are asked to be trained in them. There were many attempts to do proper catechism in the Catholic Dioceses. It was in1908 that St. Pope Pius X published a Catechism text. In 1992, Pope John Paul II officially promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Catechism in Kerala Church

Mar Mathew Makil published a catechism text for the vicariate while he was apostolic vicar of Changanacherry. He was a visionary and was convinced of the importance of catechism. He issued pastoral letters inculcating the necessity of catechism. Priests and parents are asked to instill Catholic doctrine into pupils. Catholic formation from the very beginning of life of a child is important, according to Mar Makil. (Pastoral letter of Mar Makil no. 22/1906).

Catechism in the Archeparchy of Kottayam

There is a commission for Catechism (Faith formation) in the Archeparchy with a priest as its chairman; erudite and committed religious and lay leaders as its members. Sensing the importance of the commission and the geographical distance of parishes, a regional arrangement is provided in Malabar with a regional director and commission members.

The Catechism Commission of the Archeparchy of Kottayam is reconstituted with the following members with effect from August 22, 2022.

Fr. Bressan Ozhungalil (Chairman)
Fr. Joseph Vellapallikuzhiyil (Malabar Region)
Sr. Ayona SVM
Sr. Alexy SVM
Sr. Betsy SVM
Sr. Ani SVM
Sr. Dalia SVM
Sr. Johnsia SVM
Sr. Prakash SJC
Sr. Thejas SJC
Sr. Pavithra SJC
Sr. Priya SJC
Sr. Celina SJC
Sr. Emma LDSJG
Sr. Martha LDSJG
Sr. Maria Gabriella LDSJG
Sr. Shiji Pallikkara, Caritas Secular Institute
Sr. Joicy Parappallil, Caritas Secular Institute
Mr. U.K Stephen Urumbil, Muttom
Mr. Mathews Jerry Mulloor, Caritas
Mr. Tom Mathew Karikulam, Kaipuzha
Mr. Mathew Philip Palakan,Kaduthuruthy
Mr. Thomas Mathew Koithara, Kidangoor
Mr. Benny Vattamthottiyil, Punnathura
Mr. Jose M Edassery, Monippally
Mr. Johnny T.K, Caritas
Mr. James Kochuparambil (CML), Ettumanoor
Mrs. Jaimol Mathew Vellamattom, Chunkom
Mrs. Sheeba Joseph Pulikuthiyal, Njeezhoor
Mrs. Lucy Sunny Kizhakkanadiyil, Piravom