Catechists, leaders told formation is more than informing

The day featured keynote presentations by Peter Gilmore from the Australian Diocese of Wollongong, whose sessions focused on conversion, accompaniment, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the call to form missionary disciples rather than simply deliver religious content.

Drawing from Scripture, parish experience and the Church’s vision for catechesis, he explored the “thresholds of conversion” – the gradual and deeply personal journey through trust, curiosity, openness, seeking and intentional discipleship. He encouraged catechists to see themselves not simply as teachers of information, but as people who accompany others patiently toward an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Mr Gilmore also explored OCIA as “a pilgrimage, not a pipeline”, emphasising that Christian initiation is not simply a course leading to sacraments, but a gradual process of conversion and belonging within the life of the Church.

Feedback from those at the event indicated there was a strong sense of hope and renewed confidence in the mission of catechesis.

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Building Trust, Forming Disciples (By Alison Carroll/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)