Dept of Catechesis, Syro Malabar Eparchy Melbourne

The Syro-Malabar Church fulfils Christ’s command through systematic proclamation and catechesis of faith. ‘Catechesis’ is derived from the Greek word, ‘Katekein,’ which literally means to ‘resound from above,’ and ‘instruction by word of mouth.’ Catechesis therefore means to re-sound Christ the teacher and instruct Christ’s teaching. Broadly, we understand Catechesis as “an ecclesial act or ministry of education or instruction in the Christian faith or faith doctrine imparted to the baptised or catechumens, generally in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiate and lead them to the maturity of faith and fullness of Christian life” (Syro-Malabar Catechetical Directory #45). The Syro-Malabar Catechesis believes in an integral faith formation i.e., (i) Catechesis through Celebration; (ii) Catechesis through Instruction and (iii) Catechesis through Apprenticeship.