Religious educators call for innovation in catechesis training

Religious leaders are emphasizing the need for innovation and creative approaches in adult catechesis and religious instruction. In Fátima, the Centro Catequético is hosting an intensive training course for participants from seven Portuguese dioceses, including Braga, Porto, Lisbon, and Leiria-Fátima.

Sister Josefina Cabral Teixeira, coordinator of catechesis at the center, stated that effective instruction requires creative individuals with a mission-oriented spirit rather than a reliance on traditional manuals alone. She noted that the language and content of religious teaching must adapt to modern times, as contemporary learners often seek more direct and engaging methods.

In the Diocese of Palmas-Francisco Beltrão, reflections on adult catechesis highlight a shift in the profile of those seeking religious instruction. Unlike in previous eras where faith was often a cultural given, modern adults frequently approach the Church as a personal choice, often seeking answers to existential questions without a prior consistent religious foundation.