ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA AND CATECHESIS

Fr. Anscar Chupungco, OSB gave the first session on Ecclesia de Eucaristia and Catechesis at the second day of the Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers in General Santos City. In his introductory remarks he insisted that catechists should learn liturgy since catechists are liturgists. Good liturgical celebrations are catechesis in action (Evangelium Nuntiandi, n. 47). Quoting John Paul II, he read: "Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity, for it is in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, that Christ Jesus works in fullness for the transformation of human beings" (Catechesis Tradendae, n. 23). He also quoted the General Catechetical Directory of the Congregation for the Clergy which states: "One task of catechesis is to foster active, conscious, and genuine participation in liturgical celebrations, especially the Eucharist; catechesis is at the service of the Vatican II's liturgical program of active participation" (n, 97). He emphasized on the need to read the general instruction of the liturgical books in order to explain properly the liturgical symbols used in the sacraments and other liturgical celebrations. Centering on John Paul II's Ecclesia de Eucharistia, he said that for catechists the method used by the Pope is a challenge to explain the meaning of the Eucharist in a more meditative and exhortative manner. Catechists are to possess a Eucharistic spirituality inorder for them to go beyond doctrinal exposition on the Eucharist. Catechists are to live the Eucharist - they have to have a personal experience of Jesus Christ. He reiterated the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist and the social dimension of the celebration. Fr. Chupungco said that catechists have the task to promote not only active participation in the Eucharistic celebration but also personal adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The task of catechists is closely related to the preaching ministry of priests. Catechists are to promote communion among the faithful since the Eucharist pressuposes the existence of communion in the Church (cf. Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 35). Catechists are to promote and catechize the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that they can fully participate in the Eucharist. We also have to promote the dignity of the Eucharistic celebration. Therefore, catechists are to help in the careful preparation of the sacred vessels, linens, vestments, and other liturgical objects used in the celebration of the Mass. Culminating his talk, he urged catechists to lead the faithful to learn at the school of Mary how to nurture the gift of Christ's body that they receive in Holy Communion.