By Stephanie Ng
KUCHING — The Malaysian Catechetical Commission’s (MCC) annual meeting, which was originally to be held in Sandakan, Sabah, was conducted this year via the online platform Cisco Webex on 1–4 August 2022.
In attendance were Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim—Episcopal President for Catechetics, the clergy, religious and appointed lay delegates from the nine Arch/dioceses in Malaysia and National Catechetical Office, as well as representatives from Brunei and Singapore.
In his keynote address, Archbishop Julian Leow expressed his concern as to whether our catechesis is truly changing and capturing the hearts of our young people. He encouraged a deeper reflection on how to be more effective in making disciples before our learners complete their catechism classes upon Confirmation. He also emphasised the importance of building an intimate relationship with the Lord and close bonds amongst our learners.
Next year’s Catechetical Sunday shall fall on 29 January 2023 with the theme, “Renewing the Church with Families of Faith”. This theme was chosen in light of our Strategic Focus for Catechesis in 2023, being Family & Church. The Catechetical Sunday’s Message will be sent to all Arch/dioceses by mid November 2022.
The attendees discussed many matters pertaining to the family and the Church. This included the representatives of all the Arch/dioceses of Malaysia, as well as Brunei and Singapore, sharing their programs, experiences, and challenges—which was fruitful for everyone. The navigation of online and offline catechesis was also a particular challenge that every Arch/diocese had to overcome.
Also discussed was the upcoming publication by the National Catechetical Office—a Parents’ Guide to Catechesis. This book will feature thoughtful insights into family catechesis, and offer parents practical tools and ideas for growing and nurturing their families’ Catholic faith. More details to follow soon.
Attendees of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, Office of Faith Education and Faith Formation (FABC-OEFF) meeting on Antiquum Ministerium held on 8 and 10 June 2022 also presented a report on said meeting, where they discussed the key findings of an Asia-wide survey which included 127 responses from 14 conferences and member countries in Asia.
In Antiquum Ministerium, our Holy Father speaks about the installation of lay persons to the Ministry of Catechist. At the meeting, through sharing and discussions FABC member countries sought to discern the feasibility of implementing this ministry in their dioceses.
The election of new MCC office bearers for the new term (2023–2025) was also held: –
Dr Steven Selvaraju (Chairperson)
Fr Michael Sia (Assistant Chairperson)
Mr Frederick Empaga (Secretary)
Mdm Stephanie Ng (Assistant Secretary)
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Julian Leow highlighted the reality of there being many challenges today which require an ardent response. In particular, the catechism dropout rate due to the MCO, and the availability of catechetical formations for the Malaysian faithful who have special needs.
His Grace also emphasised the importance of collaboration between ministries, and encouraged a close relationship especially between the Catechetical, Family Life, Youth, Creation Justice, Integral Human Development and Inter-Religious Dialogue Ministries. Archbishop Julian Leow concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the out-going members of the MCC for their service and commitment, and welcomed the new members to MCC.
The next MCC meeting will be held from 3–7 July 2023 in Miri, Sarawak.
 annual meeting, which was originally to be held in Sandakan, Sabah, was conducted this year via the online...){kind=link}