Perspectives on the Ministry of Catechist: Transcription of an “Echoing Faith Today” Podcast Conversation with Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst, May 11, 2021

Abstract

Perspectives on the Ministry of CatechistTranscription of an “Echoing Faith Today” Podcast Conversation with Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst, May 11, 2021 Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst (bio) and Jem Sullivan (bio) To mark the publication of the Directory for Catechesis from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization a podcast series titled “Echoing Faith Today” was launched in July 2020. Hosted by Dr. Jem Sullivan, associate professor of Catechetics in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, the podcast provides an engaging digital forum for discussion of major themes in the Directory for Catechesis (2020) and Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium (2021). To share the podcasts with journal readers a series of transcribed conversations will be presented here. The full podcast series may be accessed online at Podcast—School of Theology and Religious Studies | CUA (catholic.edu) We are pleased to present the podcast interview with Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst, Delegate for Catechesis in the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Rome, who discusses key themes in Pope Francis’ motu proprio, Antiquum Ministerium. (podcast released on May 11, 2021) Dr. Jem Sullivan: Welcome to “Echoing Faith Today,” a podcast conversation on themes of impact and relevance in the Directory for Catechesis from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. I’m Dr. Jem Sullivan, host and faculty in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America. On this podcast we’ll hear from bishops, scholars, catechetical experts, and those in pastoral ministry serving on the front lines of the New Evangelization. Welcome and thank you for taking your place at this table of conversation. [End Page 269] On this episode, we are very pleased to welcome Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst who has served as Delegate for Catechesis in the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome since 2015. Your Excellency, we are so grateful for your presence with us today. Thank you for your time and welcome to “Echoing Faith Today.” Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst: Thank you so much. And welcome to all of you. I really appreciate the occasion to discuss the new motu proprio, Antiquum Ministerium. Dr. Jem Sullivan: We have received, with anticipation, Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Antiquum Ministerium, instituting a lay Ministry of Catechist. This papal initiative may be seen as a crowning moment in the ongoing renewal of catechesis, begun at the Second Vatican Council. Please describe for our audience the background to this initiative of Pope Francis to institute the Ministry of Catechist for the universal Church. Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst: As you note, this Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis takes us back to the Second Vatican Council, especially to Lumen Gentium and to the conciliar Decree on the Lay Apostolate. It renews the teaching of the documents of the Second Vatican Council as it takes up the challenge for a ministry of catechist in the Church. The theological basis for this ministry is Baptism and Confirmation. Those who are baptized and confirmed will have charisms and talents to express as they witness to the faith in the various contexts of life. So far, a bishop in Germany has created a form of this expression for Christians in the world, “world Christians,” literally translated, who give witness where they live and deal with challenges to their witness. Dr. Jem Sullivan: Antiquum Ministerium has 11 brief articles. Please highlight for our audience key themes in Pope Francis’ apostolic letter on the ministry of catechist. Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst: There are various aspects to note. First, the ministry of a catechist is a specific and old, that is ancient, vocation in the Church. This does not mean a clericalization of lay ministry, nor does it mean a “laification,” as we might say, of the ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon. Each has its own dignity, and it is important that each is expressed in the various [End Page 270] contexts of faith. Special preparation of catechists is needed so that they are not on their own...