Catechists emerge as beacons of hope for the Catholic Church. Their work transmits doctrinal knowledge and fosters a living encounter with Jesus Christ, strengthening authentic faith communities.  Recently, in the January 2026 issue of the magazine  Piazza di San Pietro , Pope Leo XIV responded to a letter from a Swiss catechist , Nunzia, emphasizing that the real challenge lies not in the number of participants but in cultivating a deep sense of ecclesial belonging. This papal statement, along with the Church’s perennial teachings, offers a positive and constructive vision of the role of catechists today, accompanied by practical advice and resources to enrich this vocation.

The Essential Role of Catechists in Contemporary Society

Catechesis has been an ancient ministry in the Church, as Pope Francis recalled in his motu proprio  Antiquum Ministerium  (2021), where he formally instituted the lay ministry of catechist, recognizing its invaluable role in transmitting the faith. In today’s context, catechists act as a bridge between apostolic tradition and modern realities. They are not merely educators but living witnesses who help people of all ages discover the beauty of the Gospel in the midst of a fragmented world.

According to the Directory for Catechesis (2020) of the Dicastery for Evangelization, catechists are “evangelizers with the Spirit,” called to be witnesses of the faith, teachers, mystagogues, companions, and educators. In societies where faith is often reduced to a “consumption of the sacred”—as Pope Leo XIV warned in his response to Nunzia—catechists counter this trend by fostering vibrant communities. They lead in parishes without resident priests, guide children and young people in their sacramental formation, and support adults in their spiritual growth, especially in regions of long-standing Christian tradition where participation has declined.

Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, emphasized continuity with his predecessors by promoting catechesis that responds to the challenges of the digital age and artificial intelligence, drawing inspiration from Leo XIII. In his message in  St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father encouraged catechists not to be discouraged by the apparent lack of results: “The hours dedicated to catechesis are never wasted, even if the participants are very few. The problem is the lack of awareness of being part of the Church.” This positive perspective invites us to see catechesis not as a numerical task but as a patient sowing that generates personal and communal transformation.

Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s World

The modern world presents unique obstacles: competition with secular activities such as sports and parties, as Nunzia mentioned in her letter to the Pope, reflects a culture that prioritizes the immediate over the eternal. However, these challenges are opportunities for innovation. Catechists can integrate digital tools to make the faith accessible, such as educational videos or social media, always anchored in the personal encounter with Christ.

Contemporary catechesis must be inclusive, addressing issues such as social justice, integral ecology, and interreligious dialogue, while remaining aligned with Catholic teaching. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 24-25) points out, catechesis is a lifelong process that nurtures faith at all stages of life. In this sense, catechists are key to revitalizing parishes, especially in Europe and the Americas, where secularization has eroded religious practice.

Practical Advice from Pope Leo XIV and the Church

Pope Leo XIV offers constructive guidance: focus on quality over quantity, cultivating a “sense of Church” through authentic witness and communal prayer. Here are some tips inspired by his statements and reliable Catholic sources:

1. Cultivate a Personal Relationship with Christ: As Pope Francis emphasized, being a catechist begins with “being with the Master.” Dedicate daily time to prayer and the Eucharist so that your teaching may be a living witness.
2. Adapt to Local Needs:  Integrate catechesis with daily life. Use creative methods, such as group discussions or family activities, to overcome secular distractions.
3. Form Support Communities: Don’t work alone; collaborate with other catechists and priests. Ministry is communal, as the USCCB emphasizes in its guide for catechists.
4. Be Patient and Positive: Remember the words of Pope Leo XIV: sowing may take time, but it bears fruit. Celebrate small advances and avoid discouragement.
5. Incorporate Mercy and Joy: Teach with love, showing that faith is a source of peace in a divided world, aligned with the Franciscan Jubilee proclaimed by the Pope in 2026.

Resources to strengthen your ministry

To delve deeper into this vocation, here is a selection of reliable Catholic resources:

• Vatican documents:  Read  Antiquum Ministerium  and the  Directory for Catechesis. They offer theological and practical guidance.
• Online training:  The  Catholic Cultural Institute  provides free webinars on catechesis.
• Magazines and websites: Magazines offer lessons, plans, and articles for catechists.  Amazing Catechists  includes free resources such as examinations of conscience for children.
• Practical tools:  Loyola Press offers  lesson plans and three-minute retreats. For families,  Catholics Come Home  helps with evangelization.
• Prayer and Reflection: Use the Beatitudes for Catechists or the USCCB Catechist’s Prayer for daily inspiration.

In conclusion, the ministry of catechists is a blessing for the Church, especially in times of change. Following the wise words of Pope Leo XIV, let us move forward with optimism, knowing that every effort sows seeds of eternal faith. May this role inspire us to be builders of a world more united in Christ.