Catechists of the Archdiocese of Pretoria Receive 2025 Mandate


1 February 2025, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma

Around a thousand catechists from the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered at the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, east of Pretoria, to receive their 2025 mandate to serve as catechists in the Archdiocese. This year, the mandate coincided with the feast day of Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, who was martyred in 1990 for his Catholic faith and for opposing the harmful practice of accusing and murdering elderly citizens as witches.

Blessed Daswa was a devoted husband and father, a teacher by profession, a catechist, and a mentor to many young people in his village. His legacy of faith and service remains an inspiration to catechists and the Church at large.

Archbishop Dabula Mpako, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pretoria, presided over the celebrations. In his homily, he expressed deep gratitude to the catechists for their selfless service:

“My dear sisters and brothers, as always, I sincerely thank you for offering yourselves once again this year to carry out this vital ministry. You serve as catechists in the Archdiocese of Pretoria without expecting material reward. May God bless you abundantly as you dedicate yourselves to this important mission in the Church.”

The Archbishop emphasised that the Mass was not merely a commissioning event but also a moment for catechists to renew their commitment to their vocation. He reminded them that being a catechist is not just a role but a calling to accompany others on their journey of faith:

“You are not simply receiving permission to act as catechists. Rather, you are consciously recommitting yourselves to this vocation. You are called by the Church to guide and nurture the faith of others. You do not undertake this mission in your own name but on behalf of the Church, which has been given the mandate to proclaim the Gospel.”

Archbishop Mpako also stressed that catechesis is not just about teaching doctrines, traditions, and liturgical practices. Instead, its ultimate goal is to foster a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ:

“Catechesis should ignite a fire within those you accompany so that they develop a deep and personal relationship with God. Your role is to introduce them to a way of life, to be witnesses and models of faith in both word and action.”

He urged catechists to familiarise themselves with the Archdiocese’s vision and formation programmes to ensure consistency in their ministry. He cautioned against relying solely on past experiences, saying:

“We must not cling to outdated methods simply because ‘that’s how it was done before.’ Catechesis should always align with the vision upheld by the universal Church and be adapted to the needs of our local Church.”

Commissioning of Catechists

At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Mpako formally mandated the catechists for the year 2025:

“I am glad you have expressed your willingness and commitment to serve God in the Church through the ministry of catechesis in your parishes. Trusting in the grace of the Holy Spirit, and by the power vested in me as the Archbishop of Pretoria, I officially accept you as catechists and send you forth for the catechetical year 2025. May you be witnesses of God’s love and pilgrims of hope, spreading the Good News to children, adults, and people of different abilities in your parishes.”

Announcements and New Developments

Following the commissioning, the Archbishop made several key announcements regarding catechetical formation:

1. Revision of Initial Faith Journey (IFJ) Programme

The Archdiocese has revised and enriched the initial formation programme for catechists. A new programme will replace IFJ to better meet the needs of the local Church. Those beginning their catechetical formation will follow this new programme, while those who have already completed IFJ do not need to redo it, though they may participate in additional sessions if they wish.

2. Replacement of Echoing the Word Programme

The second stage of catechist formation has traditionally used the Echoing the Word programme. However, 2025 will be the final year for this programme, as a new, more comprehensive formation programme is being developed to meet the specific needs of the Archdiocese.

3. Liturgical Music Guidelines

The Archbishop reminded choir members that musical instruments should accompany, not overpower, the voices of the faithful. He encouraged choirs to emphasise vocal participation in the liturgy, ensuring that instruments, such as drums and organs, support rather than dominate the singing.

A Call to be Witnesses of Hope

A special moment at the Mass was when all the catechists lit their candles from Archbishop Mpako’s candle as they sang the Apostles’ Creed in unison, proclaiming, “I believe.”

For the first time, SPRED, which was initiated by Dominican Sister Teresa Marie OP, is now the official programme in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, endorsed and supported by Archbishop Mpako.

The Archbishop expressed his profound passion for the SPRED programme, highlighting its vital role in ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are fully included in the life of the Church. He spoke of the transformative impact of SPRED, saying:

“The Church is truly universal when everyone, regardless of ability, is embraced and empowered to encounter Christ. SPRED is not just a programme; it is a ministry of love, dignity, and belonging. I urge every catechist and parish to open their hearts and doors to this beautiful initiative so that no one is excluded from the joy of the Gospel.”

He commended the volunteers who dedicate themselves to this work, calling them “instruments of God’s compassion” and encouraging more people to support SPRED’s mission.

Catechists in the Archdiocese of Pretoria are encouraged to follow a unified vision and plan of the Archdiocese while still embracing creativity and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

The number of catechists is growing in leaps and bounds, a sign of hope that the Archdiocese of Pretoria is making significant progress. There is increasing interest among young people in becoming catechists, while the most senior in age and experience are being retained.

SPRED is an organisation that supports the religious, spiritual, social, and emotional development of people with intellectual disabilities within the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

SPRED stands for SPecial REligious Development, but beyond the acronym, it represents the commitment and privilege of helping people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in the liturgical life of the Church.

SPRED aims to achieve this by providing appropriate religious services and experiences that enrich their spiritual, social, and emotional well-being. It consists of a group of volunteers dedicated to forming small faith communities that foster relationships of love, acceptance, and welcome, supporting the faith development of people with intellectual disabilities.

Pilgrims of Hope

Archbishop Mpako concluded by encouraging catechists to be “pilgrims of hope” in a world often overshadowed by despair. He urged them to help people recognise God’s presence even in difficult times:

“Catechists must be beacons of hope, helping others see God’s hand at work even in life’s darkest moments. May your ministry open the spiritual eyes of those you accompany, leading them to welcome God as their faithful companion on life’s journey. If our catechesis is truly effective, our young people will remain committed to the Church even after Confirmation, becoming disciples and witnesses of the Good News.”

With a renewed sense of mission, the catechists left the Church of the Beatitudes inspired to serve their communities, bringing faith, hope, and love to those they accompany on their journey of faith.