Integral catechesis: a strategy to curb laxity among Christians in the light of Catechesis Tradendae: a case study: Rubindi Parish Mbarara Archdiocese

Abstract

In Rubindi Parish there exist increasing numbers of Catholics who are gradually getting lapsed in their faith. Some have even defected and joined Pentecostal Churches due to inadequate knowledge about their faith, despite the pastoral work done by the priests and catechist. The study, therefore, set out to establish the thesis that integral catechesis is a viable strategy in curbing down the growing laxity among some Catholics of Rubindi parish. In order to curb down the problem of laxity, the study actually found out that about 70% of Catholics in Rubindi parish today agree that some Catholics have lapsed in their faith and devotion. This is because they lack integral catechesis and are inadequately catechized, leaving them ignorant about their religion. The pastors have done their best but one area still lags behind and that is the area of integral catechesis. This area attracts less or low participation of the priests, resulting into a growing number of lapsed Catholics. The lapsed Catholics have fallen in a slumber, a deep sleep which has resulted into some of them falling prey to Pentecostalism. This shows the strong role integral catechesis has in curbing down the laxity that has taken root in the area. The Catholic Church is so rich in teachings, doctrines, practices, traditions, and magisterium, that if all this is put together, it can have Christians who are pious and able to reach the Christian maturity. All this can be done through integral catechesis, where members are grounded into their faith. Much as there are other reasons why Catholics have fallen prey to laxity, but the major cause is lack of integral catechesis accompanied by inadequate catechesis as the core factor from within the Church, itself-rendering her members vulnerable to laxity and decay of faith. The purpose of integral catechesis, hence, consists of grounding individual Christians in their faith and come to a full maturity in faith, ready to explain it, and give reasons to why they believe. The maturing of it is to be promoted by Priests as chief agents of catechesis. The study concluded that integral catechesis is a viable strategy in forming Catholics who are convinced of their faith and are able to cherish it and participate in the work of evangelization with renewed morals and behavior based on the word of God. Considering this background the study analyses and gives recommendations that Catechists should be periodically taken for catechetical formation, special program for the youth be put in place, ongoing training or refresher courses and seminars for Priests, Religious, Laity and Catechists, drafting a uniform catechetical syllabus and bible studies. There is a dare need for Priests to get more involved in the work of instructing the Christians in catechesis.