The purpose of this study is to clarify the status of faith and the present condition of education of the catechist in a district parish in Gwangju Archdiocese. For this, the following two main research questions were set. First, how is the status of ...
The purpose of this study is to clarify the status of faith and the present condition of education of the catechist in a district parish in Gwangju Archdiocese. For this, the following two main research questions were set. First, how is the status of faith of the catechist? Second, how is the present education condition of the catechist? The survey for examination these research questions were carrying out targeting the doctrine teacher in a district parish in Gwangju Archdiocese. 129 doctrine teachers participated in the survey and 120 out of 129 responses were used in this study.
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) for Window 12.0 was used for processing collected data to statistical leverage. The analysis data indicated the main results of this study are as follows. Research subject 1 is investigation about the faith status of the catechist. First, as a result of survey, Mass participation rate of the catechist is significantly higher than participation rate of laity. It seems to dutiful behavior as a teacher who should set an example for students. Secondly, catechists' life of faith showed a sign of the polarization. The 'Lord's Prayer', the 'Hail Mary' and the 'Glory be' and the 'grace at meal' were accomplished frequently, comparing with Way of the cross. people seems to considered Way of the cross as a pray for special period, like Lent.
On the other hand, research subject 2 is investigation about the present education situation of catechists. Firstly, catechists know the basic doctrine generally. Though teachers are reeducated well, they need an additional retraining. Especially, they want to be reeducated on a parish basis. Through the result of survey about condition of preparing doctrine, Secondly, there are lots of difficulties. They pointed out that lack of common knowledge of doctrine and training support materials is one of the problems. And they selected fellow teacher and pastoral ministry of their own parish as a supporter. Attention of pastoral ministry is needed. Third, according to the survey result which is itemized a parish, diocese and district, most of reeducation is conducted by diocese. Respondents wanted that the education of faith is conducted at the parish and the education of lesson plan and of teaching method is conducted at diocese. Recognition about education conducted by district is low and also inexperienced. But the expectation is positive.
Ultimately, the results of this study provide the following implications. First, the new course of basic doctrine and faith education which is aimed catechist is needed. The process from reality realizing to knowing the theory of Catholic doctrine which is ultimately revealed in life is essential for catechist training through long-term plan. This education course can empower the catechists' specialty for faith and doctrine. Second, parish, district and diocese have to set a network. According to the result of this survey, education for catechist is converged on diocese. If parish, district and diocese conduct the education by their own characteristics, diocese centered education and be distributed and professional education can be provided. Also doctrine teachers' satisfaction and participation will be increased. The diocese officer and pastoral ministry of parish should not overlook the importance of faith life and education of catechist.