Catechist Initial Formation: A Challenge for the Church and School

Abstract

The article presents research results involving certain aspects of catechist initial formation in the Zagreb Archdiocese. Two hundred seventy–five primary and secondary school Catechism teachers in the Zagreb Archdiocese took part in the inquiry wherein they expressed their opinions on several features of catechist initial formation. They assessed the degree to which they feel competent in certain aspects of their post; they assessed the role of course content upon their job as Catechism teachers, and finally they assessed the impact of the organizational climate upon quality catechist formation. Catechism teachers estimate that by the end of initial formation they are theologically competent, but that courses which, content–wise, are closely connected to teaching Catholic Catechism are of greater import to them. In regard to some elements of the organizational climate, Catechism teachers feel that thorough preparation for lectures by the professors and collaboration between professors and students are very important factors which contribute to the quality of initial formation.