The 10th Study Day of the Latin American and Caribbean Catechetical Society (Scala) will be held for the first time in Paraguay from July 7 to 11. This event is an important opportunity for catechists in the Americas to enhance their capabilities and share experiences, and it is expected to significantly revitalize the catechetical renewal efforts of the Catholic Church in Paraguay.

This international event is a meaningful gathering that will bring together catechists from 14 countries, delegates from the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (Celam), representatives from leading higher catechetical institutions, and nine Paraguayan catechists who have been officially recognized since August 2024. Officials and pastoral workers from the Paraguayan Bishops' Conference (CEP) explained that this event will be an important space for strengthening the training and sharing experiences of evangelizers across the continent. Additionally, catechetical directors from Paraguay's 17 dioceses will participate in the event to engage in in-depth discussions.

Key Attendees and Event Details 

Invited guests include Father Mario Bonilla, President of Scala, Bishop Pedro Jubinville, President of the Paraguayan Bishops' Conference, and Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo Valenzuela of Asunción, who will elevate the event's prestige. They are expected to emphasize the importance of the event in their opening remarks and present a vision for the development of catechesis in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The 10th Study Day will feature various formats, including lectures, workshops, and group discussions. Participants will discuss a wide range of topics, such as the direction catechesis should take amidst the challenges of modern society, methods of catechesis utilizing new technologies, and the development of customized catechetical programs for adolescents and young generations. In particular, time will be set aside to explore effective catechetical approaches within Paraguay's unique socio-cultural context. Despite having a high percentage of Catholics, Paraguay faces a pressing need for catechetical solutions due to secularization and new cultural trends leading to a decline in faith among the younger generation.

Paraguayan Catechetical Renewal Efforts and Scala's Role 

The Scala Study Day is a crucial part of the catechetical renewal process that began in Paraguay in 2015. This renewal process is inspired by the Documento de Aparecida, released at the 5th Latin American Bishops' Conference in 2007, the teachings of Pope Francis, and the Church's synodal journey. The Documento de Aparecida emphasizes the missionary discipleship of the Latin American Church, asserting that all Christians should be agents of evangelization.

Since his pontificate, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized a "welcoming Church" and a "Church that goes forth," stressing that the Church must go to the peripheries of the world to proclaim the Gospel. This spirit is directly reflected in catechesis, leading to the need for dynamic catechesis that brings about life changes.

The goal of this event is to promote a more vibrant, missionary, and contemporary catechesis to ensure that the message of faith reaches diverse social and cultural spaces. To this end, participants will seek to understand the changes in modern society and explore new approaches to more effectively convey the message of the Gospel. In particular, concrete discussions are expected regarding catechetical methods using online platforms and social media in the digital age, and ways to revitalize catechesis through connections with local communities.

Over the past few years, the Paraguayan Church has strived to improve the quality of catechesis by strengthening catechist training programs, developing new catechetical materials, and fostering inter-diocesan cooperation. Notably, the nine catechists officially recognized by the Paraguayan Bishops' Conference since August 2024 will share their experiences and knowledge at this event, contributing to the development of catechesis in Paraguay. Their participation is important evidence that Paraguay's catechesis simultaneously pursues academic depth and practical application.

The Role of Catechesis for the Future of the Latin American Church 

This Scala Study Day will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of catechesis for the future of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. This region accounts for a significant portion of the world's Catholic population and has served as an important outpost for evangelization. However, in a rapidly changing society, the transmission of faith and the exodus of young people from the Church pose serious challenges to the Latin American Church.

Catechesis plays a core role in addressing these challenges by deepening the faith of believers, guiding them to live an evangelical life, and furthermore helping them fulfill their role as light and salt in the world. Through this event in Paraguay, Latin American catechists will share their experiences and wisdom and common vision, which is expected to lay a significant foundation for the Church in this region to be reborn as a more vibrant and missionary community. Furthermore, the discussions and proposals generated from this event are anticipated to significantly influence the future catechetical policy development of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council.

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