Lent is a period of preparation leading to the celebration of Easter. It is also a time when catechumens to undergo rituals of initiation, such as the election for the period of purification and enlightenment, preparing to for receive the sacrament of baptism. There are around 1,700 catechumens preparing to join the Church this year, which is lower than last year’s number of over 2,700. There are various reasons for this, including the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in the closure of religious venues and the suspension of all physical religious activities.
As a result, the evangelisation process shifted to online platforms and deterred some potential catechumens who prefer face-to-face interaction. Additionally, political and social factors in Hong Kong, as well as emigration, have also contributed to this decrease in numbers.
Nevertheless, we treasure and celebrate all the catechumens who are about to enter the Church community. We cherish them and walk side by side with them on the path of faith through regular gatherings, lectures, and different visiting activities.
Throughout the journey we can communicate with one another to continue nurturing new members in the Church. These new brothers and sisters may become the backbone and core members of the parish community over time.
However, as time passes with the business of life, the missionary zeal of some might become lessen. Many may become Sunday Catholics who are not enthusiastic about any parish activity or charitable undertakings and only attend Mass on Sundays. In addition, parishioners may have become more distant from one another during the pandemic as they have been asked to leave the church after Mass as soon as possible for cleaning purposes. This minimises opportunities for fellowship and communication.
Although the diocese and parishes have strengthened online nurturing information and activities, and even added interactive segments to live broadcasts, online activities can only be supplementary and they can’t completely replace physical gatherings.
As the local epidemic subsides and the border between China and Hong Kong has reopened, kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools have gradually resumed full-day face-to-face classes one after another. Various social and epidemic prevention measures have been relaxed and the life of the Church should also return to normal, especially in terms of liturgy and sacramental life.
The diocese issued its post pandemic pastoral guidelines [see the Chancery Notice of February 9], stating that the Eucharist is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time the font from which all her power flows” encouraging the faithful to attend Sunday Mass as usual [except for the elderly, the sick, and the disabled].
Let us all commemorate our own baptism and prepare to celebrate the grand feast of Easter through perseverance in prayer, repentance, and reparation. SE
