HONG KONG (SE): Seven catechists were instituted to the Ministry of Catechist by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, on April 19 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, marking the start of their three-year assignment beginning May 1.
By assigning the catechists to support different ministries of the Church, this new ministry represents a forward-looking step by the diocese, aligning with Pope Francis’s 2021 apostolic letter, Antiquum Ministerium, which called for the establishment of the ministry.
The newly-instituted catechists include Chu Yung-fong and Vincent Tsang Chi-yan, who will serve at St. Edward’s Parish; Assunta Lau Ching-ping and Francis Lau King-yeung, assigned to the Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family; Pamela Li Kit-Ying to St. John the Apostle Parish; Carrie Wong Ka-yee to Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel; and Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, who will work with the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students.
From formation to mission
In April 2024, an ad hoc working group led by vicar general, Father Peter Choy Wai-man, was set up to guide this development. Over the past year, the catechists received intensive training covering theology, personal growth, Church unity, digital engagement, and popular culture. They also undertook three months of pastoral training, emphasising both knowledge enhancement and practical application.
Father Choy explained that the three-year term would allow catechists to apply what they learned during training and see how they can serve in diverse target groups, including parishes, couples, and college students. He said the Diocesan Commission for the Ministry of Catechist will adopt a gradual expansion strategy and observe the first group of catechists’ situation for at least a year before advancing to the formation of the next batch to ensure effective integration and initial challenges properly addressed.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Stephen highlighted the catechists’ mission to spread the gospel, emphasising the importance of prayer, knowledge, and apostolic zeal. He blessed the catechists, invoking God’s grace for their services, and presented each with a crucifix symbolising their commitment to proclaiming Christ through life and words.
In his homily, the cardinal shared how the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus failed to recognise the risen Jesus due to ignorance and preconceived notions, urging the faithful to approach their faith with humility and openness.
He reaffirmed that faith is about fostering a living relationship with Christ that transforms lives, encouraging the seven catechists to renew themselves continually in their different roles.
Father Choy explained that the three-year term would allow catechists to apply what they learned during training and see how they can serve in diverse target groups, including parishes, couples, and college students
Catechists serving in diverse fields
Conrad Wong expressed mixed emotions during the ceremony, likening it to his wedding day—filled with joy yet uncertainty about the future. He thanked his mentors for their guidance and highlighted the importance of serving as a witness to Christ’s love, hoping their commitment will inspire laypeople to follow.
Wong later shared with the Sunday Examiner that his passion for youth work stemmed from his experiences in Sunday schools, the Diocesan Youth Commission and Christ Youth Action. He currently chairs the Council of Metropolitan University, where he has established a Catholic Society after organising a Bible study class. Assigned to the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students, Wong plans to connect with students by interviewing them in a friendly manner to gather their thoughts.
During his pastoral training, Wong hosted discussions on building healthy romantic relationships, identifying a lack of guidance for students on dating while they receive support in academics and careers.
Assunta and Francis Lau, a couple, shared that they were initially apprehensive when invited by Father Thomas Kwan Tsun-tong to join. They reflected on over a decade of involvement in marriage training programmes, seeing their call to serve as a divine sign.
They expressed gratitude for their spiritual growth, particularly during talks held with the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council in their pastoral training.
Cardinal Stephen highlighted the catechists’ mission to spread the gospel, emphasising the importance of prayer, knowledge, and apostolic zeal
Kevin Lai, executive secretary of the marriage commission, noted that the two catechists will be a strong support as couple-led marriage education offers powerful testimony. He plans to invite the experienced couple to lead a pre-marital preparation course later.
Tsang emphasised that the spiritual elements of the formation greatly benefit personal spirituality, enhancing not only knowledge of doctrine but also the ability to share and guide others in everyday life.
He mentioned that although he has been assigned to St. Edward’s Parish, he would continue his role as a Sunday School teacher at St. Teresa’s Church, and may explore opportunities for supportive ministry at Saint Francis University.
As a doctor, he aims to expand his outreach to patients, healthcare peers, medical students, and nursing students.
Victor Lam Wai-kiu, who taught the formation course, “The Ministry of Catechist and the Digital Space,” explained that digital platforms such as social media should be viewed as spaces for evangelisation rather than merely as tools.
He guided participants in using AI-generated images and videos to support their ministry work. However, he also warned of potential risks like deepfakes and the erosion of genuine relationships, urging catechists to use digital tools prudently to convey the truth while maintaining authentic human connections.
