Diocesan Catechetical Commission

What is the Diocesan Catechetical Commission? (D.C.C)

The Diocesan Catechetical Commission is a decision making body constituted by the Bishop to oversee all matters regarding Catechists and consult the Bishop on doctrinal issues.

General Objective Of D.C.C

The main objective of the Catechetical Commission is to recognize the supernatural and ecclesial significance of a Catechist’s calling to catechize and to collaborate in whatever apostolic service for building up the Church of God.

Composition Of Diocesan Catechetical Commission

Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator
Diocesan Catechists’ Chaplain
Diocesan Catechists’ Coordinator
1 Chaplain from each deanery endorsed by the Dean
One Catechist from each deanery elected by the deanery Catechists
1 member from DPC (Diocesan Pastoral Council)
1 Religious representative

Executive And Sub Committee

The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator (Chairman)
Diocesan Catechists’ Chaplain
Diocesan Catechists’ Coordinator
Two other members can be co-opted to serve in the Executive Committee or a Sub Committee

Establishment And Terms of Service

The Bishop in consultation with the Pastoral Coordinator should appoint members of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission to serve for a period of 3 years renewable once. To be appointed as a Catechetical Commission member will be based on experience in Catechetical matters, and good Christian living. Every lay member of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission must be a practicing Catholic Christian. He/she must at least have a knowledge on Catechetical studies and with good leadership qualities and must be approved by the Bishop. He/she should be committed to attend all the Commission’s meetings. Failure to attend 3 consecutive meetings without apology will result to compulsory resignation/dismissal from the Commission.

Functions And Roles of The Diocesan Catechetical Commission

The main functions of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission or Executive /Sub-Committee will include:

To address any urgent matter that may arise from time to time or according to the needs of the Commission e.g. Parishes’ appeals, Catechists’ gross misconduct
To foster Vocation of Catechists.
To identify and approve the training of Catechists.
To empower the Catechists through policies/ guidelines, programs, renewals, retreats on their roles, in the Families and in the Church as teachers of faith.
The Commission also evaluates ongoing catechesis in the Diocese and its impact in the life of the Christian Communities.

Terms of Reference

To assist the Pastoral Coordinator to implement pastoral guidelines.
To enable the Catechists Coordinator to execute his duties without unnecessary interference from other quarters.
The commission sets the guidelines, discusses and approves annual plan and budget.
To monitor implementation of catechetical activities in the diocese and make necessary recommendations to the Pastoral Coordinator and Bishop.
To approve the appointment of catechists and transfers to parishes and training of catechist.
To enhance relationship between the catechist and Priests in the parishes and deal with any matter or problem that may arise regarding catechists.
To review catechist salaries, pension, medical and other financial needs of the catechists taking into account the wishes of the Bishop, Priests’ Council and Pastoral Coordinator on pastoral matters.
To meet at least TWICE a year.
The commission’s responsibility is to direct, influence and monitor, implementation of the Diocesan Catechetical program.
The commission provide link between the parish and the Diocese.
To promote its mission of evangelization
To communicate the strategic plan and also specific goals, benchmarks and collect expectations of the parishes and communities to be served.
Authorize expenditure necessary to support operations of the Catechetical program.

Meetings Quorum

To form a quorum to hold a meeting – 2/3 of the members must be present. The Chairman or his vice will notify members if they have a quorum to continue with the meeting or not.

Roles Of Diocesan Catechists’ Director/chaplain

To implement the recommendations of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission
Execute all directives of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission
To collaborate with the Catechists’ Coordinator regarding Catechists matters
To organise and facilitate courses and retreats for Catechists
To consult with Priests, Parish Pastoral Council on matters regarding Catechists
To improve working conditions of Catechists
To represent the Catechists in the meetings of Priests and the laity
To improve Catechists’ relationship with the Priests and other pastoral agents
To approve Catechists appointment and their remunaretion (allowances)
To approve Catechists training to the National Catechetical Training Colleges according to the needs of the Parishes
To organise and attend Catechists meetings at Diocesan and National levels

Roles of Diocesan Catechists Coordinator

The Coordinator will be based at the Secretariat governed by the Diocese of Ngong H.R.M (Diocesan Human Resource Management Manual)
He/She is a full time employee of the Diocese hence serves the whole Diocese
Reports to the Pastoral Coordinator on all pastoral activities related to Catechists’ in the Diocese
To organise and facilitate Catechists courses in Diocesan level
To organise Catechists training to the Residential Catechetical Training Colleges according to the needs of the Parishes
To facilitate Catechists’ courses at Deanery and Parish levels
To visit Catechists in Catechetical Training Colleges
To receive, analyse and send out all information and correspondences regarding Catechists
Collaborate with the administration office in keeping update all legal documents of Catechists in the Diocesan payroll
Preparation of Diocesan Catechetical Commission meetings
To represent Catechists at the Diocesan, Metropolitan and National meetings