The Encyclical Redemptoris Missio describes catechists as "specialized workers, direct witnesses,
indispensable evangelizers, who represent the basic strength of Christian
communities, especially in the young Churches".
The Code of Canon Law has a canon on catechists involved in
strictly missionary activity and describes them as "lay members of Christ's faithful who have received proper
formation and are outstanding in their living of the Christian life. Under the
direction of missionaries, they are to present the Gospel teaching and engage
in liturgical worship and in works of charity".
This description of the catechist corresponds with of the Congregation
for the Evangelization of Peoples in its 1970 Plenary Assembly: "The catechist is a lay person
specially appointed by the Church, in accordance with local needs, to make
Christ known, loved and followed by those who do not yet know Him and by the
faithful themselves".
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