Zagreb, August 28, 1999 (IKA) — A press conference organized by the Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops was held August 27 at the Secretariat of the Croatian Conference of Bishops in Zagreb on the Summer School for Catechists in Zagreb, which will be in session from September 2 to 4. The head of the National Catechical Office, Msgr. Milan Šimunović, and the senior adviser to the Office, Dr. Alojzije Hoblaj, spoke about the program of the Summer School for Catechists and the initiatives taken by the National Catechical Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, particularly concerning the first issue of the publication Katehetski glasnik on the national level. The press conference was conducted by the head of the Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Fra Ilija Živković.
Speaking about the activities of the National Catechical Office during the past year, Msgr. Šimunović pointed out that its programs have become larger and more demanding, particularly regarding the preparation of new catechism manuals, its central and most urgent task. According to surveys, 90% of the elementary school pupils and 70% of the high school pupils of Croatia have enrolled in catechism instruction. Further activities include the organization of professional pedagogical meetings and the preparation and publication of suitable publications, including Katehetski glasnik, the first issue of which will soon be presented to the public. Its goal, according to Dr. Hoblaj, is to forge professional connections among catechists, as exist in other countries. Dr. Hoblaj stressed the importance of the training and continuing education of catechists, who in their service to the Church must be equally versed in theology and pedagogical science.
The forthcoming Summer School for Catechists will assemble approximately 700 catechists and persons involved with catechism. The theme will be “Contemporary Challenges to Croatian Catechists in the Third Millennium.” Within the context of this three-day meeting, particular emphasis will be placed upon preparation for the forthcoming Great Jubilee 2000, the catechist’s calling as a witness for the Church, and contemporary catechism in Croatia, stated Msgr. Šimunović. There will also be discussion on contemporary education and the topic of the relationship between the catechist and the union. He also discussed a new plan and program for parish catechism, to be proposed at the forthcoming autumn session of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, with significant innovations in parish catechism. Msgr. Šimunović noted that the program places emphasis upon the changing parish, which should be more of a community. Two events in connection with the meeting have been announced: a eucharistic celebration on the eve of the new academic year, to be conducted on September 2 at 7 p.m. in the Zagreb Cathedral by Archbishop Josip Bozanić of Zagreb, and a formal pedagogic-catechistic meeting, to be held on September 3 at 8 p.m. at the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb.