Interpreting tradition: A Gadamerian approach to train millennial missionary catechists

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the integration of Gadamer's concepts of dialogue, interpretation, and tradition into catechist formation programs aimed at equipping Millennial educators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to effectively engage and nurture the faith of their peers. Traditional catechist formation programs often struggle to effectively engage millennial educators and address contemporary challenges in transmitting the faith. Without a dynamic and relevant approach, catechists may find it difficult to connect with their peers and communicate the timeless truths of the faith in meaningful ways. Employing a qualitative approach, this study explored the integration of Gadamer's concepts into catechist formation programs. Data collection methods included literature review. The study focused on strategies for fostering dialogue, promoting critical interpretation, grounding catechists in tradition, providing practical skills development, and facilitating ongoing assessment and reflection. Integration of Gadamer's concepts proved effective in equipping Millennial educators with the necessary skills and attitudes to engage and nurture the faith of their peers. By fostering open dialogue, encouraging critical interpretation, grounding in tradition, providing practical skills development, and facilitating ongoing assessment and reflection, formation programs enhanced catechists' ability to communicate the faith in relevant and meaningful ways. This approach resulted in increased confidence, effectiveness, and satisfaction among Millennial catechists, contributing to a deeper and more impactful transmission of the faith to future generations.