By Stephanie Ng
PETALING JAYA — From 22 to 25 June 2026, the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) meeting was held at the CCM Ecumenical Centre in Petaling Jaya, hosted by Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Delegates from all nine dioceses of Malaysia, together with observers from Archdiocese of Singapore, Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei, and the National Catechetical Office (NCO), came together to reflect, discern, and chart the course of catechesis across the region.
The first day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Most Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, who was present to welcome the Episcopal President of the MCC, Bishop Joseph Hii Teck Kwong and the delegates and observers. In his homily, Archbishop Julian referred to John the Baptist, whose key mission was to prepare the hearts of men and women to know and receive Jesus. In the same way, the main task of catechists is to lead their learners to Christ.
Bishop’s Keynote address
The meeting, chaired by Dr Steven Selvaraju, formally started on day two. Bishop Hii opened the meeting with a rich keynote address, weaving together the harvest festivals of Sabah and Sarawak (Kaamatan and Gawai) with the Church’s celebration of Pentecost — both celebrations of gratitude, community, and the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. He invited the Commission to embrace and foster the spirit of synodality: journeying, sharing, and listening — not just to one another, but to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Catechesis, he said, is not merely the transmission of knowledge but an encounter with the living Christ. He also stressed that catechists learn from those they teach, and that ministry is always mutually enriching. Bishop Hii touched on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence as a tool in the Church’s mission, and on the importance of keeping Christ at the centre of all catechetical efforts.
Key priorities
Through a new collaborative diocesan reporting format initiated by Deacon Clement Samuel and Jeanne J. Saw from the Penang Diocesan Catechetical Commission, the MCC identified six key priorities for catechetical action across the country: (1) standardize catechist’s formation nationally; (2) address the shortage of catechists systematically; (3) deepen parent and family engagement; (4) accelerate the use of digital catechesis; (5) establish a clear roadmap for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS); and (6) standardize reporting and data collection. Small group discussions affirmed that parent and family engagement remains a top and achievable priority with creative initiatives, such as, structured parent formation programmes and family activities tied to the liturgical calendar.
The National Catechetical Office reported significant progress on the Malaysian Catechetical Series (MCS) Supplementary Topics, which now include a catechist guide and enriched reference materials in multiple languages. The MCS Parent’s Guide — a set of 10 books designed for each level — is also being developed by the NCO to help parents actively accompany their children’s faith journey through conversation starters, family activities, and reflection points.
Other initiatives
Several dioceses also shared encouraging reports on adult baptisms, with many recording significant growth in the number of catechumens. These positive developments serve as hopeful signs that many people continue to seek Christ and the life of the Church.
The MCC also discussed at length the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2027. After prayerful discernment rooted in the Church’s call to synodality, communion, participation, and mission, the Commission selected a theme that speaks powerfully to our times: “ONE in Christ” (Galatians 3:28). In a nation of extraordinary diversity of languages, cultures, and communities — this theme calls every Catholic to rediscover the profound unity we share in our common baptism and in our one Lord. Responsibilities for preparing the Catechetical Sunday resources—including the message, poster, translations, and commissioning rite were distributed among the various dioceses and will be coordinated through the National Catechetical Office.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) rooted in the Montessori method of education was warmly discussed in the meeting. Delegates marvelled at the transformation in young children even those as young as three who develop prayerfulness, attentiveness, and a personal relationship with God through CGS. The Commission spoke about the need to expand CGS formation and making it more accessible across dioceses.
Discussions were also held on the MCC’s participation in the Malaysian Pastoral Convention (MPC) to be held in Sibu from 9–13 September 2026, with an exhibition booth showcasing the history and ministry of catechesis in Malaysia.
Bishop’s closing address
In his closing address, Bishop Joseph Hii expressed gratitude to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, in particular Archbishop Julian Leow, for hosting the meeting and thanked all delegates and observers for their active participation.
Reflecting on the discussions, he observed that while many children faithfully receive the sacraments, many also drift away from the parishes after Confirmation. This reality challenges the Church to continually renew its methods of catechesis and to form disciples who constantly grow in faith throughout their lives.
He also identified two recurring concerns throughout the meeting; the shortage of catechists and the limited involvement of parents, and called on dioceses to address both with urgency and creativity. He encouraged the Church to formally recognize and celebrate the vocation of the catechist, noting that in many communities, retired catechists are still honored by their title, a sign of the profound esteem in which this ministry is held.
Most of all, Bishop Hii reminded the gathering that synodality is not a programme but a way of life rooted in baptism. All members of the faithful; bishops, priests, religious and lay persons, including catechists, parents, and children are called to participate actively in the Church’s mission of communion, teaching, and service.
At the end of the meeting, after the four days of shared discussions, fellowship and participation in daily prayers and the Eucharistic celebration, the delegates and observers returned home with a renewed sense of hope and purpose and with a fervent desire to continue their mission as catechetical leaders in their respective dioceses.
The next MCC meeting will be hosted by the Diocese of Sandakan from 7–10 June 2027.
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