Called to build a better world
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Malaysian Catholic Church continues its journey toward the Malaysian Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026, parish communities, ministries, and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) are being called to deepen their engagement in four key pastoral focus areas: Family, Church, Ecology, and Society. For 2025, the Church placed particular emphasis on Ecology and Society. In line with this direction, the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) announced the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2025: We can make the world a better place. The theme chosen for this year's celebration was announced earlier by Bishop Joseph Hii Teck Kwong, pic, Episcopal President of the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC). Rooted in St Paul's exhortation to the Philippians (Phil 2:4) and Jesus' commandment to 'love one another' (Jn 13:34), the theme serves as a powerful invitation for Catholics to live out their faith in ways that impact both people and the planet. The theme reflects a growing emphasis within the Church on promoting social justice and environmental stewardship through catechesis and formation at all levels. 'As Christians, we are called to do our part to make the world a better place,' said Bishop Joseph in his message to the faithful. 'This involves addressing root causes of poverty, inequality, and violence, and promoting systemic change through political engagement, fair labour practices, and care for the environment.' Bishop Joseph also underscored the urgency of environmental stewardship, citing Pope Francis' Laudato Si' as a rallying call for collective action to address climate change and ecological degradation. Education and catechesis, he emphasised, play a vital role in shaping individuals who will rise to meet these challenges. 'Education begins at home,' Bishop Joseph said. 'Parents are the first catechists to their children, and they, along with parishes, BECs, Catholic institutions, and organisations, must help equip the next generation to face the challenges of our times.' To assist parishes in celebrating Catechetical Sunday, the MCC has distributed a range of resources, including the Catechetical Sunday Message, Rite of Commissioning for Catechists, e-Poster, and a Catechetical Sunday Kit. These materials are designed not only for use today but also throughout the month of August to promote deeper reflection and engagement. This year's celebration also marks a shift in the Church's liturgical calendar: Catechetical Sunday has officially moved from the fourth Sunday of January to the first Sunday of August, following a directive issued by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia on October 7, 2024. Bishop Joseph concluded his message with a note of gratitude to all those involved in the ministry of catechesis: 'On behalf of the Bishops of Malaysia, I extend my deepest gratitude to parish priests, catechetical coordinators, catechists, parents, guardians, and all involved in this ministry. May Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, lead and guide us.'
As the Church in Malaysia observes Catechetical Sunday 2025, it does so with renewed purpose — to form disciples who not only know the faith, but live it courageously and compassionately, for the good of the Church, society, and creation.
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