25 years of school catechesis

Abstract

It is twenty-five years since catechesis returned toPolish schools. On June 27, 1990 thejoint commission of the representatives of the Polish government and the Polish Episcopal Conference stated that “catechesis passeson basic ethical and moral values to children and young people in the educational process”.For this reason, it was concluded thatpublic educational institutions should offer religious education to all pupils whose parents requestit. In this way, the right of parents to educate their children according to their religious beliefs was asserted. Under the instruction of August 3,1990 issued by the Minister of Education Professor H. Samsonowicz,catechesis reappeared inschools on September 1 that year. The Polish school returned to the European tradition of teaching religion,and catechesis became part ofthe school’s socio-educational system. Should these 25 years of catechesis in school be considered a success? In general, they undoubtedly should, however not all goals have been achieved to a satisfactory level. Currently, most of the dioceses have educated staff of catechists, and new textbooks and catechetical teaching aids are being prepared. Nevertheless, the beginnings were difficult, as suddenly classes of all grades needed educated and properly formed catechists. It can be said that today nobody is surprised by the view of apriest, a nun or a lay catechist in school. Religious classes in schools of all levels have become part ofa regular curriculum. This allows us to reach out with the Gospel to almost all children and young people.