Archbishop Cvikl: Catechesis should become a place of real encounter and relationship building

In a message addressed to catechists, catechists, and catechetical assistants across Slovenia, Archbishop Alojzij Cvikl has called for a transformation in the role of religious education. Speaking at the beginning of the new catechetical year, he urged educators to move beyond merely imparting theological knowledge and instead focus on fostering genuine encounters with Jesus Christ and building meaningful relationships among participants. The message was delivered through a letter titled Catechesis in Our Historical Moment, emphasizing the need for dialogue, acceptance, and relational growth within the Church. The archbishop highlighted the importance of living faith through actions rather than just words. He referenced the Book of Hebrews, noting that God once spoke through prophets and later through His Son, but today, Christians communicate God’s message through their lives. This idea led him to quote an ancient Christian prayer that underscores how Christ relies on human hands, feet, and mouths to act in the world. “We are the only Holy Scripture that people still read,” he wrote. “We are the last divine message being written through our actions.” Archbishop Cvikl emphasized that the Church must become a space for conversation, acceptance, and relationship-building, particularly in a time when artificial intelligence increasingly replaces human labor and accelerates progress. He cited Pope Leo XIV, who described dialogue not only as a tool for international relations but as a daily aspect of human life. According to the archbishop, true encounter with others, whether different, foreign, or migrant, helps make war less imaginable. Catechetical meetings should therefore become opportunities for interaction between catechists and students, among students themselves, and with God, aimed at building relationships and reinforcing love. A special message was directed toward parents, reminding them that catechists are sent to assist them in fulfilling their promise made at the baptism of their children, to care for both their spiritual upbringing and their own. “Be their support and not an obstacle, be their refuge and not a storm,” he wrote. “Let the script we write through the lives of our catechumens be readable and understandable.” He encouraged catechists to remain steadfast in their mission, even amid challenges and chaos, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who urged love for God, prayer for all people, and the creation of spaces where faith can be learned and shared. The call comes at a time when the Church faces complex societal changes, including technological advancements and shifting cultural dynamics. Archbishop Cvikl’s vision positions the Church not as a place of rigid instruction but as a dynamic community where individuals can grow in faith through personal engagement and mutual respect. He acknowledged that many have taken time during the summer for spiritual retreats, rest, and renewal, and now they are called to return with renewed energy to shape relationships and proclaim Christ. The archbishop’s letter reflects broader discussions within the Catholic Church about adapting its outreach methods to contemporary realities while maintaining core spiritual values. It highlights the belief that the Church's role is not only to teach doctrine but to embody the Gospel in everyday interactions. By focusing on relational aspects of faith, the Church aims to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all members of society. The emphasis on dialogue and relationship-building aligns with global trends in interfaith and ecumenical efforts, which seek to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse communities. In this context, the Church’s approach to catechesis becomes a model for how faith can be lived and shared in a pluralistic world. Archbishop Cvikl’s message encourages all involved in religious education to see themselves not merely as instructors but as companions on a journey of faith, committed to supporting each other and the wider community.