Indonesian Church: education and charity are essential to the catechumenate
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Catholics are a role model at various levels in Indonesian society. Their way of life, their approach to everyday life and the challenges of modernity have become a benchmark that draws many non-Catholics to convert to Christianity.
However, in some cases, the decision to be baptised or join the Church is not well informed, but stems instead from a desire to "follow the faith of one’s spouse" or "search for a better way of life".
This is why several priests, like Fr Titus Budiyanto, pastor at Bupul Kampung, a town about 200 km from Merauke, the capital of Papua province, organise courses to help would-be converts deepen their faith and consider carefully the choice of conversion.
The desire for a better life or the wish to follow the religion of one’s spouse are not enough, the clergyman told AsiaNews. Conversion requires deeper, thought-out reasons.
Hence, despite the many catechumens, baptisms were not celebrated at Easter in Christ the King Parish, in Kampung Bupul.
In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Catholics are a small minority of about seven million people, or 3 per cent of the population, but they are an example for many.
This explains a certain interest and curiosity for the Catholic faith among ordinary Indonesians. However, those who really want to convert “have to follow a specific process,” Fr Budiyanto said.
This includes a period of “at least six months" during which they study the faith and doctrine. They must also take part in charity and volunteer activities in favour of the poor and sick.
In Kwell Sub-district, which includes Christ the King Parish, "34 catechumens and 28 others are preparing for their first communion," the priest explained. They are going through the "six-month” training until June.
“The baptism will be celebrated at the end of the course." Meanwhile, "We also make regular visits to lepers and the disabled,” he added.
In Medari parish, Yogyakarta, Fr Dadang Hermawan said that seven children, aged 8 to 10, were baptised at Easter. They too received the sacrament at the end of six months of spiritual preparation.
Some of them were baptised late because they came from mixed families, with only one catholic parent. One family of agnostics came back to the Catholic faith after several years, Fr Hermawa said.
Finally, Fr Ary Setyawan reported the baptism of 36 adults, including five Protestants, as well as one first communion, in Purwokerto (Central Java). The ceremony was held at the parish cathedral. (MH)
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