Carriers of the Word: Parish Catechist Formation 

Bolivia’s vast rural geography, spanning highland altiplano, mountain valleys, and remote lowland villages, makes it impossible for priests to be regularly present in every community they serve. In many of these villages, lay catechists carry primary responsibility for sustaining parish life between the priest’s periodic visits, teaching the faith and preparing parishioners for the sacraments largely on their own.

Maryknoll provides structured training and ongoing formation for these lay catechists, equipping them with the theological knowledge, teaching skills, and spiritual grounding necessary to serve as effective evangelizers and local leaders. Through ongoing education and mentorship rather than a single training session, catechists build the confidence and competence to handle the wide range of pastoral situations that arise in daily parish life.

Training lay catechists across Bolivia’s vast rural geography reflects the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the Call to Family, Community, and Participation, entrusting ordinary believers with responsibility for sustaining the faith of their own communities. This project also carries forward Maryknoll’s evangelizing charism, recognizing that the Gospel travels farthest when carried by local leaders equipped to teach and witness long after any single missioner has departed.

Gifts to this project support the training and formation of lay catechists across Bolivia’s rural regions, helping ensure the Gospel and the sacraments reach even the most remote communities in the country.