First person from England becomes “Instituted Catechist” by Pope Leo XIV
Ingrid La Trobe from the Archdiocese of Southwark is recognised by Pope Leo XIV for her Catechetical work
The Ministry of Catechist was entrusted to 39 men and women in Rome by Pope Leo XIV, including Ingrid La Trobe from the Agency of Evangelisation and Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Ingrid is the first person from England and Wales to become an 'Instituted Catechist'.
This is recognition of her specific vocation as a Catechist: one who echoes the faith, passed on through the centuries, by virtue of her life and witness. It is a stable ministry, not a temporary appointment, and is open only to lay people (not including religious brothers and sisters).
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV said “when we teach the faith, we do not merely give instructions, but we place the word of life in hearts, so that it may bear the fruits of a good life”.
Ingrid La Trobe said:
“Over my lifetime, I have been catechised by inspirational, faithful, joyful catechists who have fed my faith and brought me to an encounter with Christ.
“This kind of catechesis happens each and every day in our Archdiocese and across England and Wales, so I accepted the nomination to be instituted into the Ministry of Catechist humbly, knowing I would be representing all faithful catechists and their tireless efforts to share the Gospel.”
The Ministry of Catechist was instituted by Pope Francis in his 2021 letter, Antiquum ministerium. Here, this ‘ancient ministry’ was recognised as a vital part of the life of the Church across the globe; exercised differently in different countries and cultures.
Archbishop John Wilson said:
“Each of us carries a story of someone - a parent, a teacher, a friend - who helped to awaken faith within us and draw us closer to the Lord Jesus. So often, the common thread in these stories is a person whose heart burns with love for Christ and a desire to share his saving Gospel.“Ingrid is such a person. She radiates that same missionary spirit, and I am delighted that her dedicated service as a catechist has been recognised by our Holy Father, Pope Leo. Through her witness, many have encountered the living Lord, and I know she will continue to inspire others to grow in love for Christ and to help us, together, build a community of missionary disciples.”
On Sunday 28 September, Ingrid La Trobe from the Archdiocese's Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis was one of 39 from 16 countries (from Korea to Mexico, from Tanzania to the Philippines) to be instituted as Catechists by Pope Leo XIV during the Jubilee for Catechists.
Dr Mark Nash, Director of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis said:
“It was a remarkable privilege to witness my friend and colleague, Ingrid La Trobe, being instituted to the Ministry of Catechist by Pope Leo XIV during the Mass for the Jubilee for Catechists. It was wonderful too that she could be joined by her husband Andrew and other members of her family as the Pope recognised her vocation, alongside 38 others, before tens of thousands of fellow catechists. Collectively, those in St Peter's Square must have been responsible for supporting the transmission of the Catholic Faith to millions!
“Ingrid has been tireless in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ for years, within her family, in various parishes and across the archdiocese. As Catechesis Advisor in the archdiocese, she has been responsible for developing courses, building resources and accompanying others, specifically within the Some Definite Service volunteer network. This recognition of her work and vocation is great news for the Church in Southwark and for England and Wales more broadly.”
The bishops of England and Wales are currently exploring the processes for others to be recognised as such, as well as what experience, formation or training might be required for lay people to be instituted as Catechist in this country. In Southwark, it is likely that The Archbishop's Certificate will form the basis for such training.
Photo credit: ©Vatican Media
