Korean military conscripts have their own catechism

The Military Ordinariate in Korea has published a version of catechism geared specificially for youths in military service.

Seoul (AsiaNews) – The Military Ordinariate in Korea has published a special catechism which takes into account the leanings and mentality of young Catechumens in military service. The catechism is called "Closer and closer" to reveal its aim of approaching youths. The cover depicts a young Korean, Catholic actress.

The Military Ordinariate published the catechism after six months of work with the Future Pastoral Institute, run by Mgr Norbertus Cha Dong-yeop. The specific circumstances and difficulties of conscripted soldiers were taken into consideration when editing the text, among them the psychological tension which may arise during military service.

The document aims to provide tools of Bible and doctrinal knowledge as well as the means to put them into practice. This is done in eight chapters: God and man, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, the Liturgy of the Mass and Holy Scripture. The book has been published in pocket-size form to make it more convenient. Mgr Stephen Rim Seok-hwan, Chancellor of the Military Ordinariate, said, "In compiling the catechism, we gave priority to leading young soldiers to the faith which can permeate in their daily lives, by throwing light on the concrete realities they encounter in the military service."

• SOUTH
• KOREA
• CATHOLIC
• CHURCH
• CATECHISM
• MILITARY
• SERVICE