Pope Francis’s Apostolic letter surveys the ancient ministry of catechist beginning with those men and women who helped the Apostle Paul through to the many catechist Saints and Blesseds who advanced the Church’s mission over the centuries. Recognizing the work of catechists around the world this document establishes the lay ministry of catechist for “men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion” who have received suitable formation.