Powstanie i organizacja struktur katechetycznych w diecezji bydgoskiej

Abstract

The Diocese of Bydgoszcz was established by John Paul II on 24 February 2004. The pope selected Bydgoszcz as the capital of the new diocese, which incorporated twelve deaneries formerly part of the Archdiocese of Gniezno, one deanery from the Diocese of Koszalin and Kołobrzeg, as well as three deaneries from the Diocese of Pelplin. The Diocese of Bydgoszcz has an area of 4631 km² and lies within two provinces. It is headed by Bishop Jan Tyrawa, whose motto is Ave crux spes unica – “Hail to the Cross, our only hope”. The patron saints of the diocese are Our Lady of Beautiful Love and the blessed Bishop Michał Kozal. Having assumed his post, Bishop Jan Tyrawa launched the organization of key auxiliary institutions. He established the diocesan curia tasked with representing the local Church in pastoral and administrative affairs. Since its early days the curia has been located in a building at 1 ks. Malczewskiego Street in Bydgoszcz. Another institution that originated thanks to the bishop’s efforts is the local Theological Seminary. In addition to setting up the diocese’s structures, Bishop Tyrawa undertook every effort to develop catechization here. Bydgoszcz already housed the Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Memorial Primate Institute for Christian Culture, which launched operations thanks to the efforts of Bishop Jan Nowak in 1982. The first head of the local division was Father Bronisław Kaczmarek. The establishment of the institute was inspired by the Second Vatican Council, which among others called for students’ education in compliance with the Church doctrine and constant support to Church employees. The institute has a Catechetical Centre and a Theological College. The rector of the Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań set up the Bydgoszcz Branch of its Theological Department. The new local institution incorporated the Higher Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Bydgoszcz, thus making Father Wojciech Szukalski its first rector. Classes are held in the new seminary buildings at 22 Grodzka Street. The new president of the Primate Institute for Christian Culture was Father Rafał Grabowski. Since 2010 Father Mirosław Gogolik has served as head of the Institute and Proxy for the Dean of the Theological Department of the Poznań-based University. The Division of Catechization of Catholic Schools in the diocese aims to provide care for religious education in schools and parishes, maintain cooperation with educational institutions and support religion teachers by offering them various programmes related to catechetical services in the local church.