School of Theology

TANGAZA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

CPSP As Enhancing the Faith formation of Children in Saints

Submitted by:
Group Nº 2

Lecturer:

Rev. Fr. Remigius Ikpe OCD

An Assignment Submitted to the School of Theology

Nairobi
19th November 2018
 School of Theology
TANGAZA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa

CPSP As Enhancing the Faith formation of Children in Saints

Members of the Group 2:

1. General Introduction...............................................................................................................................1
2. Background of the study..........................................................................................................................1
3. Purpose and Aim.....................................................................................................................................2
4. Problem Statement.................................................................................................................................2
5. Study objectives.......................................................................................................................................3
6. Rationale/ Justification of the Study........................................................................................................3
7. Scope and delimitation............................................................................................................................3
8. Difficulties and how to overcome them...................................................................................................4
9. Possible Research Questions...................................................................................................................4
10. Methodology.........................................................................................................................................4
11. The Outline............................................................................................................................................5
12. General Conclusion................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography................................................................................................................................................7

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1. General Introduction

This paper tries to argue that proper holistic formation of pastoral agents to

spontaneously recognize and respect the inalienable rights of children especially at their local

levels (Ongata-Rongai) goes a long way to addressing the abusive practices by both protecting

the pastoral agent and the child. As such, this paper will present the following; General

Introduction, Background of Study, Purpose and aim of Study, Problem Statement, Study

Objectives, Rationale/ Justification of Study, Scope Delimitation, Difficulties and how to

overcome them, Possible Research Questions, Methodology, Outline, and finally a brief

General Conclusion.

2. Background of the study

In today’s pastoral environment the question concerning Child Abuse is so vivid that no

one can deny its influence in the way ministers deal with children. In St Mary’s Parish located

in Ongata-Rongai in Nairobi it is even more present, due to some claims of child abuse in the

recent past. Ongata-Rongai is an area located in Nairobi, therefore, in a town setting, so to say

that, it’s very difficult to point out the tribal setting, or cultural practices of the people living in

this area, because it is constitutes by members of different tribal groups.

In this area the Catholic Church is active, the presence of a parish and a good number of

ministers, ordained and non-ordained, confirm it.

As any great community it has a variety of generations. So, the ministry to older people

is very active, but also the great number of young people and young families deserves active

attention from the pastoral agents, and more so the enormous group of children.

St Mary’s Parish demands from the church a very vivid presence and action towards the

spreading of the gospel for the salvation of souls.

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 In this context a problem emerges. Due to miss conduct of some ministers towards

children, a growing sense of fear emerged. Children and their families are afraid of the ministers

and the ministers are also full of fear when it comes to deal with children.

This problem has created a great distance between the children and the ministers, and as

a result these children lack good Christian formation, i. e., evangelization.

When looking at this the researcher felt disturbed, on one hand for the children who will

lack qualified ministers to serve them and on the other hand for these minsters who are

imprisoned in fear and unable to fulfill their consecration to serve all who are in need. These

ministers need to be formed in such a way that they will know how to handle these situations

with confidence and courage.

3. Purpose and Aim

This project looks forward to give conscious confidence to all those that have the

opportunity to minister to children, by proving the potential that holistic formation has in the

process of empowering psychologically pastoral agents. This work aims to an area where there

have been claims of child abuse by ministers, particularly in St. Mary’s Ongata-Rongai Parish.

4. Problem Statement

The researcher observed that among the ministers, especially seminarians, exists a kind

of fear to minister to the loved ones of the Lord, the children. Some claim that they are afraid of

falling in the same sin/crime, others are afraid that some evil minds could create a case accusing

them of child abuse in order to get some profit and others just want to be far from such a setting.

Where is the cause for all this fear? Can holistic formation empower these young

ministers in order that they may lose this fear? How can families trust their children to the care

of young ministers in a context where children have been abused by pastoral agents in the past?

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5. Study objectives

1. To Identify and highlight the root causes and effects of child abuse today

2. To propose an integration in the pastoral formation of future ministers of some

catholic social teachings on human dignity, psychology, sexuality, human development and

self-control as independent and valuable subjects.

3. To propose how pastoral agents and family ministry could help arrest the vice of

child abuse.

6. Rationale/ Justification of the Study

This study is relevant because, besides uncovering the underlying cause of the fear of

ministering to children freely in the rise of the rate of child abuse in the society, it will also

propose the need for a holistic formation as a solution to curb the fear instilled in the pastoral

agents and the children in a pastoral setting. This study will try to identify the root causes of

child abuse. The researcher believes that, from this perspective some possible suggestions to the

curbing of child abuse phenomenon. Thus, this research adds value to the existing literature on

the right to remove fear in the pastoral agents on how to deal with children.

7. Scope and delimitation

This research focuses mainly on the holistic formation of Pastoral agents and future

pastoral agents, so that they may be able to overcame the fear of ministering to children in a

context of child abuse, with a specific focus on St Mary’s Ongata-Rongai Parish in the

Archdiocese of Nairobi.

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8. Difficulties and how to overcome them

In the context the researcher is working, and the problem he is addressing is much

involved with people’s emotions. Thus, the felling of fear and absence of trust may emerge.

This feeling tends to make people close themselves to others, and for sure a researcher that

looks to touch such an area may not be welcomed.

In order to overcome this main difficulty, the building of trust is essential. And the best

way to build trust is by informing people about what is aimed. People should not have an

unclear idea of what the researcher is doing, in other words, it is of great value to tell people that

the research tends to help by giving them full access to the objectives and aims of the research.

9. Possible Research Questions

This research is guided and directed by the following questions: what is in the inmost

base of the fear pastoral agents feel in ministering to children in Ongata-Rongai? To what extent

this fear blocs them to help children in Ongata-Rongai? Can the Holistic formation (human

formation, psychological formation, sociological formation, etc.) help these pastoral agents to

overcome their fear?

10. Methodology

We employ a socio-qualitative approach for gathering the data and analyzing them

according to the Social teaching of the Church and to theological reflections. In order to

successfully carry out this research, then the researcher opted to use his own experience

ministering and working in Ongata-Rongai for the past 2 years, as a consecrated religious and

consequently as a missionary. This gave him the opportunity to interact with various pastoral

agents like him that are challenged with this inner fear of ministering to these children in this

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particular setting. Therefore, the researcher will incorporate his own observation and

informants’ experiences and views. Library research also compliments the first-hand

experience.

11. The Outline

Chapter One: Child Abuse in Ongatta-Rongai (Children Ministry)

1.0. Introduction

1.1. Concept of Child Abuse

1.2. The practice of Pontifical Missionary Children ( PMC)

1.3. Child Abuse in the Societal Sphere

1.4. Challenges and Opportunities ( root causes of child abuse and fear of ministry)

1.5. Effects on Praxis ( the Practice of Faith)

1.6. Reviewing Church’s Response on Child Abuse ( Child Protection Policy)

1.7. Conclusion

Chapter Two: The Churchs’ Pastoral Guidance on Pontifical Missionary Children

Ministry

2.0. Introduction

2.1. Some Biblical Foundations and Considerations

2.2. Catholic Social Teaching on Human Dignity

2.3. Canonical Considerations in Dealing with Children

2.4. Ethical Considerations

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 2.5. Second Vatican Council’s teaching on Pontifical Missionary Children

2.6. Conclusion

Chapter Three: The Pastoral Proposals

3.0. Introduction

3.1. The Question of Child Protection Policy

3.1.1. Adequate Pre- Pastoral Care Preparation (Holistic Formation)

3.2. Establishment of Children Support Groups

3.3. The Role of the Priests

3.4. The Role of the Pontifical Missionary Children Animators

3.5. The Church to Support, Defend and Protect the P.M.C Ministry

3.6. Conclusion

12. General Conclusion

In Summation, this paper was an expression of the research proposal and its variables.

This is set forth as a requirement for the course in Methodology for the partial fulfillment for a

Degree in Theology. This work has helped the researcher to understand how best to present

research proposal using the Turabian/Chicago style of citation. The researcher thus,

recommends that the course of methodology be taught to all students studying in Tangaza and

elsewhere.

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Bibliography

Hardon K. John. Pocket Catholic Dictionary. New York: Doubleday and Company, 1986.

Madan, Saluja. Relationship Strategies for Success. Bangalore: Better Yourself Books, 2007.

Peter J. Henriot, Edward P. DeBerri, and Michael J. Schultheis. Catholic Social Teaching: Our

Best Kept Secret. New York: Orbis Books and Center for Concern, 1992.

The Documents of the Second Vatican Council: Optatam Totius, Nairobi: Paulines Publications

Africa, 2016.

Wayne, Grudem, ed., Global Study Bible; English Standard Version, USA: Crossway, 2001.