“Every catechist, says Pope Francis, “must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church.” Catechists, he continues, “are called first to be expert in the pastoral service of transmitting the faith,” from the first proclamation of the kerygma to preparation for the sacraments of Christian initiation, and through-out the process of on-going formation.” “All this is possible, he says, “only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community,” so that catechists can grow in their identity and in “the integrity and responsibility” that identity entails.”

Pope Francis writes in the Apostolic Letter Antiquum ministerium, with which the Holy Father institutes the lay ministry of catechist.
May 11, 2021, Vatican