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FORMOSA NEWS - East Nusa Tenggara - Increasing Active Participation in
the Catholic Liturgy through Faith Formation in the Diocese of Atambua. Research
conducted by Yohana Aek Klau of the St. Peter's Pastoral College of the Diocese
of Atambua was published in the Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and
Theology (IJCET) in 2026 that high attendance at Mass does not necessarily
reflect a conscious and deep engagement in faith and this is where faith
education plays a crucial role.
Strong Tradition, Varied Depth
The Diocese of Atambua benefits from a strong communal religious culture. Community bonds and long-standing traditions encourage regular church attendance. However, the study notes that strong tradition does not automatically guarantee deep personal faith. High attendance rates may coexist with varied levels of internal understanding and reflection. This tension explains why visible participation can differ in quality from one parishioner to another.
Listening Directly to Parishioners
The research was conducted in one parish within the Diocese of Atambua using a qualitative descriptive approach. Klau interviewed ten informants: six parishioners, two liturgical ministers, and two pastoral administrators. She also observed liturgical celebrations and reviewed parish catechetical documents. Rather than focusing on liturgical rules or structures, the study explored lived experiences. The goal was to understand how parishioners perceive the meaning of the Eucharist and how that perception shapes their participation. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns linking faith understanding, spiritual appreciation, and active engagement in worship.
Three Key Findings
The study identifies three main factors that influence the quality of liturgical participation.
Faith understanding builds conscious engagement
Parishioners who understand the theological meaning of the Eucharist tend to participate more attentively and responsibly. They respond to prayers with awareness, sing with intention, and follow liturgical gestures with focus. One participant shared, “Attending Mass is not just about being present, but truly understanding what I pray and celebrate.” A liturgical minister added that parishioners with deeper understanding “know when to respond, sing, and remain silent with full attention.” Faith understanding, in this context, goes beyond doctrinal knowledge. It involves the ability to connect symbols, prayers, and rituals with daily life.
Spiritual appreciation deepens the experience
The second finding highlights the role of spiritual experience. Parishioners who internalize their faith describe the liturgy as a personal encounter with God. “During Mass, I feel very close to God, so I pray with my heart, not just my words,” one informant explained. Observations during worship confirmed this pattern. Those with deeper spiritual appreciation appeared calmer, more focused, and more emotionally engaged throughout the celebration. Researcher that this affective dimension bridges intellectual understanding and lived practice. Without spiritual appreciation, knowledge alone does not guarantee meaningful participation.
Ongoing faith formation transforms attitudes
The third major finding points to the importance of sustained catechesis and pastoral programs. Parishioners who regularly join faith formation activities show noticeable changes in how they participate in liturgy. “After joining faith-sharing sessions, I understand better and feel more confident to be actively involved in Mass,” said one respondent. Pastoral administrators also observed that continuous formation strengthens responsible and conscious engagement. Faith formation is not an optional program but a strategic foundation for vibrant liturgical life.
Strong Tradition, Varied Depth
The Diocese of Atambua benefits from a strong communal religious culture. Community bonds and long-standing traditions encourage regular church attendance. However, the study notes that strong tradition does not automatically guarantee deep personal faith. High attendance rates may coexist with varied levels of internal understanding and reflection. This tension explains why visible participation can differ in quality from one parishioner to another.
Listening Directly to Parishioners
The research was conducted in one parish within the Diocese of Atambua using a qualitative descriptive approach. Klau interviewed ten informants: six parishioners, two liturgical ministers, and two pastoral administrators. She also observed liturgical celebrations and reviewed parish catechetical documents. Rather than focusing on liturgical rules or structures, the study explored lived experiences. The goal was to understand how parishioners perceive the meaning of the Eucharist and how that perception shapes their participation. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns linking faith understanding, spiritual appreciation, and active engagement in worship.
Three Key Findings
The study identifies three main factors that influence the quality of liturgical participation.
Faith understanding builds conscious engagement
Parishioners who understand the theological meaning of the Eucharist tend to participate more attentively and responsibly. They respond to prayers with awareness, sing with intention, and follow liturgical gestures with focus. One participant shared, “Attending Mass is not just about being present, but truly understanding what I pray and celebrate.” A liturgical minister added that parishioners with deeper understanding “know when to respond, sing, and remain silent with full attention.” Faith understanding, in this context, goes beyond doctrinal knowledge. It involves the ability to connect symbols, prayers, and rituals with daily life.
Spiritual appreciation deepens the experience
The second finding highlights the role of spiritual experience. Parishioners who internalize their faith describe the liturgy as a personal encounter with God. “During Mass, I feel very close to God, so I pray with my heart, not just my words,” one informant explained. Observations during worship confirmed this pattern. Those with deeper spiritual appreciation appeared calmer, more focused, and more emotionally engaged throughout the celebration. Researcher that this affective dimension bridges intellectual understanding and lived practice. Without spiritual appreciation, knowledge alone does not guarantee meaningful participation.
Ongoing faith formation transforms attitudes
The third major finding points to the importance of sustained catechesis and pastoral programs. Parishioners who regularly join faith formation activities show noticeable changes in how they participate in liturgy. “After joining faith-sharing sessions, I understand better and feel more confident to be actively involved in Mass,” said one respondent. Pastoral administrators also observed that continuous formation strengthens responsible and conscious engagement. Faith formation is not an optional program but a strategic foundation for vibrant liturgical life.
Implications for Parish Life
First, liturgical renewal should
prioritize faith formation, not only structural adjustments. Second, catechesis must be contextual, connecting Church teachings with daily
realities. Third, parishioners should be treated as active subjects in the life of the
Church, not passive attendees.
Author Profile
Yohana Aek Klau is a lecturer and
researcher at Santu Petrus Pastoral College of the Diocese of Atambua in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Her academic focus includes: pastoral theology, faith
formation, and Catholic liturgy, particularly within local Church contexts.
Sources
Yohana Aek Klau. “Increasing Active
Participation in the Catholic Liturgy through Faith Formation in the Diocese of
Atambua.”Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology (IJCET),
Vol. 5 No. 1, Februari 2026, halaman 57–64.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v5i1.9
URL: https://journalijcet.my.id/index.php/ijcet
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