KRISIS PEMAHAMAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PROFESI GURU PENDIDIKAN KEAGAMAAN KATOLIK (PAK) DI DESA WATU RAMBUNG

Abstract

This study aims to determine the community’s understanding of the profession of Catholic Religious Education (PAK) teachers in Watu Rambung Village, the factors contributing to the low level of community understanding, the impacts arising from this condition, and efforts to improve community understanding of the PAK teacher profession. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques were conducted through interviews, observation, and documentation involving community leaders, parents, PAK teachers, and local community members as research informants. The results of the study show that most of the community still understands PAK teachers only as classroom religious subject teachers and have not fully understood their role as faith educators, moral guides, character builders, and spiritual companions for students. The low level of community understanding is influenced by the lack of socialization regarding the duties of PAK teachers, minimal community involvement in faith formation activities, a community mindset that is more economically oriented, and low parental awareness of the importance of faith education for children. This condition has resulted in a low appreciation of the PAK teacher profession, limited community support for faith formation activities, and a decreasing interest among the younger generation in becoming Catholic Religious Education teachers. Therefore, cooperation between the Church, schools, PAK teachers, parents, and the community is needed to improve understanding of the importance of the PAK teacher profession in faith formation and character development of students.