Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 10: The City Deanery of the Mangalore Diocese organized a half day refresher programme for the Sunday Catechism teachers on August 9 at Derebail Parish hall under the guidance of Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Catechism coordinator of the deanery. The programme began with the prayer led by Prescilla Monteiro. Fr Gerald Francis Pinto conducted the scripture reflection. Sr Reena extended a warm welcome to the respected guests and participants.
Fr Joseph Martis, the parish priest of Derebail was the chief guest. In his address he appreciated the hard work and sacrifices the Catechists put in for educating the children of the parish in Catholic faith. Pratibha D'Souza introduced the resource person. Fr Vijay Machado, the director of the Mangalore Diocesan Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (Mangala Jyothi). Fr Vijay Machado during his session enlightened the gathering on the importance of teaching the Holy Bible to the children during the Catechism classes, and gave good examples of teaching the Bible in simple ways. He pointed out that there is a need that our catechesis should be a role model for bringing a change in the young children, providing practical every day tips to the children, like spontaneous prayer, self-help, relationship with family members, friends and community life.
After the break Fr Vijay Machado continued his talk on the importance of Holy Mass and explained the significance of the liturgy and how to motivate the children and youth to take active part in the liturgy. He stressed that the Holy Mass is a celebration where we gather together whole-heartedly as a family to praise and worship God, to thank Him and to pray for the entire mankind. The catechists later celebrated the Holy Mass in the Most Holy Redeemer Church. A total of 112 Catechists benefitted from this programme.
Thelma Monteiro, Jean Maria Noronha and Sr Lorna D'Souza managed the registration counter. Celestine Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks. Gaulbert Pais was the master of ceremony for the programme. The half day programme was concluded with a fellowship meal.