Commission for Faith Formation Equips Mangalore's Lay Catechists with New Tips and Tools

MANGALORE, May 23: In a significant step toward enhancing faith education and empowering local parishes, the Commission for Faith Formation, Diocese of Mangalore, organized an intensive one-day training program for Sunday and School catechism teachers today. Held at Mangala Jyothi, Shanti Kiran—the Diocesan Catechetical Centre—the event drew approximately 200 dedicated Sunday and school catechism teachers.

The program was organized under the pastoral guidance of the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, and spearheaded by Fr. Rohit D'Costa, Secretary of the Commission. The day commenced with a prayerful inauguration ceremony, followed by a warm welcoming address delivered by Fr. D'Costa.

Equipping Teachers with New Tools

The primary objective of the training was to introduce modern methodologies and practical tools to faith educators. The session featured Rev. Dr. Gilbert Choondal, SDB, a National Council member of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, as the primary resource person.

Addressing the core theme, "Tips and Tools in Catechesis," Dr. Choondal led an insightful input session paired with a practical, hands-on workshop. The sessions were meticulously designed to equip educators with effective teaching techniques that resonate with today's children and youth.

Implementing the Pastoral Plan at the Grassroots

This training serves as a key component in the active implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan at the local level. The Diocese of Mangalore currently stands as a leading model among dioceses in India for its highly systematic and synodal approach to catechetical ministry.

The diocese ensures that its pastoral plan reaches every parish through a highly organized structure:

• Widespread Reach: Every parish conducts systematic Sunday and school catechism classes, ensuring consistent and uninterrupted faith formation for children.
• Inclusive Ministry: The diocese hosts special Sunday masses for children alongside dedicated catechesis programs for children, youth, and adults. This is achieved in close collaboration with the Youth Commission, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and the Family Commission.
• Robust Workforce: The local implementation of these programs is supported by a dedicated and passionate network of approximately 2,600 lay catechism teachers across the region.
• Structured Leadership: Catechism coordinators at the diocesan, deanery, and parish levels take full responsibility for organizing, guiding, and overseeing these educational initiatives on the ground.

(Reported by Fr. Rohit D'Costa)