NADIAD, August 10, 2026: The Commission for Faith Formation of the Diocese of Ahmedabad organized a seminar on “Synodal Approaches in Catechesis and Implementation of the Pastoral Plan” for Batch 1 of priests, religious and catechists of the Diocese of Ahmedabad, Western Region. The seminar was held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Nadiad, with 101 participants taking part.
The programme was conducted under the pastoral guidance of Most Rev. Dr Athanasius Rethna Swamy, Bishop of Ahmedabad, and under the leadership of Fr Jayaraj, Diocesan Secretary and Director of the Commission for Faith Formation, and Fr Ashwin SDB, Associate Secretary.
The session began at 3:45 p.m. and brought together priests, religious and catechists committed to renewing and strengthening catechetical ministry in the diocese.
Most Rev. Dr Athanasius Rethna Swamy delivered the keynote address, exploring the meaning of synodality and its implementation in the Diocese of Ahmedabad. He emphasized that synodality is a way of being Church that calls everyone to listen, participate, discern and walk together in fulfilling the mission of Christ.
The Bishop encouraged priests, religious and catechists to foster greater participation, collaboration and dialogue in pastoral and catechetical activities.
The principal resource person, Fr Vijay Kumar Machado, Executive Secretary, CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, conducted an intensive session on “Synodal Approaches in Faith Formation at Various Levels.”
Fr Vijay addressed the changing context of catechesis and highlighted the need to understand the psychology, experiences and faith-formation needs of different age groups and generations, particularly Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and Generation Z, as well as adults and other sectors of catechetical ministry.
He emphasized that catechesis in the present context needs to move beyond a purely instructional model towards a participatory, relational and dialogical approach, enabling people to encounter Christ and connect faith with their everyday lives.
The seminar was not limited to theoretical presentations. Participants actively engaged in group discussions, interactive activities and practical workshops, giving them opportunities to reflect on their own catechetical experiences and challenges.
The participants worked in groups to discuss the changing realities faced by children, adolescents, youth and adults and explored practical ways of making catechesis more participatory, contextual, engaging and synodal.
The workshops enabled the participants to share experiences from their respective pastoral contexts, identify challenges in catechetical ministry and propose concrete approaches for improving faith formation. The interactive methodology encouraged collaboration, listening and mutual learning among priests, religious and catechists.
Fr Vijay also demonstrated the dialogical methodology through YOUCAT, showing how the YOUCAT approach can be used to create meaningful faith conversations, particularly among young people.
Through practical examples and workshop-based learning, participants explored ways of encouraging children and youth to ask questions, share their experiences, listen to one another and discover the richness of Christian faith through dialogue.
The practical sessions generated considerable interest and enthusiasm. Participants expressed their joy and appreciation for the new insights and new avenues available in contemporary catechetical ministry.
The seminar provided an important platform for the participants to reflect together, learn from one another and explore practical ways of implementing the pastoral plan through a more synodal and participatory approach to faith formation.
The programme concluded with a prayer, followed by supper at 8:30 p.m. The participants departed with renewed enthusiasm and commitment to strengthen catechetical ministry and contribute actively to the pastoral mission of the Diocese of Ahmedabad.
Fr Jayaraj, Director, Commission for Faith Formation, Diocese of Ahmedabad, coordinated the programme with the support of the diocesan team.
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