SHIMOGA, – In a strategic move to revitalize spiritual education, the Diocese of Shimoga recently concluded a two-day intensive training programme for Catechism Coordinators, Religious, and Priests. Held on March 1-2 at Sannidhi, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, the event focused on modernizing faith formation through the lens of synodality.
Leadership and Organization
The program was conducted under the visionary guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, and Delegate Msgr. Stany D’Souza.
The initiative was organized by Fr. Santhosh Almeda, Secretary for the Commission for Faith Formation, who underscored the importance of continuous learning for those at the helm of parish education.
Key Themes: A Synodal Path
The central theme of the training was "Synodal Approaches in Catechesis," with a specific focus on the practical implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan within the Catechetical Apostolate.
Fr. Vijay Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, served as the primary resource person. Through a series of presentations and interactive workshops, he guided the participants on how to move from a traditional "lecture-style" teaching to a more collaborative, listening-based approach.
He also explained fundamental elements of catechesis, different levels of catechesis, womb to tomb catechesis, tasks of catechesis and practical projects of catechesis.
Participation and Impact
The event saw a robust turnout, reflecting the Diocese's commitment to growth:
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops designed to tackle the "on-the-ground" challenges of modern faith formation. Many attendees described the sessions as "the need of the hour," noting that the insights into current trends in the Catechetical Apostolate provided them with the tools necessary to engage a younger, more tech-savvy generation of faithful.
"This training has bridged the gap between traditional teachings and the current needs of our community," remarked one attendee. "The shift toward a synodal approach ensures that no one is left behind in our journey of faith."
The Diocese of Shimoga continues to prioritize these formation programs to ensure that its leaders remain equipped to handle the evolving landscape of the Church in India.
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