- 27 August, 2025
Goa, August 6, 2025: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Catechetics, based at Shanti Sadan in Goa, has announced the launch of its Online Catechetical Diploma Course for the academic year 2025–2026. Aimed at clergy, religious, and laypersons involved or interested in catechetical ministry, the course promises to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the faith and contemporary approaches to catechesis.
The one-year diploma will commence on 14 October 2025 and will be conducted virtually via the Zoom platform. Sessions will be held twice a month, on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Participants will receive a diploma e-certificate issued by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India upon successful completion of all course requirements, including the submission of a final assignment.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive exploration of topics vital to catechetical formation. These include the fundamentals and history of catechetics, its theological foundations, agents and sources, and various contextual and synodal approaches. Special attention is given to catechesis for children, youth, adolescents, adults, and families, along with lay missionary catechists and Sunday school catechesis.
Participants will also study the relationship between the Word of God and catechesis, the role of media and liturgy, the catechesis of the human body, and the significance of the National Catechetical Directory. The course will further explore the Catechism of the Catholic Church, YOUCAT and DOCAT, catechetical documents of the Church, and the broader directory for catechesis.
The sessions will be led by an esteemed panel of resource persons, including Rev. Dr Stephen Alathara (Delhi), Rev. Dr Gilbert Choondal, SDB (Bangalore), Rev. Dr Fr Jayapalan Raphael, SDB (Chennai), Rev. Fr Vincent D’Cruz (Mumbai), Rev. Fr Romeu Godinho (Goa), Rev. Fr George Chinnappan, SDB (Tamil Nadu), Rev. Fr Cletus D’Souza, SDB (Pune), Rev. Fr Duming Gonsalves (Goa), Rev. Fr Vijay Machado (CCBI, Goa), Sr Siji Lonan (Bangalore), and Fr Rohit D’Costa (Mangalore).
The course will be delivered in English, and the registration fee is ₹3300, which is non-refundable. Interested participants can obtain the registration form by emailing office@shantisadan.in, and must submit the completed form along with payment details (UTR number) to the same address. Entry is open anytime before the launch date.
For further queries, individuals may contact 9309110391, 9270494488, or 8762716282. The course is coordinated by Fr. Duming Gonsalves, Administrator of Shanti Sadan, Goa.
This initiative by the CCBI Commission for Catechetics offers a timely opportunity for pastoral workers and faith educators to grow in their catechetical mission, grounded in Church teaching and responsive to today’s needs.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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