Gospel Sharing Leads a Baptist Family to the Catholic Church in Assam

Assam, August 19, 2026: They were not part of the Catholic community. Yet, they began coming to its Gospel-sharing gatherings, listening closely to the readings and discussions. Soon, the children told the catechists that they wanted to be part of the Catholic Church. What followed was the baptism of an entire family from the Baptist community.

A BEC Takes Root in Lower Thorko

Lower Thorko, situated in Goalpara district of Assam, is inhabited by different tribes, including Garos, Rabhas, Boros, Koch and Kachari. The village has diverse Christian communities, including Roman Catholics and Baptists.

The area has a small Catholic community that wants to strengthen its faith and build closer connections through the BEC.

On December 3, 2024, a dedicated team led by Fr. Edmund K. Helly, along with Ignatius Subedi and Atos Momin, visited Panishali Parish and conducted a BEC awareness programme. Five BEC groups were formed that day.

Among them, the St. Joseph BEC unit from Lower Thorko stood out for its enthusiasm and commitment.

When the Gospel Drew Children In

The newly formed BEC wasted no time. Members returned to their village and immediately began organising regular community gatherings on Gospel sharing, reflection and prayer.

There had been no formal engagement and spiritual outreach in the Lower Thorko area prior to the formation of the BEC. Additionally, several children from non-Catholic backgrounds were interested in faith but remained unrecognised.

The St. Joseph BEC unit committed to holding regular meetings on Gospel teachings and faith formation. As these meetings gained momentum, children from outside the Catholic community started attending.

They listened intently during Gospel readings and discussions and showed genuine interest in learning more about the Catholic faith.

The catechetical team, comprising Mr. Prabhat Marak, Head Catechist of Panishali Parish; Mr. Pradip Sangma, Catechist of Lower Thorko; and Mr. Chamberlin Marak, Assistant Catechist, noticed the unfamiliar faces and asked them who they were.

The children responded, “We are not from your Catholic community, but after listening to the Gospel and learning about the Catholic Church, we want to be part of it.”

A Family Takes the Next Step

The catechist immediately visited the children’s home and talked with their parents. He found that all the children belonged to one family from the Baptist community.

The parents expressed their desire to be baptised, and the catechists encouraged them to join the Catholic Church.

The family, consisting of Raksal Marak, father; Barnadett Sangma, mother; and their children, was baptised by Fr Peter Marak, Parish Priest of Panishali Parish, on February 14, 2025.

They are active members of St Joseph Catholic Church, Lower Thorko.

A Witness to the Impact of BEC

The newly baptised family is actively participating in church activities. Their journey is a testament to the positive impact of the BEC programme in bringing people to the Catholic Church.

What began with regular Gospel sharing, reflection and prayer in the St Joseph BEC of Lower Thorko led a family from the Baptist community to become part of the Catholic Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter