Karnataka Church Revises Sunday Catechism Textbooks for Children

BENGALURU, October 19, 2026: The Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) has begun revising Sunday catechism textbooks for Standards I to III, aiming to make faith formation more engaging through child-friendly lessons, visuals and activities.

The Textbook Revision Committee held its first meeting on October 15 at Subhodhana, the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Centre in Bengaluru. The meeting brought together 17 members from the dioceses of Bangalore, Belgaum, Chikkamagaluru, Mandya and Shivamogga, along with representatives of the Salesian and Claretian congregations.

The initiative follows a September meeting of KRPPIC, which called for an urgent revision of existing Sunday catechism textbooks, beginning with the first three standards.

Bishop Arokia Raj Satis Kumar, chairman of the Commission for Faith Formation, urged the committee to develop a syllabus that would encourage children to participate enthusiastically in catechism and set a high standard for catechetical materials in the country.

Regional Coordinator Fr Anil Joel Prasad welcomed the participants, while committee convenor Lidiya Peter outlined the objectives and working methods. Fr Gilbert Choondal SDB presented syllabus models from other regions and discussed essential elements of catechism textbooks and approaches to lesson planning.

Drawing on their experience in parishes and classrooms, members stressed the need for lessons relevant to children’s lives, with greater emphasis on activities and illustrations. They also proposed incorporating the lives of saints, encouraging parental involvement and introducing a Catechism Teachers’ Day to recognise catechists.

The committee decided to prepare 10 lessons for each grade. Textbooks for Standards I to III will contain less text, more illustrations and activities, and lessons limited to three pages. The materials will be printed in colour.

A Student Textbook, Workbook and Catechist’s Guide will be developed together. QR codes will provide access to supplementary resources, while a dedicated regional app and YouTube channel are also planned.

During the afternoon session, members formed two teams to prepare draft syllabi covering Grades 1 to 12. An expert committee headed by Bishop Satis Kumar, with specialists in theology, Scripture and liturgy and experienced educators, will review the drafts. The syllabus will be finalised after incorporating their recommendations, paving the way for lesson writing.

Responsibilities were assigned for workbook and activity development, action songs, design, content writing, editing and Kannada translation.

The committee aims to complete the draft textbooks by February 2027, with pilot implementation in selected parishes scheduled for June 2027. Its next meeting is set for October 22, when additional members and those absent from the first meeting are expected to participate.

The initiative draws inspiration from Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14: “Let the children come to me.”

By Lidiya Peter, Convenor, Textbook Revision Committee, Commission for Faith Formation, KRCBC