Karwar Diocese: Kumta Deanery Holds One-Day Training for Catechism Teachers

KUMTA, Karwar, June 16, 2025: The Catechetical Commission of Kumta Deanery, Diocese of Karwar, conducted a one-day training programme for catechism teachers on Sunday, June 15, at Nirmal School, Kumta. The event, held under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Catechetical Commission of Karwar Diocese, brought together more than 40 catechism teachers, including several religious sisters, from 12 parishes across the deanery, aiming to enhance their teaching skills and deepen their spiritual formation.

Fr. Cyprian Silva extended a warm welcome to all the attendees. He inaugurated the training programme with a session on the "Spirituality of the Catechism Teacher", emphasising the importance of personal holiness and the missionary dimension of catechetical ministry. 

In his second session, Fr. Cyprian elaborated on the vital role catechists play in the Church. He guided the participants on what to teach children and how to effectively transmit the knowledge of the faith to them. He said that the teaching approach that teachers must adopt should aim not only to impart knowledge but also to help form the faith and daily Christian practice of the students. He reminded participants that catechism goes beyond doctrinal instruction and is fundamentally about forming disciples who live out their faith.

Adding to the richness of the day, Fr. Santosh Lopes, Parish Priest of St. Vincent Pallotti Church, Kadle, delivered a compelling talk on the “Importance of Catechism in Our Faith Journey”. He urged catechists to view their service as a sacred mission, especially in light of today’s social and cultural challenges.

The programme included a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Cyprian and concelebrated by Fr. Mark. In his homily, Fr. Mark offered a profound reflection on the Holy Trinity, emphasising the core values of love and unity. He urged all present to imbibe these divine attributes and become true witnesses of God’s love in their communities. He also addressed and corrected common misconceptions about the Trinity, providing theological clarity and inspiration to the gathered catechists.

Fr. Basteo also graced the occasion with his presence, offering words of motivation and support to the teachers.

The day concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the catechists, who expressed gratitude for the enriching inputs and spiritual nourishment received. The training not only equipped them with better tools for teaching but also deepened their commitment to the catechetical mission of the Church. 

Fr. Cyprian extended heartfelt thanks to the Superior and Community of the St. John the Baptist Convent (CSST) Sisters for generously hosting the programme in the school run by the congregation and attending to all its logistical needs. He also acknowledged all the priests of the Kumta deanery for actively encouraging catechists to participate in the programme and expressed deep gratitude to Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar Diocese, for his unwavering support and guidance in the faith formation mission of the Church.

By Fr. Cyprian Silva,

Director,

Catechetical Commission, 

Diocese of Karwar