Lay Catechists in Goa Experience Lived Faith Through Parish Homestay Programme

Goa, February 1, 2026: Lay catechists from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman participated in a unique parish homestay programme as part of the Catechetical Sunday celebrations, gaining first-hand experience of faith lived within families and Small Christian Communities (SCCs).

A total of 205 lay catechists gathered at the Parish of Sts Cosme and Damian, Bogmalo, on January 31 for a two-day catechetical programme centred on prayer, fellowship, and experiential learning. A key highlight of the initiative was an overnight homestay, during which catechists stayed with parish families, offering them a close encounter with the life of the domestic Church.

The event marked the 23rd Weekend Catechetical Sunday celebration, an initiative launched in 2004 at Siolim Parish under the leadership of Fr. Alfred Vaz, former Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.

Following the inaugural session, catechists were welcomed into the parish’s SCCs, with two catechists assigned to each host family. Parishioners, supported by nearly 100 volunteers, prepared their homes and communities to receive the guests, reflecting a strong spirit of hospitality. Through shared meals, prayer, and personal interaction, catechists experienced faith as it is lived and witnessed in everyday family life.

Fr. Teo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sts Cosme and Damian, formally welcomed the participants. Fr. Marcelin Rodrigues, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, visited the SCCs during the homestay and described the initiative to Catholic Connect as “totally biblical and rooted in the identity of the early Christians,” highlighting its emphasis on prayer, the breaking of the Bread, apostolic teaching, and fellowship.

Mutual prayer between catechists and host families formed the heart of the experience. Participants also joined in the Eucharistic celebration and listened to the homily and address of Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

Catechists shared moving personal testimonies of lived faith. Roque Fernandes of St. Sebastian Church, Calvim, said the homestay revealed catechesis expressed through love, family unity, and daily Christian witness. Maria Estrocio of Mount Carmel Chapel, Curtorim, spoke of discovering faith through simple acts of love, sincere prayer, and warm hospitality that transformed strangers into family.

Natalia Fernandes of St. Joseph Church, Pernem, recalled her initial anxiety about staying with an unfamiliar family, which gradually gave way to a deep sense of God’s presence through shared activities, trust, and genuine welcome.

Host parishioners also described the experience as enriching. Ulysses Menezes of Bogmalo, who hosted two catechists, said moments of prayer, the Rosary, shared meals, and faith-filled conversations fostered a strong bond, reminding him that opening one’s home becomes an encounter with Christ and the Church.

The initiative reaffirmed catechesis as a shared journey rooted in community life, prayer, and the witness of everyday Christian living.

Lay Catechists in Goa Experience Lived Faith Through Parish Homestay Programme

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