Vasai Diocese Calls on Teachers to Deepen Faith Formation and Values Education

Vasai, July 11, 2026: The Diocese of Vasai has urged teachers of Catechism, Moral Science and Value Education to strengthen faith formation in Catholic schools, describing their role as a vital ministry in shaping young people with Christian values.

Teachers from schools across the diocese gathered at St. Francis Xavier School, Giriz, on Saturday for a formation programme focused on enhancing religious education and values-based learning.

The meeting opened with a prayer service led by teachers from Nazareth School, followed by a presentation from Ms. Brinal Andrades, who outlined the initiatives of the Vasai Diocesan Catechetical Centre to promote faith formation throughout the diocese.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Kiran Lopes, Director of the Diocesan Board of Education, underlined the importance of catechism in schools and encouraged teachers to regard religious education as an integral part of the holistic development of students.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme, "Teaching Values is a Mission, Not Just a Profession," Fr. Nilesh Tuscano, Director of the Vasai Diocesan Catechetical Centre, called on teachers to see themselves not only as educators but also as witnesses of Christ entrusted with nurturing the faith and moral values of young people. He invited participants to reflect on their vocation, the challenges they encounter and ways to make their teaching more life-giving and transformative.

Fr. Tuscano also conducted a model lesson on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, demonstrating creative and interactive methods of teaching Christian values in the classroom.

Fr. Christopher Vaz, Director of Yuvadarshan, Vasai, addressed the teachers on preparing students for the Civil Services and introduced the opportunities available through the Young Students' Movement (YSM) and Young Catholic Students (YCS) to foster responsible leadership among youth.

The programme also featured group discussions during which participants shared experiences and practical suggestions for strengthening faith formation and religious education in schools.

Concluding the meeting, Bishop Thomas D'Souza of the Diocese of Vasai thanked the teachers for their commitment to Catholic education. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their mission, reminding them that although their work may often go unnoticed, every act of love and service is valued by God.

Fr. Nilesh Tuscano proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the bishop, resource persons, school management and participants before the programme concluded with the bishop's blessing.

By Catholic Connect Reporter