Asansol laity prioritize children’s catechesis

By I P Sarto

Burdwan, Sept 27, 2024: A group of lay people in Asansol diocese of eastern India has decided to take children’s catechesis to families and parishes as a priority.

This was the outcome of the two-day orientation program, attended by about 100 lay leaders from 14 parishes at Chetana, diocesan pastoral center, in Asansol.

The September 26-27 program dealt with the Word of God, Basic Ecclesial communities, catechesis, proclamation and role of laity.

Mary Immaculate Sister Rajni Marandi, the program facilitator, pointed out that the laity has an important role in the Church. With various examples, she explained how laity can be active in parishes.

“Presently most of our laity are sleeping giants, they need to be woken up,” asserted Sister Marandi, who is involved in pastoral work for more than a decade in West Bengal dioceses.

Sister Marandi’s companion, Sister Sangeetha Macwan, stressed the need for making catechism teaching more creative. She invited all to reflect on the personal experience of God and to share it with others. “When our method is effective, the message will reach our audience convincingly,” she added.

Sisters of Charity sister Roshita Murmu, involved in catechesis for more than three decades in the Asansol diocese, said children will learn better when catechism is taught systematically with regularity.

“Our life should be a great example for the children,” she added.

Xavier Xalxo of the Burdwan parish bemoaned that lack of regular faith formation in the families and in parishes has led to many youth losing faith gradually.

While Babulal Hembrum, a catechist from Kalna parish, said children need to be guided well in faith, prayer and moral values, Ashima Toppo, another participant, said the regular catechism is essential for our children in the current situation.

Anita Minj from Burdwan noted that children now are busier with studies and media and catechism teachers have to encourage them to spend time for faith formation in families and parishes.

The participants planned to share their decision of children’s catechesis as a priority in parishes and parish councils. Emeritus Bishop Cyprian Monis of Asansol appreciated them for their initiative and asked them to use the Bible stories as medium of catechesis.

Every baptised person is chosen by God to proclaim the Gospel to all people in the neighbourhood, said Bapi Soren, a youth while sharing about Proclamation.

“God has loved us and he has invited us to share the Good News of Jesus to all,” he added, referring to various Church documents.

Alphonse Hembrum from Bolpur said the laity need to take up catechesis as an important mission in the parish and to motivate others for faith formation.