Calbayog diocese training young women catechists

The project stems from "the ease with which they can relate to and teach young children.” Groups of 45 women or more attend two-day classes. Training involves specific modules on various aspects of catechesis. Nuns and lay people act as mentors.

Manila (AsiaNews) – University students play a central role in a project to train catechists in the Diocese of Calbayog (Western Samar province).

“We train young people, especially young women graduates or students, to become weekend catechists to teach the doctrine, values ​​and traditions of the Catholic religion to children in rural areas," said Bella B. de los Reyes, one of the diocese's teachers, speaking to AsiaNews.

The Catholic woman works on the project with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a congregation that trains young people in the diocese.

“We have a short course with specific modules on various aspects of catechism and catechesis for the young people who are passionate and motivated to teach the Catholic faith to children and young people with missionary zeal,” de los Reyes said.

 “I closely work with Sr Theresa Knox Gude and others so that we get the right people for our mission,” she added.

Groups of 45 or more young women come together for training, which lasts a couple of days monitored by nuns and lay mentors. This method was adopted two years ago.

Recruiting young women to teach catechesis stems from “the ease with which they can relate to and teach young children. They are known for the way in which they can keep them interested while passing on the principles of faith in the most pleasant and attractive way."

"Everything is done on a voluntary basis,” de los Reyes noted, “even if the costs for transfers and food are reimbursed".

"It is our sincere hope that our trained catechists will keep the work of evangelisation alive, as they pursue their respective careers, and find time to dedicate themselves on weekends," the educator said.

The Diocese of Calbayog’s vision is to have "a community of people united in faith, hope and love, centred on Christ, living by the Word and the Sacraments, prophetically bearing witness to the Gospel values of sharing, unity, peace and justice, in solidarity with the poor, under the guidance of the Magisterium and the example of Mary, Mother of the Church."

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• calbayog
• catechists
• women
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• catechism