FLASH NEWS:
NEWS
PUNE, June 30:
70 Catechists Complete Formation Programme at Salesian Catechetical Centre, Pune
News reported by: Alisha Khemali
The Salesian Catechetical Centre, Pune, conducted a two-day Catechists' Basic Training Course (CTBT) on June 27–28. The programme equipped 70 catechists from parishes across the Poona Diocese with the spiritual, theological and practical foundations required for catechetical ministry.
Organised by the Centre's Core Team, the programme prepared new catechists for service in their respective parishes by deepening their faith, strengthening their knowledge of Church teaching, and developing their effective teaching skills.
The programme began with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, followed by an inaugural session led by Fr Cyril de Souza on the vocation and mission of a catechist. From this opening, he stressed that catechesis is more than imparting religious instruction, describing it as a divine calling to accompany others on their journey of faith. Referring to Antiquum Ministerium (No. 6), he encouraged participants to become witnesses of faith, teachers, mystagogues, companions and pedagogues who proclaim the Gospel through both word and example.
Building on this theme, Fr Bosco Carvalho, Director of the Salesian Catechetical Centre, introduced participants to key catechetical resources, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), YOUCAT, and DOCAT. He explained how these texts help catechists understand, communicate, and live the Church's teachings.
Fr Carvalho, together with Ms Alisha Khemali, also facilitated sessions titled "Abide in Me" and "Content and Inspiration of the Bible." The sessions emphasised prayer as a living relationship with God and explored the formation, structure, and relevance of Sacred Scripture, helping participants appreciate the Bible as the foundation of catechesis.
Mrs Nisha Cardoz conducted an interactive session titled "Come and See," inviting participants to encounter Christ personally and to imitate His approach to relating to others. Mr Darryl D'Silva presented practical insights into Jesus' teaching methods, offering strategies to make catechism classes engaging, meaningful, and Christ-centred.
The programme's practical component was reinforced through sessions led by Fr Ian Doulton and Mr Udaya Patil, who trained participants in lesson planning and classroom methodology. Through demonstrations and interactive exercises, they guided catechists in preparing effective catechism lessons.
Participants expressed appreciation for the programme's practical orientation and spiritual depth. "All the resource persons were well prepared and taught us how to prepare our lesson plans. I have learned many values and practical insights that I will take back to my Sunday School class. The sessions have enriched me in my role as a catechist," one participant said.
The CTBT 2026 concluded as a grace-filled experience of learning, prayer, and fellowship, equipping catechists to serve their parish communities with renewed confidence, deeper faith, and practical competence.
1258
1258
News Published by
Common Spiritual Direction Series
✥ CSDS ✤ Download Your Kit Free
Join the Conversation
Your experience matters. Whether you’re a youth leader, educator, or simply passionate about making a difference—your insights add value that reporting alone can't capture. When you comment, you're not just reacting—you're helping shape a thoughtful, encouraging community.
Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
