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Faith Formation – Catechism

Department of Catechesis

MISSION To teach the Syro Malabar Catholic faith in partnership with parents, the primary educators of their children. The journey of faith begins at Baptism and calls for children to actively participate with their parents in the full life of our Catholic Church. In order for this journey to enrich the lives of everyone involved, each catechist, parent and student must understand and embrace his/her role.



WORD

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).



COMMAND

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples were given a final command by Christ to ‘GO’ continuing His ministry of teaching, not alone but He himself, being with them. Since the first century, the Church has taken this mission seriously, preaching and teaching continuously, until the end of the age showing the way of salvation.



Inspired by this word of God, Catechism has a pivotal role in our parish where we envisage a faith filled future generation who is able to impart the same to their young and keep the flame of faith alive.


Our Catechists carry on the mission of our Lord by living themselves and nurturing the faith of the young, developing Christ-like attitude and service in them, empowering them with traditional prayers and word of God, imparting the traditions and culture of the Syro-Malabar church and thereby developing future leaders of the church.



Our Catechism ministry is built upon these core values.

  • Prayer as a priority in both congregational and personal life.
  • A strong ministry which teaches, equips, and trains children and young people to be discerning andcourageous Christians.
  • Ministry that occurs in relationships and close fellowship ensuring mutual respect and development of one another.
  • Setting examples to the young ones by way of life and service.
  • Strengthening own spirituality through regular sacraments, prayer and word of god.

Saints of week

Saint Dominic Savio is a wonderful hero for young people today.  This teenage saint's way to holiness was to live the spirituality that was shared with him by St. John Bosco and his Salesians, basically a life lived simply by doing the everyday duties of life in an extra ordinary way.  It is a youth spirituality that can be lived by people of all ages.  The Salesian Spirituality responds to the Gospel imperative given by Jesus to his disciples and to all who follow Him, "Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.’  Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them." (Mark 10: 14-16)

At the age of twelve Dominic met John Bosco. Dominic told him that he wished to be a priest. At the age of fourteen years old, he started at the Don Bosco School. Dominic was kind and friendly to all the students. Dominic had a great enthusiasm for the Eucharist. At school Dominic organised a club called the Company of the Immaculate Conception. They would do jobs around the school such as sweeping the floor and helping other boys who were misbehaving at school. At the age of only 14 Dominic died from an illness. He died on 9 March 1857


St Dominic Savio was canonised in on June 12, 1954. He is the saint for young boys and the falsely accused. His feast day is March 9, the day of his death. Dominic was canonised by Pope Pius XII.

John Bosco was born on 16 August 1815 in a farmhouse near a small village east of Turin in northern Italy. His father died when he was only a child. He felt this very deeply and it made him want to care for young people who struggled with the same circumstances in their lives. His mother, Margaret, was a wonderful woman whose own faith made a deep impression on him.


As well as being a practical man, he lived his life based on a deep love of God. His mother, Margaret, had instilled this in him from a young age. This was united with a profound sense of compassion for people from all walks of life based on humanity, kindness and a balanced attitude towards life.


He was convinced that everyone could be holy and constantly challenged his boys to love God and to accept responsibility for their own development as Christians and as good members of society. His famous quotes: “It is enough for me that you are young for me to love you” and “You will find writers far more talented than me, but, you will never find anyone who loves you and wants your true happiness more than I do“ make clear his commitment to nurturing the fragile spirits of young people. Everyone he met felt as if they were especially loved by him.


Exhausted finally by his tireless work, he fell seriously ill. As he lay dying, many of his boys offered their own life to God in exchange for his. He died on 31 January, 1888, at the age of 72. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 1934, Pope Pius XI, who had had the good fortune to know him personally, proclaimed him a Saint.

First Communion

First Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. Catholics believe these to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Most Catholic children receive their First Communion when they’re 9 or 10 years old, because this is considered the age of reason. Other people can receive communion for the first time whenever they’ve met all of the Catholic Church’s requirements.


Preparation

For anyone to receive communion, that person must be considered to be without sin and in a state of grace. Traditionally, young Catholic children will make their first confession, also called the Sacrament of Penance, a week before receiving their First Communion. At confession, the child will tell his or her sins and misdeeds to a priest and receive a penance in exchange. The penance usually is several prayers to be recited immediately after leaving the confessional. After this, the child is considered to be absolved of sin, and he or she is ready for his or her First Communion.



Basic Christian

Catechism Coordinators

Mini Joseph (Principal)

Dandenong Centre has children from grades 1-10. Regular classes on every Sundays at 09.30 to 11.00 am at St Johns Junior College, Dandenong . A high school catechism program is underway for Grade 11 and 12 students with Total of 700+. There are dedicated teachers and One coordinator serving the ministry.

Mabinse John  (Coordinator)

Box Hill Centre has children from grades 1-10.Regular classes on 1st Sundays at St Pascals Chapel, Box Hill and on 2nd 3rd and 4th Sundays at St Marks Anglican Church, Forest Hill from 3 to 5 Pm.There are teachers serving the ministry.

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