Happy Catechetical Month to all our beloved catechists who give so generously of their time, talent and treasure!!! The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain salutes you for this voluntary service. Many seated in our congregations at Eucharist each weekend are unaware of the ‘work behind the scenes’ for First Communion, Confirmation, Infant or Adult Baptism. A group of committed catechists come out each weekend or evening to labour in God’s vineyard, instructing these young people in the faith. What a rewarding ministry…that of passing on the faith to the next generation; yet it so often goes unrecognised!

Whilst every baptised person is called by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the coming of God’s Reign, those who respond to the call to be a catechist must be approved by their parish priest.

To become a catechist, a person has to:

• be inspired by the Holy Spirit
• have a relationship with Jesus
• have a love of the faith
• try to walk daily in the way of Jesus
• be available for training

Catechists have to be open to the Holy Spirit for the success of this ministry, the aim of which is to put people not only in touch with but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ. All catechesis that is offered must be centred on the Person of Jesus Christ. No matter what resources we use or what methodology we engage, the quality of the catechesis we give depends on the quality of our own prayer and sacramental life.  We can only teach about Jesus if we are in communion with Jesus.  If this aspect does not exist, those we catechise may gain knowledge of Christ but not communion and intimacy with Christ.

With this in mind, the Catechetical Office is hosting Dr Thomas Groome, Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.  Dr Groome visited our shores many years ago and left his imprint in our hearts.  He is due to speak at a Catechetical Conference on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6, 2013 at Holy Faith Convent, Couva.  Each day will begin at 9 o’clock and end at 2.00 p.m.

Dr Groome will be a refreshing voice as he addresses us on the themes, Will There Be Faith and What makes us Catholic.

Dr Groome has an official church Mandatum as a Catholic Theologian and he has published several books, some of which include Catholic Spiritual Practices: A Treasury Old and New; Reclaiming Catholicism: Treasures Old and New; Educating for Life: A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent; Empowering Catechetical Leaders.

We invite all Catholics but especially our Catechists and Teachers in our Primary and Secondary Schools – and anyone who would like to experience an awakening of the Faith – to attend this Conference.

Tickets are available at the Catechetical Office in Port of Spain –  623-5139 and La Romaine – 652-4446.

Why not make this a family outing?  Tickets are priced at TT$200 and this includes materials, refreshments and lunch on both days.

Juliet Rajah (Sr.) CHF

Directress of Catechetics

Archdiocesan Catechetical Office