Empowering Catechists: Archdiocese of Bangalore Hosts Specialised Workshop

Bengaluru, November 8, 2025: In a vibrant initiative to strengthen faith formation at the parish level, the Archdiocese of Bangalore organized a Specialised Workshop for Catechists focusing on First Holy Communion and Confirmation at Paalana Bhavana, the pastoral centre of the Archdiocese. The day-long workshop brought together 155 catechists from across the Archdiocese — most of them lay persons deeply committed to nurturing the faith of children.

The programme marked the first major initiative of Fr. Arun Kumar, the newly appointed Director of the Faith Formation Commission, who coordinated the event with a focus on enhancing the quality of catechesis in parishes.

The workshop was inaugurated by Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, who, in his keynote address, emphasized the indispensable role of catechists in the mission of the Church. “Catechists play a vital role in the early faith formation of children, especially as they prepare to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation,” he said, encouraging participants to continue their ministry with renewed enthusiasm and pastoral creativity.

The sessions were animated by Dr. Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB, a renowned catechetical expert and trainer, whose dynamic and engaging style inspired participants to explore new pedagogical approaches. Through interactive and reflective sessions, Fr. Gilbert invited catechists to rediscover the joy of accompanying children on their journey to the sacraments.

One of the participants — an IT professional serving as a catechist — expressed, “I will definitely do things differently when I prepare children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation next time. The sessions were so useful and inspiring.”

The final session, facilitated by Fr. Arun Kumar, provided a platform for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and practical insights from parish-level catechesis. Fr. Arun assured that these valuable contributions would serve as a foundation in developing a basic catechetical policy for sacramental preparation across the Archdiocese.

At the close of the workshop, each participant received a certificate of participation, recognizing their dedication and the Archdiocese’s appreciation for their service. The entire event was organized free of cost, a gesture reflecting the Church’s commitment to form and empower catechists — the “faith influencers” who plant the first seeds of Christian life in the hearts of children.

The day concluded with a sense of joy and mission, as catechists returned to their parishes renewed in spirit and equipped with creative tools to continue their vital ministry in faith formation.