Catechists Gather to Nurture their Vocation

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · March 13, 2023

Catechists from twenty-seven parishes across the North-Western Deanery of the Archdiocese of Pretoria met for a workshop at Christ the King Church in Mabopane this past Saturday.

Amongst the topics discussed was Curriculum and Lesson Plan, whose intention is to help the catechists to deliver effective lessons to nourish the foundation of a life in faith for children, youth and adults.

Speaking to The Southern Cross, facilitator Ntebogeng Dondolo said that another reason for the convening of the workshop was to provide motivation to the catechists in their vocation. “We are gathered today to strengthen ourselves and to build each other”, she said.

Among the subjects discussed in the Lesson Plans were the Understanding of the Sacraments, Models of Discipleship and Life & Values in accordance with God’s Kingdom.

The workshop was also meant to be an exercise for catechists in the North-Western Deanery to revive their commitment to their vocation after a long spell of inactivity due to the covid19 pandemic.

Sina Raphokwane, a fellow facilitator pointed out that the advent of social media has had a negative impact, especially on children, in the understanding of catechism, on children especially.

“Our children are focused on trivial matters that take away their time from important matters such as learning more about their faith,” she said.

The workshop was organised by the North – Western Deanery Catechists Core Team. “The workshop is also meant to empower both old and new catechists to enable them to continue to proclaim the Good News with joy and enthusiasm to learners,” Motlhabi, a member of the Core Team stated.

At the end of the day, attendants gathered in the church building for words of encouragement, notices and the official closing of the workshop with a prayer led by Deacon Molea.