In preparation for the coming catechetical year 2018-2019, the Office of Religious Education held a Formation Seminar for all the CCD teachers over the last two weekends. Last August 4, 2018, Sr. Nina Caccam, SJBP and her team gathered 11 new catechist/aide from the different parishes who answered the call as volunteers to help in the CCD Program.
Last Saturday, August 11, 2018, they gathered both the current and new catechists to provide formation in this ministry as teachers of faith to the young. The CCD program of the diocese is under the Evangelization and Faith Formation Ministry of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
The theme under which the CCD teachers reflected is: “To center all catechetical endeavors in the forming and deepening of one’s relationship with Christ”. CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) teachers are also called Catechists, from the Greek word kata echo by its very nature of echoing not just the teachings of the Church but the person of Jesus Christ. The catechists reflected on the main task of catechesis wherein it incorporates FORMATION rather than INFORMATION since catechesis is about arousing a true conversion within another human being. In as much as we are given the task to facilitate this conversion in the transmission of faith, we ourselves too are in need of it.
Sr. Nina who facilitate the event outlined the four essential elements of conversion through catechesis: First is a catechesis grounded in the Word of God; second is a catechesis nurtured in the community of faith; third is a catechesis supported by appropriate liturgical celebration and finally, a catechesis directed towards personal apostolic witness and mission.
The half day formation seminar highlighted moments of prayer, group activities as well as a catechesis on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist given by Fr. Anthony Aguason. The event was held at San Antonio Parish Social Hall.
