Dear Friends,

Jesus gave the command to the Apostles: “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Mt 28: 19-20. This duty of teaching is handed over to the whole believing Christian community, not the work of priests and a few people in the parish. “A fully Christian community can exist only when a systematic catechesis of all its members takes place and when an effective and well-developed catechesis of adults is regarded as the central task of the catechetical enterprise.” (ACCC, no. 25).

Catechism begins at home, with the parents. Whatever a child sees, perceives and understands at home – good and bad – provides lessons for life. In the family, faith is shared as part of the unfolding of daily life.

At the church, the lessons a child learns at home are made more personal through the Sacred Liturgy, faith celebrations, and sharing of faith by dedicated teachers. “Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways” (The General Directory for Catechesis: #105)

I thank you all , parents and teachers, for fulfilling your duty as disciples of Jesus, to teach and guide the growing generation on the true path, Jesus, “I am the way and the truth and the life”, using your precious time and talents. May Jesus be with you all according to his promise: “I am with you always.”

Fr. Kuriakose Vadana

Parish Priest