Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 10: On Sunday, June 9, the Sunday Catechism Year 2024–25 was symbolically inaugurated with the theme 'Lord teach us to pray'. The ceremony began with a magnificent procession led by the representative from each catechism class, parents catechism teachers, parish priests and the altar servers. Fr William D’Souza assistant parish priest/director for Sunday catechism was the main celebrant, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza parish priest,  Fr Peter Gonsalves principal St Lawrence English Medium School concelebrated the Mass.

The inauguration included children standing on the altar facing the gathering, parents, and teachers. The year 2024 has been specially designated as the Year of Prayer by Mangalore diocese. In the Year of Prayer, the parish priest presented each of the twelve children with a Bible. Following this, the parents bestowed their blessings upon the children. The teachers then gave each child a rosary and catechism textbook, marking the start of their spiritual journey.

Fr William D’Souza presided over the ceremony. In his sermon emphasized on the teaching of Jesus embrace the message of hope and reconciliation found in today's readings. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness, trust in God's infinite mercy, and strive to live as faithful disciples of Christ., he said and stressed on the need of catechism and Christian upbringing. He encouraged the children to be faithful to the catechism classes and take keen interest in learning about truths of Christian faith.

After the homily, the parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza administered oath to all the catechism teachers.

During the Holy Mass, the catechism teachers were called upon to renew the vows and commit themselves to the wonderful ministry of teaching catechism.

Fr William D’Souza introduced the teachers and wished them all the best. Catechism teachers conducted the liturgy in a prayerful manner. The children choir enriched the spiritual atmosphere by singing melodiously the meaningful hymns.