CATECHISM DAY 2023

CATECHISM DAY 2023

Derebail Parish celebrated the Catechism Day on 26 February 2023 as it was the last day of the catechetical year.  Children and Catechists participated in the Mass in the morning in thanksgiving for a fruitful year, after the catechism class.  As part of the introduction rite of the Mass, a little activity was presented by children to highlight the family values, as the Diocese is celebrating the ‘year of the family’. At the conclusion of the Mass, the parish priest felicitated the Catechism Coordinator Gaulbert Pais, and also Br Vikas Pereira who was assisting with the catechism programme as part of his pastoral ministry.
With lots of enthusiasm and colourful dresses the catechism children, their parents and the catechists gathered in the Jubilee Hall in the evening for the cultural programme.  Fr Santosh Rodrigues, Director of the Pastoral Centre was the Chief Guest.  Parish Priest Fr Joseph Martis introduced the chief guest and extended a warm welcome to everyone.  Children from all classes gave their best during their class-wise presentations which evolved on the topics they studied during the year.   
In his address, Fr Santosh Rodrigues appreciated students participation with focus on Christian values.  He also reminded us that when we call ourselves Christians we acknowledge we are ‘another Christ’ and by learning catechism we come to know Christ and learn to imitate Him.
During the programme, the class-wise toppers and those who attended catechism regularly were honoured.  All catechists too were felicitated.   Gaulbert Pais extended the vote of thanks.  All children and the audience enjoyed thoroughly the two hour long programme which concluded with ice-cream for all!

Report by: Gualbert Pais
Pictures: Simon Pereira