In Christ We Hope, To Evangelise as Catechist
On 28 January 2018, all catechists of St. Joseph’s Church, Sentul came in union with God to celebrate Catechetical Sunday 2018. With the theme Christ, Our Hope, a special animated mass was organised during the 7.00 am (Tamil) and 9.00 am (English) celebration. These Masses were a reminder of being commissioned a Catechist, as well as a renewal of their faith. As catechists, we are urged to encounter God in every step we take, especially by being an evangelising Catechist.
Today, in union with God, we are called together to start anew with Christ. Thus, we should pray to gain ground towards fulfilling Jesus’ commission to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). Evangelisation is something special for us as Catholics. We acknowledge its meaning by looking at what happens to evangelise people. Their lives are changed by becoming disciples and participants in the Church – celebrating God’s love in worship and serving others as Jesus did. The theme Christ, Our Hope is a great reminder for us to respond to His call, and share the gift of faith with others, even as we deepen our own faith. Understand also, that this calling ultimately comes from God, whose Holy Spirit inspires and guides us tremendously.
Puspa Rakini, our newly appointed Catechetical Coordinator, shared that she felt very unqualified at the beginning of this call. As such, she attended formations, retreats, LSS, Bible classes and even joined the charismatic prayer team at St. John’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. She said, “I experienced the immense love and strength of Christ in my life. My mission has been instilled by the Holy Spirit and it is to raise a new generation of children in our parish. Children who will be rooted so deeply in the word of God and who love and desire to follow the ways of our Lord”. She also added, “but this mission can only materialise with the help of parents, as they are the primary catechist, and my greatest wish would be that parents work hand in hand with the catechism teachers for the betterment of their children’s faith formation.”
We must have hope in our hearts – and our hope comes from Christ alone. We see a pattern of love, because of the relationship we have with God. As it compels us, we believe it can compel – by its beauty and truth – all who seek God.
We are blessed here in St. Joseph’s Church, to have youthful, loving and fun-filled catechists to journey within this mission. This could be seen in both the (English & Tamil) Masses, where all catechists walked together, making this celebration a meaningful one.
My message to all Catechists – No matter where you are in your life with God, He is qualifying you for His service because you are CALLED. Just allow Him to use you and mould you into becoming the person He wants you to be. – Puspa Rakini
By Amanda Pumala
You must be logged in to post a comment.