Inauguration of the Sunday Catechism year 2024–25, held at St Lawrence Church, Bondel

Bondel, June 9th, 2024: On Sunday, June 9th, at 8.30 am mass, 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 a representative from each catechism class, parents, catechism teachers, parish priests, and altar servers. Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Asst. Parish Priest/Director for Sunday Catechism, was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence Eng. Med. 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. We are reminded of the timeless wisdom imparted by our Lord in the practice of prayer. In the Year of Prayer, the parish priest presented each of the twelve children with a Bible. Following this, the parents bestowed their blessings on the children. The teachers then gave each child a rosary and Catechism text book, marking the start of their spiritual journey.

Rev. Fr William D’Souza presided over the ceremony. In his sermon, he emphasized the teachings of Jesus and embraced 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 stressed the need for catechism and Christian upbringing. He encouraged the children to be faithful to the catechism classes and take keen interest in learning about the truths of the Christian faith. 

After the homily, the parish priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, administered the 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.

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

Photography: Anson Rego
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza