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GUNTUR, October 2

Hyderabad Province Equips Catechists for Contemporary Mission

5 October 2026

Animation, Catechetics,

News reported by: Fr Alex SDB

Catechists from the Salesian Province of St Joseph, Hyderabad, completed a five-day formation programme at BIRD, Guntur, from September 28 to October 2, to strengthen their response to contemporary ministry challenges through spiritual formation, catechetical ministry, evangelisation, pastoral skills and practical missionary experience.

Organised by the Hyderabad Province, the programme aimed to strengthen the catechists’ capacity to respond to contemporary ministry challenges through theological formation, Scripture reflection, practical training and renewed missionary commitment.

The formation covered key topics, including the identity and spirituality of a catechist, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in catechetical ministry, village evangelisation, moral and ethical issues, vocation promotion, Bible sharing, contemporary approaches to evangelisation, the sacraments, Church documents, preaching and liturgical knowledge.

Opening the programme, Fr Repudi Rayappa reflected on the question, “Who is a Catechist?” and emphasised that catechists are called not merely to impart religious knowledge but to witness to Christ through their lives, faith and service. During the inaugural Holy Mass, Fr K. P. Mathew, SDB, encouraged the participants to “put on the attitude of Christ” in their ministry.

The programme also addressed emerging challenges in pastoral ministry. Fr Gupta introduced the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and its applications in evangelisation and religious education. Fr Alex, SDB, conducted a workshop on the prophetic role of catechists in the contemporary world, while Fr Pudhita Chinnayya explored discipleship, catechetical identity and evangelisation in village communities.

The second day combined pastoral and spiritual formation. Fr Dr K. Marreddy addressed moral and ethical challenges faced in ministry, urging catechists to respond with wisdom, prudence, compassion and integrity. Bible sharing, prayer and Eucharistic Adoration formed an integral part of the programme, reinforcing Scripture as the foundation of personal spirituality and catechetical service.

On the third day, participants explored contemporary methods of evangelisation, with Fr Thota Mariadass leading a session on new approaches. Fr Alex, SDB, conducted a group activity in which participants enacted biblical parables. The exercise deepened their understanding of Scripture while developing communication, teamwork and presentation skills.

The fourth day focused on sacramental and liturgical formation. Fr Kanapathi Prakash, Professor at St John’s Regional Seminary, addressed the sacraments, key Church documents, effective preaching, liturgical knowledge and practical methods of communicating the faith. The training concluded with the distribution of certificates.

The programme concluded with a valedictory function on October 2. Fr Alex, SDB, thanked the Provincial and his Council, resource persons, organisers, departments and supporters for their contribution to the programme. He called on the catechists to continue their mission with dedication, commitment and a spirit of service.