The Diocese of Gulbarga organized Orientation Programmes for Catechism Teachers, Youth Animators, and MCA Animators of the Gulbarga and Bidar Deaneries on 20 June 2026 at Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi, and on 21 June 2026 at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bhalki, respectively. The programmes brought together catechism teachers, youth leaders, and Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) animators from various parishes to deepen their understanding of faith formation and strengthen their commitment to the Church’s catechetical mission.
Rev. Fr. Boniface Pinto, the resource person, conducted insightful sessions on Parish Catechism, YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church), and Adult Catechism. He highlighted the importance of making catechism classes more engaging, participatory, and relevant to the needs of today’s children, youth, and adults. Through practical examples and interactive presentations, he encouraged the participants to adopt creative methods of teaching and witnessing the faith. At both venues, participants actively engaged in group discussions, sharing their experiences and addressing various challenges encountered in catechetical ministry. The discussions provided an opportunity to reflect on pastoral realities and explore effective ways of nurturing faith within parish communities.
In his concluding message, Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, emphasized the central role of catechesis in the mission of the Church and urged all participants to give primary importance to catechism in their pastoral ministry. He reminded them that faith formation is essential for building strong Christian families and vibrant parish communities. The Bishop also stressed the significant role of the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) in nurturing children in faith, prayer, and missionary spirit. He encouraged MCA animators to guide children in becoming young missionaries who actively participate in the life and mission of the Church. The programmes concluded with a deeper appreciation of the Church’s mission of faith formation and a renewed resolve to serve as effective witnesses and educators of the Gospel in their respective parishes.
