By Fr Selvin D’Mello for BIS Mumbai

On February 21, 2026, the Panchmahal Deanery of the Diocese of Baroda organized a vibrant and faith-filled Catechism Day at Don Bosco Chhotaudepur. The gathering brought together children and young people from various parishes of the deanery, creating an atmosphere of joy, learning, and deep spiritual reflection. The theme of the day, “Faith and Identity,” encouraged the participants to reflect on who they are as Christians in today’s world.

 The program began at 9 a.m. with a short but meaningful prayer service, placing the entire day in God’s presence. The young participants were warmly welcomed by Rector Fr George Carlos, and soon the hall was filled with enthusiasm and cheerful energy. To help the students get to know one another, lively ice-breaker activities were conducted. These activities not only created a friendly environment but also helped divide the participants into groups for the day’s events. Various sessions were also conducted throughout the day. These included meaningful inputs on faith formation, reflections on “Faith and Identity,” and an explanation of the articles used for the Holy Mass, helping the young faithful understand the significance of liturgical symbols. A particularly touching moment was the sharing of faith experiences by lay people, whose testimonies inspired the children to live their Christian calling with courage and conviction.

 A series of engaging activities followed. Bible quizzes and Bible-based games tested the students’ knowledge of Scripture while making learning enjoyable and interactive. The excitement was evident as groups enthusiastically answered questions and cheered for their teammates. Adding to the richness of the day, several skits based on Biblical themes were performed. Through creative acting and simple yet powerful messages, the young participants brought Gospel stories to life, reminding everyone of the relevance of God’s Word in daily life.

The winners of the competitions were awarded prizes in appreciation of their hard work and preparation. However, beyond the prizes, the true reward was the sense of unity and shared faith experienced by all.

 The event brought together 95 young people. The day concluded on a note of gratitude with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Dean, Fr Rajendra Toppo, SVD. Catechism Day was not just an event but a celebration of faith, fellowship, and the growing identity of young Christians committed to living the Gospel in their daily lives.