By Alisha Khemali for BIS Mumbai

The Core Team at the Salesian Catechetical Centre, Pune, organized a two-day Catechists’ Basic Training Course (CTBT) on June 27 and 28, 2026 for the catechists of the Poona Diocese. A total of 70 catechists from the parishes of Poona participated in this two-day formation course. The aim of the course was to form, train and equip new catechists as they prepared to launch into the catechetical ministry in their respective parishes.

 After invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit, the course commenced with a session by Fr Cyril de Souza, who presented the role and vocation of a catechist. He emphasized that catechesis is not merely about teaching but is a vocation - a call from God to accompany others in their journey of faith. Quoting from Antiquum Ministerium #6, he encouraged every catechist to be a witness to the faith, a teacher, a mystagogue, a companion and a pedagogue, who teaches for the Church and lives out the Gospel through words and witness of life.

 Fr Bosco Carvalho, the Director of the Salesian Catechetical Centre, conducted sessions on the structure and use of The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), YOUCAT, and DOCAT, introducing the participants to these valuable resources for faith formation. He explained how these texts help catechists understand and communicate the teachings of the Church, deepen their relationship with God, and grow in Christian living. Fr Carvalho and Ms Alisha Khemali also led the sessions entitled “Abide in Me” focusing on the importance of prayer as a relationship with God, and “Content and Inspiration of the Bible” expounding the history of the formation of the Bible, the classification of the books and its relevance to daily lives. The aim was to help catechists appreciate Sacred Scripture as the foundation of catechesis.

 Mrs Nisha Cardoz facilitated an interactive session on “Come and See” inviting catechists to experience Jesus and imitate his way of approaching people. Mr Darryl D’silva explored on the methodology of Jesus and focused on “How Jesus taught”. He presented practical approaches to making catechism classes engaging, meaningful, and Christ-centred.

 The practical dimension of catechesis was further strengthened through sessions by Fr Ian Doulton and Mr Udaya Patil, who highlighted the importance of effective lesson planning. Through practical demonstrations and interactive activities, they guided the catechists on how to prepare and conduct well-structured, engaging, and fruitful catechism classes.

 Reflecting on the programme, one of the participants shared this: “all the resource persons were well prepared and taught us how to prepare our lesson plans. I have learned many values and practical insights that I will take back to my Sunday School class. The sessions have enriched me in my role as a catechist.”

 The CTBT 2026 two-day training, that was designed to deepen spiritual life, grow in knowledge of the faith and equip with practical skills, was a grace-filled experience of learning, prayer, and fellowship. The participants returned to their respective parishes renewed in faith, enriched with knowledge, and inspired to carry out their ministry with greater confidence, dedication, and joy as they continue to proclaim Christ to the children and families entrusted to their care.