By Fr Greg Almeida sdb for BIS Mumbai

Virar East, October 20, 2026: Resurrection Church, Virar East, organised two training programmes on October 20, 2026, for Catechism teachers and parish lectors, aimed at strengthening their commitment and equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for their respective ministries. Fr Franco Pereira SDB, Rector and Manager of St Dominic Savio School, Andheri, served as the resource person for both programmes.

The training programme for Catechism teachers was held in the morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with 18 participants in attendance. The session focused on equipping Catechism teachers to carry out their ministry of faith formation more effectively. It highlighted the importance of deepening one's understanding of the Catholic faith and communicating it meaningfully to children and young people. The programme also encouraged the teachers to recognise their responsibility in nurturing faith and accompanying the younger generation in their Christian journey.

In the afternoon, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., a training programme for parish lectors was conducted, with 16 participants. The session aimed at deepening their understanding of the ministry of the Word and enhancing their skills in proclaiming the Scriptures during the liturgy. Emphasis was placed on the importance of proper preparation, clear articulation, meaningful delivery and reverence while proclaiming God's Word. Participants were encouraged to approach their ministry with prayer, confidence and a deeper appreciation of the sacredness of the Scriptures.

Fr Franco Pereira SDB guided the participants through both sessions, underlining the importance of preparation, commitment and spiritual growth in serving the Church. His contribution helped the participants appreciate their respective ministries not merely as responsibilities, but as opportunities to share God's Word and strengthen the faith of the parish community.

The two programmes witnessed the participation of 34 parishioners in total, including 18 Catechism teachers and 16 lectors. The initiative reflects Resurrection Church's ongoing commitment to formation and capacity-building among its parish ministries.

The programmes concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the participants, encouraging them to serve with greater dedication and enthusiasm. Through such initiatives, Resurrection Church, Virar East, continues to foster a well-formed and actively engaged parish community, committed to faith formation and the proclamation of God's Word. The programme ended with the vote of thanks by Mr Jude expressing gratitude and appreciation to Fr Franco Periera, thereby asking him to continue this programme on regular basis.