Rome (Italy). The Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, in coordination with the International Commission for Catechesis, continues its efforts to form catechists. The sixth meeting, held in 5 languages from 10 to 16 March 2025, was dedicated to the theme, “Methodology in Catechesis – part 1”, to deepen the understanding of how to transmit the faith effectively and meaningfully in today’s world.
During the webinar, it was stressed that catechesis is not a simple transmission of knowledge, but a process of faith formation involving the mind, heart, and whole life of the person. The Directory for Catechesis emphasizes that the catechistic methodology must be integral. It must include the cognitive, experiential, community, and missionary dimensions.
The challenges facing catechesis in today’s world, such as secularization, religious indifference, and the influence of social media were also discussed. Challenges that were also presented as opportunities for innovation in the catechistic methodology. In addition, the need to form competent catechists capable of being credible witnesses of the faith was highlighted. The Directory for Catechesis insists that catechists should be above all missionary disciples, who live what they proclaim.
Some reflections by the participants:
Sister Léontine Sonyi Ithweva (Province of Our Lady of Africa – Central Africa AFC): One of the convictions that I drew from this webinar is that first of all, as a catechist I am called to welcome and accept every person as a creature of God, regardless of age, religion or creed. With my testimony I can help others to recognize the presence of God, so that even if they are not believers, they can begin to feel the grace of God. Catechesis is an important moment to help us to know the meaning of life and to respect it as a gift from God.
Francisco Jamal Tarige (Parish of Saint Isabel of Chiúre – Mozambique): I grew up in a Muslim family and now I am a baptized, confirmed, married Christian and catechist in the parish. Catechesis, being an act of dialogic and educational communication, qualifies itself as authentic transmission, complete and harmonious witness to the faith. Through the formation of catechists promoted by the Salesian Sisters in the parish of Chiúre, I began to witness with my life the value of being a catechist, with the inspiration of the Word of God that has transformed me. I am convinced that the catechist must be anchored to the Word of God and build one’s personal identity around Christ.
Sister Tran Thi Hoa (Dominican of Saint Catherine of Siena of Bùi Chu, in Vietnam): Through the presentation of this theme, I renew my commitment to catechesis, aware that it must be carried out with dedication, patience, and constant reflection, trying to respond to the spiritual and formative needs of young people.
María del Carmen Vázquez Téllez (Mexico): As a catechist and Salesian Cooperator, it has been very useful for my apostolate, since there are no itineraries for the pastoral care that we carry out with young people in two recovery centers for alcohol and drug addiction. It was very useful for me not to lose sight of the fundamental points of catechesis: to accompany them to the encounter with the living Christ, taking into account their life experience and their culture. I felt strongly the call to be a witness of the Gospel. This is what sustains me and encourages me to follow the call to holiness with my community and with the Church.
Sister Charlene Chu Jiawen (Province of Mary Our Help Cambodia – Myanmar CMY) It was interesting to hear from different contexts how religious education and catechesis have been carried out and how the methods have had to be adapted to better suit their own target group. In catechesis, we must always remember who the young are to find ways to reach their hearts and bring them the message and love of Jesus. But above all, the most important thing is our testimony of life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Sister Stella Haokip (Province of Mother of the Church India Guwahati – ING) The 6th webinar was very enriching. It reminded me that faith formation should be an experiential journey, involving both mind and heart. Through storytelling, life stories, and interactive methods, I was encouraged to see catechesis as a dynamic and deeply personal process. A fundamental aspect that I have grasped is the profound meaning of the phrase, “Catechist forever, always”. This call invites us to understand that being a catechist is not to have a temporary role, but a mission that lasts throughout life. A true catechist teaches not only in formal sessions, but also through a daily life that testifies to faith, hope, and love. It is a matter of listening with compassion to the difficulties of young people, guiding them with patience and wisdom, and integrating personal reflection, prayer, and applications of daily life into our work.
Sister Paula Langa (Province of St. John Bosco – MOZ) It is urgent to give quality to the evangelizing mission of the Church with a qualified catechesis that comes from the initial and permanent formation of catechists. In the formative proposal, it is essential to offer contents that lead the catechist to know the identity of the catechesis, its purpose, and its sources. On the other hand, to perceive catechesis in the great horizon of the process of evangelization. Contemplating the mystery of the Incarnation, the catechist realizes that the mission is part of that of Jesus, knowing his/her contemporaries, walking together, listening to their joys, their hopes and their challenges, accompanying their processes, sometimes slow, recognizing the seeds of the word and clearly proclaiming the kerygma that can gradually lead to an experience of encounter and vital communion with the person of Jesus Christ. For this to happen, the catechist must be a mystagogue and witness to the inexhaustible riches of divine grace, cultivating a strong spirituality, that even without saying a word gives reason of their faith and hope.
Sister Marta Napora (Province of Mary Help of Christians Poland – PLA) I found this webinar interesting and practical. It was helpful that it was carried out by a group of Sisters who shared theory and practical experience. Some ideas I bring with me to improve in catechesis are: knowing the needs of young people; offer an experience of faith, that is believe as the Samaritan, “not only because they told me, but because I experienced it” and, finally, the importance of creating spaces for dialogue for young people and above all to listen to them, in order to build a relationship of trust, remaining open to their questions and adapting catechesis to their language. All this with the sole purpose of bringing young people to a personal relationship with Jesus – Friend and Savior!
Sister Sumathi Bulla (Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus India Bangalore – INK) The methodology presented was clear and well-structured in outlining the fundamental principles of catechesis, emphasizing the importance of building a personal relationship with God, who is the heart of catechesis, through the process of instruction. Moving from theological principles to practical teaching methods has facilitated the understanding of how to apply these ideas in real contexts. Moreover, being a catechist is not a profession but a vocation to be lived. The integration of digital and multimedia tools was a modern and practical approach. It showed how catechetical materials can be adapted to online or hybrid learning environments, making them accessible to a wider audience, especially in today’s digital world. This approach can help support engagement outside traditional school settings.
This webinar is an invitation to renew catechesis on the basis of an integral methodology, adapted to the needs of young people and rooted in the Salesian charism. Following the guidelines of the Directory for Catechesis, it was reaffirmed that catechesis is not only an educative task, but an act of love that seeks to guide young people towards a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. In a rapidly changing world, catechesis remains an indispensable tool for forming young people who are not only good Christians but also citizens committed to building a more just and attentive world. As St. John Bosco said, “education is a matter of heart” and catechesis, in its essence, is an act of love that transforms lives.
Videos are published on the YouTube channel FMA Ambito PG, where you can also find a link to download the material used.
The next webinar, which will cover the second part of the theme, will be held from 9 to 15 December 2025.
