Catechist day

To Witness – to Accompany – to Teach

To Witness – to Accompany – to Teach
Editions: . ENews Sections: .

Sr Veronica OP reports on the recent Diocesan Day for Catechists held in Winchester: To Witness – to Accompany – to Teach…

This day has been long awaited after the interruption of Covid during recent years. It was good to be finally back together again after such a long time. It is true we have been in contact with catechists over the last few years but at last we can now meet face to face! It was an incredible feat to gather over 60 catechists from all parts of the Diocese. We feared that the rail strike scheduled for this day would mean people would not be able to attend. We were astounded to find so many making heroic journeys to get to Winchester. One family came from the Isle of Wight by car after an early start! We welcomed our first baby at the catechist day. Many thanks to those who make heroic and difficult journeys to participate. It was good to finally meet some catechists who we had only ever seen on Zoom.

Sr. Hyacinthe provided a presentation in which she urged us to become Witnesses, Accompaniers and Teachers.  She also introduced everyone to the new online Apostolate of the Sisters – Light Of Truth  (https://www.lightoftruth.uk/), which was recently launched in September. Please click onto the link for more information as to how we can help catechists and parishes in their work. Fr. Mark Hogan gave a presentation about how we should be looking to the future post Covid in the light of the Diocesan 10 year plan. He gave us a quick overview of the plans.

Vicki Munday gave us an entertaining insight into a trip to Rome which three of the Catechists made to the Catechist Conference held in the Paul VI Hall in September. We had much time for small group interaction in sacramental formation based groups which enabled much networking to go on. Fr Mark concluded the day with a wonderful Mass of thanksgiving for all the Catechists in the diocese. Thanks to Fr Mark for his wonderful hospitality and time during this day as well as trying to look after parish commitments at the same time having returned from Rome the evening before.

The catechists provided some encouraging feedback:

  • Thank you for organizing this day. It’s been very insightful and affirming. I found Sr. Hyacinthe’s and Fr Mark’s talks particularly helpful. Thank you so much. Inspiring and useful networking.
  • It helped to answer some nagging questions! Where to find different resources and what people find is best for them.

Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to welcoming our catechists again next year in 2023.

Donate