The Catechism Ministry comprises of more than 80 dedicated staff who have answered God’s call to assist in the faith formation of the children of our parish, by making more explicit, the teachings of the Catholic Church and helping them celebrate their faith and apply its teachings to their lives. They echo the word of God to children and others, to deepen their understanding and lead them to deeper conversion of heart and mind to God.

For the academic year 2018-2019, we had more than. 1400 children, of various nationalities onboard for Catechism from Classes 1 to 12.

The various functions of the Catechism Ministry are carried out through different teams, but as one family, under the spiritual guidance and astute administration of our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. George Vadukutt.

Some Important Catechism Information

1. CATECHISM BATCHES / TIMING
Catechism classes for ALL children will be held on Fridays in two batches – as detailed below:

BATCH 1 : Classes 1 to 5 / 09.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

   09:00am – 10.00am : Catechism Classes
   10.20am – 11.30am : Holy Mass

BATCH 2 : Classes 6 to 12

   09:00am – 10.00am : Holy Mass
   10.20am – 11.30am : Catechism Classes

Children are expected to report by 8:45 a.m., so that they can settle down and prepare themselves for Mass / class.

The Catechism Mass is exclusively for Catechism children. Parents are kindly requested to attend other obligatory Masses to provide enough space for the children inside the Church.

 
2. DROPPING / COLLECTING OF CHILDREN BEFORE / AFTER CATECHISM
 Class 1
Parents of all Class 1 children are requested to drop their children in their respective classrooms by 8:45 a.m. on all Fridays and collect them from outside the chapel after Mass / 11:30 a.m. 
Class 2 
Class 2 children to be dropped to their respective classrooms by 8:45 a.m. and to be collected from outside the church extension / choir side door, after Mass / 11:30 a.m.
Classes 3, 4 & 5
Children of Classes 3, 4 and 5 also to be dropped to their respective classrooms by 8:45 a.m. and to be collected from outside the main door of the church, after Mass / 11:30 a.m.
Classes 6 to 12
Children of Classes 6 to 12 to be dropped to church by 8:45 a.m. and to be collected from outside their respective classroom locations, after Catechism Class / 11:30 a.m.
 
For any assistance regarding the locations of the classrooms – please approach the Catechism office / staff, who will be most glad to help.

3. PUNCTUALITY / REGULARITY
Parents are requested to please bring your children before time for Catechism / Mass, thereby setting an example for them and instilling in them the true meaning, importance and value of what they are coming to church for.
 
It is the celebration of Sacrament that children come for. Please ensure that your child comes in proper attire to meet the Lord. Avoid clothes which can distract others.
 
4. ATTENDANCE
A minimum of 60 % attendance is required for classes 1-9 and 40% for classes 10, 11 & 12 at the end of the year for issuing any certificate of recommendation from the parish. 
For Sacramental classes - classes 4 & 8, the last date for registration is Sept.30 and a minimum 80% attendance is mandatory for receiving the Sacrament.
 
5. PRAYER BOOK
A prayer book with all the basic catholic prayers a child must know will be distributed to all catechism children. Parents are requested to help your child / children to memorise (by-heart) the prayers mentioned for Grade 1 to his / her current Grade as given in the prayer book.
 
6. PARKING / STOPPING IN THE CAR PARK
Please park / stop your vehicles, with due consideration to others behind you, and avoid blocking the road, as this may lead to unwanted traffic congestion / confusion / frustration. 
 
7. CONTACT DETAILS OF CLASS TEACHERS / CATECHISM STAFF
Please contact the respective Class teachers or the Catechism office for the contact details of teachers / other concerned Catechism staff.

8. FOLLOW-UP OF CLASS LESSONS
As parents, it is not only your duty but also your moral responsibility to be actively involved in the faith formation of your child. To this effect, it becomes very important that you spend some time with your child and discuss with them on what they learned in Catechism class on Friday and follow-up for any actions that may be required at your end. The benefits that will be reaped from this exercise will need no separate amplification / explanation.

9. CATECHISM RELATED INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS / PARISH WEBSITE
As part of our efforts to save the environment and also to avoid unnecessary wastage of paper, Catechism related communication and announcements will be done by email from time to time, or under the Catechism webpage. 

Contact us for more information.