Faith Formation – Catechism

MISSION To teach the Syro Malabar Catholic faith in partnership with parents, the primary educators of their children. The journey of faith begins at Baptism and calls for children to actively participate with their parents in the full life of our Catholic Church. In order for this journey to enrich the lives of everyone involved, each catechist, parent and student must understand and embrace his/her role.



WORD

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).



COMMAND

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples were given a final command by Christ to ‘GO’ continuing His ministry of teaching, not alone but He himself, being with them. Since the first century, the Church has taken this mission seriously, preaching and teaching continuously, until the end of the age showing the way of salvation.



Inspired by this word of God, Catechism has a pivotal role in our parish where we envisage a faith filled future generation who is able to impart the same to their young and keep the flame of faith alive.

Our Catechists carry on the mission of our Lord by living themselves and nurturing the faith of the young, developing Christ-like attitude and service in them, empowering them with traditional prayers and word of God, imparting the traditions and culture of the Syro-Malabar church and thereby developing future leaders of the church.



Our Catechism ministry is built upon these core values.

• Prayer as a priority in both congregational and personal life.
• A strong ministry which teaches, equips, and trains children and young people to be discerning andcourageous Christians.
• Ministry that occurs in relationships and close fellowship ensuring mutual respect and development of one another.
• Setting examples to the young ones by way of life and service.
• Strengthening own spirituality through regular sacraments, prayer and word of god.

First Communion

First Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. Catholics believe these to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Most Catholic children receive their First Communion when they’re 9 or 10 years old, because this is considered the age of reason. Other people can receive communion for the first time whenever they’ve met all of the Catholic Church’s requirements.

Preparation

For anyone to receive communion, that person must be considered to be without sin and in a state of grace. Traditionally, young Catholic children will make their first confession, also called the Sacrament of Penance, a week before receiving their First Communion. At confession, the child will tell his or her sins and misdeeds to a priest and receive a penance in exchange. The penance usually is several prayers to be recited immediately after leaving the confessional. After this, the child is considered to be absolved of sin, and he or she is ready for his or her First Communion.