Catechism

CATECHISM

The history of catechism (faith formation) in the Malankara church is interesting. Indian Gurukula style of teaching religion and religious practices was very prevalent among the St. Thomas Christians from the beginning. Thus we had the tradition of elderly people giving faith formation to the younger generation. Mostly they taught them the prayers in the proper rhythm. Interestingly the Syrian prayers contain lot of Bible stories and other references from Bible. While teaching the prayers the meaning and content of biblical passages will be explained to them. On the occasion of feasts and special events in the church, the special prayers and songs related to each occasion are taught with due care. The elders also give special attention to teach the Christian morals based on the commandments and canons of the church.

The Command of Jesus Christ to "Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation "(Mark16; 15) is the foundation for Catechesis or faith formation. This faith formation has been continuing in the Church from the days of the early church in different ways. Catechesis is based on the theological positions of each church. A serious awareness on the liturgical, spiritual, theological, disciplinary patrimony of the Malankara Catholic church led to the promulgation of a unique catechism for the Malankara Catholic church in the year 2004.

Catechism in the Eparchy of Bathery

The Department of Catechism functions in a well organized manner in the Diocese of Bathery, based on the slogan, "Seek the kingdom of God". It is aimed at imparting faith formation to the children of the diocese. The catechetical centre of the diocese is known as Srothas which means ‘the source'. The central office of Srothas is functioning in the Pratheeksha Youth Centre, Bathery.

Rev. Fr. Chacko Narimattathil was the first director of the department of Catechism and it is he who gave a definitive structure and action plan to the catechism department. At first the text books published by the Pastoral Orientation Centre were used to impart faith formation to our children. But now we have our own catechism text books published by the Synodal Commission for Catechism.

The faith formation is given in all the parishes and mission centres of the diocese. At present we have classes from 1st standard to 12th standard. All the children in the parish who are within the age limit of 5 to 17 are expected to participate in the catechism classes. Usually the classes are conducted on Sundays and so, informally it is called Sunday School. There will be two hours of class on every Sunday. There are terminal and annual examinations to evaluate the students and the promotion to the higher class is given according to the performance in the examinations. Special scholarships and prizes are also awarded to the deserving students on merit.

The teachers who are the members of each parish and who work voluntarily are the backbone of the catechism department. Special training is given to them to enhance their ability and to give them update knowledge. As a part of their training, seminars and workshops are conducted in the regional and diocesan levels. The catechism classes in each parish are coordinated by the head teacher who is appointed by the vicar. In the regional level, a team of inspectors are appointed for the implementation, co-ordination and monitoring of the activities. Sports and arts festivals are conducted in the diocesan level to encourage the children.

It is very heartening to note that Srothas has formulated new designs for curriculum, new techniques of teaching and measures for greater motivation. The catechism textbooks prepared by the Synodal Commission for Catechism help the students to have an excellent knowledge about our own tradition, liturgy and theology.

As a token of encouragement, Rev. Fr. Kurian Kuzhimuriyil Memorial Trophy is given to the best Sunday School of the diocese every year.