Kulur, June 1, 2025 – The Sunday Catechism Year 2025–2026 was inaugurated with great reverence and symbolic richness at St. Antony Church, Kulur, marking the official commencement of another year of faith formation for the parish children.
The solemn inauguration was held at the beginning of the Holy Eucharist. In a deeply meaningful gesture, the Parish Priest handed over the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) to the Catechism Teachers, signifying the sacred responsibility entrusted to them in nurturing the faith of young minds. Catechism books were then handed over to the children, symbolizing the beginning of their spiritual journey and learning in the faith.
A unique and heartwarming act followed, where the Vice President and Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), together with the parents, watered a plant. This act served as a powerful symbol of hope — reflecting the joint effort of the family and parish in nurturing the seeds of faith within the children. Just as a plant grows strong and vibrant when well cared for, so too will the faith and hope of the children flourish, enabling them to stand strong in life’s challenges and bear witness to the Risen Christ.
During the homily, Fr Arun J Mendonca addressed the parents with a strong call to responsibility, emphasizing that faith formation is a shared duty, but one that finds its roots primarily in the family. “The faith formation of children is the responsibility of the entire Church, but in a special and primary way, it rests with the parents,” he stated, urging parents to collaborate actively with the parish in guiding their children on the path of discipleship.
Following the homily, Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, the Parish Priest, administered a solemn pledge to the Catechism Teachers, commissioning them for the noble mission of faith formation in the parish community.
The event was meticulously organized under the leadership of Mrs Shanthi J Fernandes, the Parish Catechism Coordinator, who ensured the smooth coordination of the entire programme.
The inauguration marked not just the beginning of a new catechetical year but also reaffirmed the parish’s commitment to raising children in faith through collective dedication and love.
