Catechetical Retreat for 31 from Penang Diocese

Dec 18, 2014

CAMERON HIGHLANDS (Herald Malaysia): Some 31 catechists participated in the Penang Diocesan Catechetical Retreat at the Barre I.J. Centre, Cameron Highlands Dec 6-7. The Spiritual Director was Rev Fr Gerard Theraviam.

The theme for this year was: The Journey: Called, Chosen and Sent. The catechists felt truly fulfilled by their call. They broke down in humility in service to each other and their calling, as they were taken through various forms of meditation and spending quiet time with the Lord who strengthens and nourishes us.

In addition, they gained a deeper understanding of their faith journey, including periods of dryness and emptiness in our faith. They were also encouraged to empty themselves of all materialistic hindrances around so that they can be in union with the Lord, in peace and joy.

The catechists’ experience at this retreat was so overwhelming that they were thankful for this time away, for self-reflection and soul searching which helped them to feel the many blessings, happiness and fulfilment of the Lord in their ministry as catechists and as Catholics. All of them found new meaning in their faith experience.

The Organising Committee are thankful to the Parish Priests and coordinators of the 5 parishes who participated: Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ipoh, St Michael’s Church, Ipoh, Our Lady of Lourdes, Ipoh, St Anthony’s Church, Teluk Intan and the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar.

The next PDCC Catechetical Retreat has been scheduled for Nov 14 -15, 2015. It is hoped that there will be greater participation of catechists.