Thirty-five awarded certificates

Dec 26, 2014

By Percy D’Cruz
Fr Norris Seenivasan, SJ, took over as Head of the Melaka-Johor Diocesan Catechetical Commission (MJDCC) in April 2012. Referring to the Training Programme for Catechists which commenced in January last year, he remarked, “Jesus calls catechists to His work and depends on them to assist in the handing on of the faith with competence. This is an awesome task that involves personal growth in faith, theoretical knowledge of Catholicism and teaching skills.”

In early December, 35 Melaka candidates including two religious Srs Elizabeth Chan, FDCC and Josephine Ooi, IJC, were among those that received their certificates from Fr Simon Yong, SJ, the MJDCC director, on behalf of Bishop Paul Tan.

The graduation ceremony was officiated at the St Francis Xavier parish hall followed by a mid-morning Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr Yong.

The Training Programme for Catechists covers three aspects, namely person, theory and skills. The programme was conducted in two districts — Majodi in Johor Bahru and St Theresa’s in Gajah Berang in Melaka — with 64 and 53 participants respectively in attendance.

According to Susan Tay the MJDCC assistant head, this training programme, is the legacy of Fr. Norris. The M-J Diocese aims to upgrade the format and adopt it in the coming years. “Fr Norris left the MJDCC in October 2013 to take up an appointment as the Assistant Delegate for Formation of the Jesuit community and Fr Yong is now the new head,” she said.

Tay also outlined the admission requirements and selection criteria for prospective catechists for the next programme. Registration forms must be submitted with the recommendation of respective parish priests and includes a personal interview. Candidates must also be fully initiated and practising Roman Catholics and a have a great desire of being called to the Ministry of Catechesis.