ACO Catechetical Conference 2021

On September 4, 2021, the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office (ACO) hosted its virtual Catechetical Conference with the theme Celebrating the Catechist.  This theme was chosen because of the challenges catechists have been facing during the pandemic period, and the ACO wanted to truly celebrate these missionary disciples who went beyond the call of duty to overcome the challenges.

The conference was attended by over 400 catechists, which included catechists from all around the Caribbean, England, United States and Canada.

Various dioceses from across the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) made visual presentations giving the participants a general idea of catechesis in their respective diocese.

All participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially where the songs of the nations were used, such as the Bahamas Calypso in the presentation from the Archdiocese of Nassau.

The participants also enjoyed cultural presentations from various children who are presently in catechetical programmes. Che Knights from the Confirmation class in Penal serenaded all the catechists with a heart-warming rendition of ‘People like you’ by Gramps Morgan, and the Confirmation class of Mayaro put on an informative drama piece on saints.

Archbishop Jason Gordon opened the conference with an analytical talk on the catechetical challenges of the 21st century. He noted that the change over the past 30 years had to do with Catholic culture that degraded and so we are now catechising outside of a Catholic culture.

We need to rebuild that culture for our catechesis to be effective and thus it is important to focus on integral human development. This is one of the main priorities of the AEC Bishops.

Bishop John Persaud of Mandeville, Jamaica was the feature speaker. He praised the work of the catechists and encouraged them to develop a life in Christ and deepen their relationship with Him.

He linked the role of catechist with their personal growth in the Spirit by showing them how the Holy Spirit used them to form others. He also highlighted the need for continuous development and learning, giving an example of a Wapichan catechist in Guyana who could not speak English but would attend every catechetical training session bringing her young granddaughter with her to translate. She knew that by availing herself to training, she would be able to give more to the people and so to the Lord.

Deborah de Rosia of the Eternal Light Community spoke on the topic of ‘Kerygmatic Catechesis’.  In her talk, she expounded on the evangelical process and the need for people to encounter Jesus but also grow in relationship with Him.  The methodology and pedagogy of teaching must be designed to accommodate this type of catechesis. If this type of catechesis is not embarked upon, disciples will not be formed. People would instead leave with knowledge about God and never really get to know Him as friend, Lord, Saviour, and companion.

Stalwart catechists were honoured at the conference. Among them were Fr Carlos Roberts, Miriam Mannette, Sr Christina Araujo OP, June Johnston, Pamela Punch and Gloria Bertrand. Tribute was paid to those who have died. Among them were Lynda Wyke and Sr Columba Byrne CHF, former directresses of ACO.

The conference ended with all catechists reciting a prayer of commitment and Fr Martin Sirju, Vicar General, praying over them. —Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan