The first Catechetical Committee for Paitan Mission
Fr Arthur John together with the Sunday School catechists who participated in the recollection day prior to the election of the Catechetical Committee (Photo provided)
By Catechetical Committee Paitan Mission
For the first time in the history of the Catholic community of St Francis of Assisi, Paitan Mission, the Catechetical Committee was formally formed and commissioned on Jun 22.
Fr Arthur John, priest-in-charge of the Paitan Mission, was present for the election and then commissioned the newly established committee during the Mass.
Preceding the formation of the committee was a three-day recollection, which was attended by 25 Sunday School catechists from various chapels under the Paitan Mission. Held on Jun 20-22, the recollection took the theme 'Equipped to be better stewards' (1 Pet 4:10-11).
The first ever recollection held for those involved in catechetical ministry in various chapels served as spiritual enrichment as well as a formation session for the Sunday School catechists. It also marked the new beginning for a better pastoral structure for the catechetical ministry in the mission district.
The recollection, facilitated by the catechetical team from the parish of St Martin Telupid, started on Jun 20 with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Arthur John. It was followed by a talk delivered by Sr Rose, FSIC, elaborating on the theme. In her session, Sr Rose highlighted that to be a catechist, one must start with being a steward who strives for quality prescribed by the Word of God. Other elements for a good steward are a prayerful life, care for others, humility, self-discipline, motivation, integrity, and readiness to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
The second talk was delivered by Linus, entitled 'Baptized and Sent.' Among others, he stressed that every catechist is specifically called to respond to the baptismal mandate, that is, to belong to Christ and be sent to a community as a witness of faith, bringing the light of Christ to the society. A catechist must strive to unite himself to the Church hierarchy, not just as a mere follower, but as an active promoter and actor of the Word of God.
Shaping the mind to embrace the catechetical ministry in Paitan Mission, Sr Rose, through the session 'Vocation and roles as catechist in Paitan Mission,' she elaborated the roles and responsibilities of the members of the catechetical committee. She explained that catechists are the carrier-messengers who are responsible for passing on the seed of faith through catechesis. As such, they must strive to equip themselves intellectually and spiritually through various channels, such as faith formation programs, retreats, and recollection days.
The last talk, 'Christ, our mission,' was delivered by Catechist Nora. Among others, she reminded the participants to focus persistently on Christ in their ministry. Going further, she said that as a carrier of the mission of Christ, one must be a witness not only in the ministry but also in personal daily life.
Apart from the formative talks, the program was filled with spiritual activities such as devotional prayers, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, daily Mass, spiritual conversation, and songs of worship sessions.
The first-ever elected catechetical committee for Paitan Mission is headed by Louissa G. Sundang as coordinator, Rohana Jelum as the assistant coordinator, and Sutianah Jair as the secretary, assisted by Diwah Kabag and Helminah Nadu as the treasurer, assisted by Ruyah Tumpung.
Commissioning the new committee members, Fr Arthur in his homily said, 'God did not call those who are perfect, but those who are ready to carry the cross. Just like the gospel reading, all of us have those five loaves and two fishes. With that little that we have, let us offer it to Jesus for Him to bless it so that thousands can be fed.'--Catholic Sabah
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