India: Lay Catechists Experience Faith in Families through Parish Homestay

As part of the Catechetical Sunday celebrations, lay catechists from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in southwest India experienced faith as it is lived in families and Small Christian Communities (SCCs) through a parish homestay programme.

A total of 205 lay catechists gathered at the Parish of Sts. Cosme and Damian, Bogmalo, on 31 January for a two-day catechetical programme marked by prayer, fellowship, and lived faith. A key feature was an overnight homestay, during which catechists stayed with parish families to experience the domestic Church firsthand.

Following the inauguration, catechists were welcomed into SCCs, with two catechists assigned to each family. A grand welcome, complete with decorations, reflected the warmth of the parish, supported by nearly 100 volunteers. Through shared meals, prayer, and conversation, catechists witnessed the faith life of the families and the close-knit community spirit.

Fr. Teo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sts. Cosme and Damian, welcomed the participants, while Fr. Marcelin Rodrigues, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, visited the SCCs during the homestay. Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. Marcelin said the programme was “totally biblical and rooted in the identity of the early Christians,” reflecting the spirit of prayer, the breaking of the Bread, apostolic teaching, and fellowship.

The initiative reaffirmed catechesis as a shared journey of faith, rooted in community, prayer, and daily life.

Voices from Host Families and Catechists

Cynthia Rodrigues, a host parishioner, described welcoming three catechists into her home as a true blessing. What was planned as a simple overnight stay became a cherished time of sharing, laughter, prayer, and meaningful conversations. Listening to the catechists speak about their journeys and experiences in teaching the faith deeply touched her. While she offered them a place of rest, she said she received far greater gifts in return—joy, inspiration, and renewed faith. Their simplicity and dedication, she reflected, beautifully showed how faith grows stronger when homes and hearts are opened in love and fellowship.

Yeshudas Muttu, a catechist from St. Anne’s Parish, Ponda, shared his experience of the homestay, saying that from the moment of arrival, the encounter was marked by warmth and mutual sharing. Together they prayed the Rosary, distributed prayer booklets, and shared grace before meals in a peaceful, Christ-centred atmosphere. The following morning, before leaving for church, he offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the family, his co-catechist, and the opportunity to share Christ’s love.

Sr. Cindrella Rodrigues, FS, one of four religious sisters who stayed with host families, described the experience as deeply moving and spiritually enriching. She spoke of the warm welcome and generous hospitality, especially moments of praying the Rosary, sharing meals, and engaging in faith-sharing within families, which strengthened her personal faith journey. Witnessing catechists joyfully teaching and bringing Christ to children revealed, she said, the living presence of Christ. The encounter with people of all ages united by faith fostered a profound sense of belonging, renewing her commitment to be a stronger witness of Christ through word and action.

Sherylein Rodrigues, a catechist from St. John of the Cross Church, Sanquelim, described her experience as a profound encounter of faith lived in simplicity and love. Welcomed warmly by the SCC, she experienced the beauty of faith through prayer, sharing, and fellowship. Praying the Rosary, engaging in faith-sharing, and spending time in a family setting deepened her awareness of God’s presence. She reflected that the stay helped her rediscover how faith is strengthened not only in churches but also in homes, through listening, compassion, and accompaniment. For her, Catechetical Day became a reminder that being present to others is itself a powerful proclamation of faith.

Delma Fernandes, a catechist from Holy Cross Church, Quepem, shared that her visit to the SCCs was a deeply enriching faith experience. From the moment she arrived, she felt accepted as one of the family. Through prayer, reflection on the Word of God, sharing experiences, and simple games, she said she learned and received much. Staying with a faith-filled family further strengthened her journey, as moments of listening, sharing, praying the Rosary, and sharing meals nurtured her faith. She reflected that parish boundaries disappeared in the warmth of fellowship, making the day an unforgettable experience of unity and living faith.

Brenda Estibeiro, another host parishioner, described the stay of two young and energetic catechists in her home as a joyful and grace-filled experience. Their presence brought happiness to the entire family, especially her children. Through simple sharing, the catechists spoke about their journey and calling to serve as catechists, leaving a deep impression on the family. Brenda noted that their witness of faith inspired her children to consider following the same path of service to the Lord. She reflected that such encounters show how faith is naturally passed on through living examples and heartfelt sharing within the family.