Catechism teachers from nine coastal parishes in southern India were encouraged to deepen their spiritual lives and make their personal witness central to teaching children during a formation seminar organized by Thomas Forane Church in Thoothoor on November 7.
The seminar, held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the parish marriage hall, was led by Fr. Benedict M. D. Analin, director of the Tamil Nadu Catechetical Commission.
Thomas Forane Church serves Thoothoor and eight neighboring coastal parishes. Although these communities are located in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, these Tamil-speaking Catholic communities fall under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum in neighboring Kerala.
The seminar focused on the responsibility of catechism teachers in nurturing children's faith and helping them develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fr. Analin emphasized that catechetical ministry goes beyond delivering religious lessons. Teachers are called to become a bridge between Christ and children, allowing the Word of God to shape both their teaching and their daily lives.
He described catechetical teaching as a divine gift and a mission entrusted by God, urging participants to reach the hearts of children through their words, actions, and personal example.
The resource person also highlighted the importance of grounding catechetical ministry in Scripture, encouraging teachers to make daily Bible reading and prayer integral to their lives.
Other values discussed included care for nature and compassion toward the poor. Teachers were also cautioned against practices that could undermine their relationship with students, including habitual lateness, inappropriate language, comparing children with one another, and excessive strictness.
The seminar encouraged participants to renew their commitment to faith formation with dedication, love, and a spirit of service.
The program was organized under the leadership of parish priest Fr. Susai Anthoniy CMF, with the assistance of Fr. Priyan CMF, the Parish Pastoral Council, and the parish catechism teachers.
Thoothoor is part of the coastal belt of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, near the Kerala border. Its Catholic communities share a Tamil linguistic and cultural identity while remaining part of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum's ecclesiastical structure
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