Visit Families, Walk With the Faithful, Pakistan Catechists Told at Formation Course

Catholic catechists in Pakistan have been urged to strengthen their ministry by visiting families, promoting peace, and accompanying the faithful in their daily lives as they face social and economic challenges.

The call came at the close of a four-day residential refresher course for 60 catechists of the Archdiocese of Lahore, held from July 27–30 at the Renewal Center in Youhanabad, a predominantly Christian neighborhood in Lahore, eastern Pakistan.

The program concluded with a Mass presided over by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, who encouraged catechists to remain steadfast in faith and serve as ethical leaders in their communities.

Archbishop Rehmat pointed to the challenges confronting the local Church, including poverty, discrimination, limited educational opportunities for Christian youth, growing secularization, digital distractions, and the vulnerability of poor families.

He praised catechists for their dedication, describing them as frontline witnesses of the Gospel and calling on them to foster unity, offer spiritual guidance, and bring hope to their neighborhoods.

During the formation program, Fr. Touseef Yousaf, parish priest of St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Sheikhupura, encouraged catechists to follow the example of the Apostles by prioritizing family visits, promoting reconciliation, and exercising servant leadership in their parishes.

Fr. Faryad Anser, diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, led sessions on the Book of Revelation, explaining that apocalyptic writings were intended to strengthen persecuted Christian communities with hope rather than fear. He emphasized God's sovereignty and Christ's ultimate victory in times of trial.

Drawing on 1 Peter 5:2–3, both speakers urged catechists to shepherd God's people willingly and lead by example.

Fr. Philip John, secretary of the Archdiocesan Catechists Commission, emphasized that effective ministry is rooted in the Eucharist and a deep relationship with Christ, while Fr. Amjad Yousaf, director of the Renewal Center, said ongoing formation equips catechists to return to their parishes with renewed commitment and purpose.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, catechist Paras Ashiq said the program strengthened both their practical skills and their sense of fraternity.

The refresher course forms part of the Archdiocese of Lahore's continuing formation program for catechists, with additional training sessions scheduled in August.