Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples were given a final command by Christ to ‘GO’ continuing His ministry of teaching, not alone but He himself, being with them. Since the first century, the Church has taken this mission seriously, preaching and teaching continuously, until the end of the age showing the way of salvation.
The Syro-Malabar Church fulfils Christ’s command through systematic proclamation and catechesis of faith. ‘Catechesis’ is derived from the Greek word, ‘Katekein,’ which literally means to ‘resound from above,’ and ‘instruction by word of mouth.’ Catechesis therefore means to re-sound Christ the teacher and instruct Christ’s teaching. Broadly, we understand Catechesis as “an ecclesial act or ministry of education or instruction in the Christian faith or faith doctrine imparted to the baptised or catechumens, generally in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiate and lead them to the maturity of faith and fullness of Christian life” (Syro-Malabar Catechetical Directory #45).
The Syro-Malabar Catechesis believes in an integral faith formation i.e.,
(i) Catechesis through Celebration;
(ii) Catechesis through Instruction and
(iii) Catechesis through Apprenticeship.
Sunday 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Safeguarding refers to the range of plans and activities that are put in place to protect children and adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect from being exploited or harmed.
Safeguarding the church community – making our churches safe for children, young people and vulnerable adults – is everyone’s responsibility. The diocesan safeguarding team provides professional advice and training to parishes to ensure they can meet that responsibility, as well as support those who may have suffered abuse or exploitation in a church setting.
Everyone involved in church life should know what to do in situations where a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed. Each parish or benefice should have in place a safeguarding person who knows how to respond and where to seek further help and advice.
Anyone who wishes to report abuse or exploitation needs to know that they can do so and receive the support they need.