Catechists to support faith education in parishes

Twenty new Parish Catechists have recently completed a two-year study course for the Certificate in Catechesis awarded by the UK-based Maryvale Institute.

The most recently conferred students of the Catechist course seen at the commissioning of Parish Catechists by Bishop Fintan Gavin and Bishop William Crean (Cloyne) at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork. Included are Fr Sean Corkery (Cloyne coordinator) and Fr Charlie Kiely and Sr Karen Keant of the Cork & Ross Pastoral Development Office. (Photo Mike English).

On Friday 8th November at the Cathedral of Ss Mary and Anne, Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin commissioned them to serve in parishes of the diocese.

At the commissioning of Parish Catechists by Bishop Fintan Gavin and Bishop William Crean, Cloyne, at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork.

Bishop William Crean, Cloyne, also commissioned ten Parish Catechists for service in the Diocese of Cloyne.

Catechists stand around the sanctuary at the commissioning of Parish Catechists at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork.

Twenty previously commissioned catechists were also recommissioned for a further four years of service.

At the commissioning of Parish Catechists by Bishop Fintan Gavin at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork. are all the Catechists from parishes in Cork & Ross Diocese with Bishop Gavin, Fr Charlie Kiely and Sr Karen Kent osu.

The primary ministry of catechists in parishes is to accompany and offer faith formation to parents whose children are preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation as well as offering other faith development initiatives for all parishioners.

At the commissioning of Parish Catechists with Bishop Fintan Gavin at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, are the Catechists of Kinsale Parish with Fr Robert Young PP.

The course is organised and coordinated by Fr Charlie Kiely and Sr Karen Kent of the Pastoral Development Office in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

Fr Charlie Kiely preaches the honily at the commissioning of Parish Caechists by Bishop Fintan Gavin at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork

In his homily at the Mass of Commissioning Fr Charlie Kiely — referring to the Gospel of the Good Shepherd — spoke to the catechists about keeping their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and awaiting his signal to guide them into action.