The Faith Formation Syllabus Committee of the Diocese of Karwar met under the guidance of the Director of the Commission for Faith Formation, Fr. Cyprian Silva. The meeting began with a prayer led by Fr. Cyprian Silva, invoking God’s guidance for the important task of strengthening catechetical formation in the Diocese.
Addressing the committee, Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, reflected on the present challenges faced in the use of the catechism textbooks. He encouraged the members to carefully examine the current situation and offer practical recommendations for enhancing the faith formation syllabus and teaching resources to better serve both catechists and students.
In his introductory remarks, Fr. Cyprian Silva highlighted the difficulties experienced by catechism teachers and students while using the existing textbooks. He observed that the language of many lessons is often difficult for children to understand, making the teaching-learning process less effective.
During the meeting, the committee members engaged in a fruitful discussion and offered several valuable suggestions. They proposed the preparation of a comprehensive Teacher’s Manual to accompany the existing catechism textbooks. The manual would include a glossary of difficult terms, lesson outlines, classroom activities, appropriate teaching methods, practical applications, ethical reflections, and additional explanatory notes to support catechists in their ministry.
The members also recommended simplifying the language used in the textbooks, making greater use of digital resources, incorporating more biblical characters and illustrations, and integrating biblical teachings with Christian moral and ethical formation. They further suggested reviewing the syllabus to ensure that it can be realistically completed within the catechetical year while taking into account various parish activities and programmes.
The committee also discussed the language challenges faced by many students, particularly those who are more comfortable reading the Roman script than the Konkani script. Another recommendation was that catechism classes for PUC and degree students, along with preparation programmes for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, be personally conducted by the respective parish priests.
After extensive deliberation, the committee unanimously resolved to retain the existing catechism textbooks rather than publish new ones. Instead, it recommended developing a comprehensive Teacher’s Manual as a practical resource to strengthen catechetical instruction and support teachers in effectively communicating the faith.
The meeting concluded with a prayer, entrusting the ministry of faith formation to the Lord and seeking His blessings upon the successful implementation of the committee’s recommendations for the spiritual growth of children and young people throughout the Diocese.
