The Theology and Doctrine Desk of the Diocese of Karwar organised a Basic Course on Liturgy for the lay faithful of the Haliyal Deanery on August 28, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Church, Old Dandeli. The programme was attended by 30 participants representing various parishes of the deanery.

The course commenced with a prayer session, creating a reflective and prayerful atmosphere for the day. Fr. Felix Lobo, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, served as the resource person and guided the participants through seven enriching sessions focusing on different aspects of the Church’s liturgical life.

The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including Liturgy and Para-liturgy, Adoration and Worship, the Liturgy of the Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the different grades of worship in the Catholic Church—Latria, Hyperdulia, Protodulia and Dulia.

The course provided the participants with a deeper understanding of the meaning, significance and practice of the liturgy in the life of the Church. It also emphasised the importance of being Catholics with an informed and mature faith, enabling them not only to live their faith more meaningfully but also to respond appropriately to erroneous opinions and misconceptions about Catholic teaching and worship.

The participants expressed their gratitude for the informative and enriching sessions. They appreciated the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the liturgy and strengthen their understanding of the Catholic faith. They also noted that the knowledge gained would help them respond to the questions and doubts of young Catholics and reach out more confidently to those who have drifted away from the Church.

The course was thus a significant step towards forming informed, committed and effective witnesses of the Catholic faith, capable of strengthening the faith of their fellow parishioners and contributing meaningfully to the life and mission of their parishes and communities.