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Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace: Bondel Parish Inaugurates Sunday Catechism Year 2025–26 
 
Bondel, June 1st, 2025 – On Sunday, June 1st, during the 8:30 a.m. Mass, the Sunday Catechism Year 2025–26 was symbolically inaugurated with the theme “Faith Formed – Hope Filled.”

The ceremony commenced with a grand procession led by representatives from each Catechism class, along with Parents, Catechism teachers, Parish Priests, and Altar servers.

Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest and Director of Sunday Catechism, was the main celebrant. He was joined by Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, who concelebrated the Mass.

The inauguration included a meaningful moment where children stood on the altar facing the congregation, joined by their parents and teachers. The year 2025 has been specially designated as the Year of Pilgrims of Hope, celebrated in the context of the Church’s Ordinary Jubilee of the Birth of Jesus. The catechetical year is centered on the theme “Faith Formed – Hope Filled.” The purpose of this year is to help deepen our knowledge of God the Father, to experience His boundless love, and to remain rooted in that love as His beloved children. In this Year of Prayer, the Parish Priest presented each of the twelve children with a Bible, symbolizing the gift of God’s Word. This was followed by a touching gesture, as the parents blessed their children. The teachers were then entrusted with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) & Holy Bible, the children were given their Catechism textbooks, marking the formal beginning of their spiritual journey. As a symbol of hope, the main celebrant, Rev.Fr Lawrence, along with concelebrants Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev. Fr Peter, joined PPC Vice President Mr. John D’Silva, Secretary Mr. Santhosh Misquith, and two parents in watering a plant during the ceremony. This meaningful gesture represented growth in faith and hope. The Parish Priest then imparted a special blessing on the Catechism children, praying that their faith may grow strong and deep—like the roots of the plant—firmly grounded in hope.

In his homily, Rev.Fr Peter, reflecting on the Feast of the Ascension (Luke 24:46–53), reminded us that this earth is not our permanent home—we are called to eternal life in heaven. He emphasized the need to turn away from sin to be worthy of entering heaven. Jesus, the King of heaven and earth, desires the salvation of all. As He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”—we are called to create a small heaven in our daily lives through love, truth, and holiness.Fr Peter also extended his best wishes and blessings to all the Catechism teachers, reminding them that their mission in the parish is a noble one and an important part of God’s work.

After the homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish Priest, administered the oath to all the Catechism teachers, inviting them to renew their commitment to the sacred ministry of teaching the faith.  During the Holy Mass, the teachers solemnly renewed their vows and dedicated themselves once again to the mission of guiding children in their spiritual formation.

After the Mass Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza the Parish Priest extended his best wishes for a fruitful and faith-filled year ahead. The liturgy was prayerfully conducted by the teachers, reflecting their devotion and sincerity.

The Children’s Choir added to the spiritual atmosphere with their melodious singing of meaningful hymns, lifting hearts in praise and worship.

Photography Anson Rego
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza