Parish Catechetical Ministry

Vision

A community of missionary catechists forming Christ-centered disciples through systematic, faithful, and life-giving catechesis.

Mission

To evangelize, teach, accompany, and form learners and families toward Christian maturity through parish- and school-based catechesis, animated by the Spirit, rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.

Ministry Description

The Parish Catechetical Ministry is a ministry of the parish that helps children, youth, and adults to know, understand, live and share the Catholic faith. It assists the parish priest and the Church in proclaiming the Gospel and forming the faithful in Christian life.

Main Responsibilities

1. Providing catechetical instruction on Catholic teachings, Sacred Scripture, and the Sacraments.
2. Preparing children, youth, and adults for the reception of the Sacraments, especially Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Reconciliation.
3. Organizing and conducting regular catechism classes and faith-formation programs.
4. Helping catechists grow in their knowledge, spirituality, and skills through formation and training.
5. Encouraging families to become active participants in the faith formation of their children.
6. Promoting prayer, participation in the Holy Eucharist, and Christian values in daily life.
7. Coordinating with the parish priest, schools, Basic Ecclesial Communities, and other parish ministries in carrying out catechetical programs.
8. Accompanying learners in their journey of faith so that they may become mature, committed, and missionary disciples of Christ.

History

In 1973, the parish began welcoming catechists. Initially, there were only four serving catechists, namely:

1. Luz Acuin
2. Lina Cruz
3. Gloria Pascual
4. Chinita Villegas

These four individuals served as religious instructors at the public school, Orion Elementary School.

Later on, Reverend Father Romeo T. Banaban appealed to the faithful to form the “Mother Catechists.” They were:

1. Pilar De Guzman
2. Bella Villegas
3. Amie Mariano
4. Aurea Venegas
5. Corazon Paule
6. Julieta Custodio
7. Ofelia Mangalindan
8. Luz Yabut
9. Irene Tico
10. Liza Bantog
11. Ligaya Geronimo
12. Nenita Manalo
13. Sr. Lolit Oria

Father Romeo T. Banaban formed and trained them by conducting parish seminars to prepare them for their catechetical work in schools. Due to the growing student population and the establishment of more public schools, volunteers continuously dedicated themselves to the catechetical ministry. Consequently, the parish catechists grew in number, helping the youth and preparing them for the reception of the Sacraments.