IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, May 27, 2013—A group of catechists from the Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila (CFAM) facilitated the 2nd Basic Catechetical Formation of the diocese for young people in the Diocese of Ipil.
Ongoing from May 27-31, the catechetical formation of 45 young boys and girls from five vicariates representing the diocese’s 18 parishes was held at the Pastoral Formation Center of the St. Joseph Cathedral in Ipil.
With its aim to form young people in knowing more about Jesus and the Church and to make Him known and loved, the formation was made through the request of Ipil Bishop Julius Tonel who saw the need for catechetical formation among the youth.
Three catechetical coordinators, Ms. Mary Antonette Angeles, Sr. Nora Alialy, MCST, and Mr. Roque Palero together with a catechist from Manila, Ms. Angela Atanacio, will give basic catechetical formation to the youth participants.
Discussions will include topics on basic doctrine of the Church, the Church itself, the sacraments, God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the 12 articles of Faith.
Youth attendees will also be taught how to make simple lesson plan, develop methodology, and prepare for liturgical celebration and prayer.
Catechetical coordinators foresee that the formation will make more young people in the diocese become committed catechists in their respective parishes.
Meanwhile, in his homily during the opening of the formation seminar, Tonel thanked the young people who heed the call of the diocese to participate in a fruitful catechetical experience.
“The young of today has a quest for the inner peace, inner joy and truth. Like in today’s Gospel, the rich young man, it is not just enough to be a follower, young people now are looking for more profound meaning of life. But they cannot see that true joy and happiness can be seen not on material things,” Tonel said.
Tonel stressed that clinging to materials things can mislead the youth, especially when they are not focused and committed to God which should be their primary intention.
The bishop also thanked members of CFAM and the Archdiocese of Manila for sharing their resources on Catechetical Formation for the youth.
The formation is being held in partnership with the Diocese of Ipil Catechetical Ministry. (Jandel Posion)
