HONG KONG (SE): The Diocesan Catechetical Centre held its 60th graduation ceremony for 50 students of its two-year catechetical training diploma courses at a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on November 10.
The Mass was concelebrated by over 20 priests, including consultant, Father Joseph Ng Shu-shing, vicars general Father Peter Choy Wai-man, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, and diocesan chancellor, Father Lawrence Lee Len.
Among the 50 graduates, one received an award for outstanding academic performance, while two others were honoured for diligence. Certificates of service were also presented to honour long-serving catechists, including one with 45 years of service and three with 40 years.
As Cardinal Stephen began the Mass, he expressed joy at the positive beginning for the graduates and urged prayers for God’s continued blessing on them and the centre.
In his homily, he stressed that catechism should extend beyond classroom learning to engage with marginalised communities. He encouraged those present to work with and accompany the marginalised, emphasising the importance of love rooted in faith, so as to become synodal missionaries.
As Cardinal Stephen began the Mass, he expressed joy at the positive beginning for the graduates and urged prayers for God’s continued blessing on them and the centre
As evidenced by the contributions of catechists serving in various parishes, he also stressed the importance of generosity beyond financial contributions. He pointed out that among the qualities of generosity are time, knowledge, social connections, and the expression of genuine feelings. For any kind of contribution, he pointed out these have to be done out of love for God, instead of a sense of responsibility, to make the contributor feel the joy of serving.
Connie Chung, director of the centre which marked its 60 anniversary last year, said she is happy to see the nearly 70 per cent increase in the number of graduates this year. Furthermore, a total of 178 students are currently studying, representing a diverse group from various professions and backgrounds, including people from the medical, educational or commercial field. Among them, about 10 young students expressed a desire to preserve catechetical transmission in their parishes, demonstrating their commitment to the Church.
The centre has introduced nine new courses in the past two years, such as those about digital evangelisation and the challenges of Christians in its curriculum in response to current challenges. It has also organised nine talks to provide new information for catechists this year.
Chung said she was also happy to see a group of native English-speaking students enrolled in the two-year course which is predominantly taught in Chinese. The course enables them to learn concepts in Chinese and apply that knowledge in their English-speaking communities by translating and adapting the teachings.
The centre has introduced nine new courses in the past two years, such as those about digital evangelisation and the challenges of Christians in its curriculum in response to current challenges. It has also organised nine talks to provide new information for catechists this year
A couple also shared during the ceremony how they were inspired by their own catechists to take the course and they have learned how to become to good Catholics before being good catechists.
Canossian Sister Betty Wah, who received the outstanding award at the ceremony, told the Sunday Examiner about the positive impact the course had on her faith and personal growth. She credited her good performance to the collaborative learning environment, and the valuable insights gained from discussions with classmates.
As a pastoral assistant at a high school, she is now utilising her knowledge to guide young people through their faith journey, offering a sense of direction, particularly during a time when they often experience uncertainty.
Maria Capilli was one among the five English-speaking catechists who received an award for being a catechist at Visitation parish, Tung Chung. Having taught for 10 years, she recounted that she taught young children in the Philippines before coming to Hong Kong. At present, she teaches English-speaking children in a community with diverse nationalities, providing them with an opportunity to learn about Catholicism. She found strong fulfillment in teaching children about their faith, especially in Hong Kong where not all schools offer religious education.
