Catechesis… “is the echo of the Word of God.” It is therefore “ and must be “must be interwoven with personal relationships.” Catechists are witnesses who have themselves encountered Jesus, and wish to lead others to encounter Him. To be good catechists, we must be bold in expressing expressing God’s saving love and appealing to freedom, marked by joy. Most importantly, we must exhibit attitudes of approachability, openness to dialogue, patience, warmth, and welcome.
Excepts from Pope Francis’ message to members of Italy’s National Catechetical Office : “pray and think creatively about catechesis”
The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning “to echo the faith” meaning that catechesis or the handing down of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit!
The Office of Catechesis and Youth Ministry is focused on building up the Kingdom of God here on earth. We do this by leading people to form a real, tangible relationship with Jesus Christ as his disciples, encouraging them to grow as disciples through catechesis, and ultimately guiding them to become His apostles by sending them out into the world to transform it.
We consider catechesis to be a a life-long process of initial conversion, formation, education, and on-going conversion. Through word, worship, service and community, it seeks to lead all God’s people to an ever-deepening relationship with God who reveals himself in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Within the various parishes of the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre, the catechesis of children, youth and adults is undertaken by volunteer catechists who prepare the candidates to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion and Confirmation. If you would like to find out more about the catechetical sessions in your parish, please contact
Our office by filling this form.
Our Catholic schools are also tasked with the responsibility of providing additional enrichment sessions through their provision of religious education courses. While especially useful, these courses are not to be considered a replacement for the formal Sacramental programmes offered at the parish level.