Annual Refresher Course organized for Catechists of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese at Murree

Murree (Babu Arshad Mehmood & Babu Immanuel Nasir): From July 04 to 08, 2022 a refresher course for Catechists of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese was held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Pindi Point, Murree.




In the opening session on 04.07.2022, Fr. David John welcomed the entire gathering saying, “Marking the 75th year of our diocese the theme will be Evangelization, Ministry and Witness.”
He continued, “Over a period of five days the course will be split into two sessions. Each speaker will enlighten us about the challenges the Catholic Church faces today.”

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July 05, 2022
On Tuesday, 5 July the first session was taken by Fr. Nasir Javed. He spoke on ‘Evangelization in the modern era’.
“The Holy Bible tells us how to live our daily lives. Evangelization, ministry and witness are not three individual concepts but are interlinked.”
After that, Fr. John spoke on ‘Evangelization and Ecclesial regulations’. He is the director of Catechists Commission and organizer of this refresher course.

July 06, 2022
On Wednesday, 6 July Mr. Faryad Francis addressed on the ‘Spiritual guidance of ministers’.
“You are the salt of the earth. Salt symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness. These qualities must reflect in your pastoral life. While ministering door to door and performing sacraments every minister must exemplify Jesus Christ.”
He referred to the fear of God in the abundance of His love and mercy.
After that Fr. Sabir Liaquat lectured on the ‘Participation of Catholics in the sacraments’.
“Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist are the stepping stones to become a true catholic,” he said.
He then gave a brief history how the early church recognized these sacraments as a single sacrament. And how it evolved into three significant sacraments overtime.

July 07.07.2022
The following day, 7 July Rev. Fr David John commented on the ‘Spiritual guidance plan for missionaries’.
“Our diocese covers 178 km including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gujrat Tribal areas.”
He continued briefing about the historical background of Islamabad and Rawalpindi diocese.

Emphasizing on women’s role in the church Sr. Rimana Manga took the following session.

July 08, 2022
The refresher course culminated on Friday, 8 July. Rev. Fr Sylvester Joseph announced how the Platinum Jubilee of the diocese will pan out. He then presided over the Eucharistic Mass and Fr. David John gave the homily.
In his closing comments Babu Irshad John thanked the entire gathering and organizers for making it a huge success.