Julio RodriguezCAPACITY BUILDING FOR CATECHISTS ACROSS GARISSA DIOCESE
The training was held in Bura Tana, St. Jude Thaddeus Parish.
The APOSTOLIC LETTER ISSUED “MOTU PROPRIO” BY THE LATE SUPREME PONTIFF FRANCIS NAMED “ANTIQUUM MINISTERIUM” WHICH RICHLY SAYS ABOUT INSTITUTING THE MINISTRY OF CATECHIST.
On this motu proprio number two highlights the importance of this ministry which was instituted and recognized by the post era apostles.
“From the beginning, the Christian community was characterized by many different forms of ministry carried out by men and women who, obedient to the working of the Holy Spirit, devoted their lives to the building up of the Church. At times, the charisms that the Spirit constantly pours out on the baptized took on a visible and tangible form of immediate service to the Christian community, one recognized as an indispensable diakonia for the community”
Bishop George Muthaka OFM, Cap., who is the ordinary for Garissa diocese, sees the need and importance to provide essential tools for the evangelizing agents in our diocese.
The capacity building was held in a central parish within the diocese – Bura Tana, St. Jude Thaddeus. We keep the 2026 theme granted by the bishop: “Pamoja katika Kristo kwa ajili ya Kenya yenye amani, haki na umoja”. “United in Christ for a peaceful, just and united Kenya”.
Inspired by this theme and yearning for a united Nation rooted in Justice and willing to make extensive this desire the Diocesan Pastoral office arranged diligently for the training granted to the Catechists.
To mention a few of the topics were: Bible content, the Sacraments, morality, Ethics and leadership skills. Following the teaching of St, Paul encourages this community: “ Simply proclaim the Lord Christ holy in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have”.( 1 Peter 3:15).
We are grateful for our bishop George Muthaka, our Vigar general Michael Thinguri and all the facilitators who made this noble exercise successful. We feel proud of our 26 catechists who availed themselves for this training as they are alter Christus ( other Ghrists).
By ; Fr. Nicholas N. Mutua – Pastoral Diocesan coordinator.