MT. SINAI CATECHETICAL CENTRE STARTS OFFERING A COURSE IN TEACHING METHODOLOGY FOR CATECHISTS.
The Diocese of Karonga in Malawi has started offering an intensive course in Teaching Methodology to all Catechists and agents of Evangelization. A Catechist hands over the Faith. He echoes the teachings of the Catholic Church. This weight of responsibility over their shoulders requires that Catechists should be well-equipped for them to teach properly.
This prompted the Bishop of the Diocese of Karonga Rt. Rev. M. A. Mtumbuka to Open Mt. Sinai Catechetical Centre to train Catechists and other agents of Evangelization.
Apart from the many courses taught at the Centre, the Bishop introduced a Course in Teaching Methodology. All Catechists must undergo a one-month (or more) intensive training in Teaching Methods. This year the course has been done from 13th November to 15th December 2023. Graduation will be on 15th December 2023 for those who manage to pass through the narrow door of examinations that are currently in progress.
The Bishop has also bought smartphones for the Student Catechists for their effective communication and research to reduce too much paperwork and to maintain the cleanliness of the environment.
Strategic Objectives 1.4 and 1.8 of the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan of the Diocese of Karonga appreciate and recognize the role, relevance, and presence of Catechists in the Diocese.
Even Pope Francis in his Directory of Homiletics article no.5 and also the General Instruction to the Roman Missal article no.161 stipulate that well trained Catechists and Lay Leaders are needed in the Church because they give sound teachings, training, and exhortations.
The Bishop took the name Mt. Sinai from Genesis 34:29; that as the Prophet Moses came down from Mt Sinai where he went to receive the Laws, his face changed and he was shining brightly. This effectively means that whoever goes to Mt. Sinai Catechetical Centre to learn and receive Instructions they must come back to changed people who can in turn change their societies.
Reported by Fr. Edward Kamanga
Diocesan Communications Secretary