Last September was marked by two Saturdays filled with joy, fellowship, and training for more than two hundred catechists from more than twenty parish communities from across the Archdiocese of Montreal.

After several years without in-person basic training since the pandemic, anticipation was high—and it showed. Participants arrived with genuine spiritual and pastoral appetite, eager to grow in their mission.

Each gathering brought together more than 100 catechists and was led by Isabel Correa, Director of Evangelization and Christian Life for the Archdiocese of Montreal, and Kevin Reda, lay pastoral associate at Laval’s Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Together, they offered dynamic, practical, joyful, and profound sessions.

Rich and lively content
The two days explored key dimensions of the catechetical mission, including:

• The call and mission of the catechist: embracing a vocation of accompaniment and witness.
• Foundational texts and catechetical tools: drawing on the Word of God and the Catechism.
• Techniques and creative pedagogy: bringing catechesis to life in ways suited to every age.
• Constructive discipline: fostering an environment of listening, respect, and joy.
• The spirituality of the catechist: nourishing one’s own faith to better share it with others.
• Collaboration with families: walking together to support the spiritual growth of children and young people.

Throughout the workshops, we prayed, reflected, shared, laughed, played, built connections, and discovered new ways to transmit the faith. Many left with full hearts, already asking, “When will the next session be?”

A welcoming community

These days would not have been possible without the warm and generous hospitality of the parish team of Missione Maria Auxiliatrice, whose attentive and joyful welcome created the perfect environment for learning and fellowship.

Fruitful collaboration

This project was led by the Mission Jeunesse team, with the support of many volunteers and collaborators. Together, we were able to offer catechists a space for renewal, formation, and fellowship—signaling a fresh start for catechesis in our diocese.

In this jubilee year, these two Saturdays in September were a true sign of hope. We give thanks for the vitality, commitment, and passion of our catechists, and we continue to pray that they may always be renewed in their mission.

Holly K. Eugenio
Assistant to the Director, Mission Jeunesse Youth Ministry
Archdiocese of Montreal