PIME Memorial Hall, Sacred heart Cathedral Compound, Bohmu Pho Kum Street, Taungngu diocese, Myanmar
The course had the daily average presence of 113 attendees. They comprised of 30 priests (15 PMS diocesan directors, some Pastors and Co-pastors), 17 women religious and 2 men religious, and 64 lay people (inclusive of 5 seminarians).
Through the formation course, all the participants encountered the occasion to grow in confidence as long as teaching and evangelizing is concerned; to know more of Catechism of the Catholic Church; to know what Catechesis, Catechism and Evangelization precisely means; to know relationship between Catechesis and Evangelization; to get insights in regard to method of Catechesis instructions (methodology) for more effectiveness of doing catechesis; and to deepen their theological knowledge.
In Catholicism, Catechesis provides lifelong formation for members and for those pursuing initiation in the Catholic Church. Through Catechetical formation, Catholics prepare to evangelize. As Catechesis and Evangelization form such integral and related roles, we chose to have our formation course on this theme: “Transforming Catechesis and Evangelization.”
Fr. Lucas Tha Ling Sum, PhD in Pastoral Theology (Specialization in Catechesis), currently is Chancellor, Chairman of the EV and Catechesis, started his presentation by shedding light on the fact that there are five dimensions of a Christian life.
1. Faith Life
Faith is necessary for salvation.
2. Sacramental Life
Jesus himself instituted seven Sacraments for our Salvation, namely Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy order and Matrimony. It is, therefore, important for the faithful to receive the Sacraments often, especially the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist.
3. Moral Life
St. James reminds us of the importance and necessity of actions in our Christian life saying, “Faith without works (deeds/actions) is dead” (James 2:26). However, one must not ignore prayer life in one’s spiritual life.
4. Prayer Life
Christian prayer is of the most important aspects of a good Christian life. In the Bible we see that Jesus often prays. It is no doubt that prayer life is necessary to attain salvation. But a Christian should also evangelize.
5. Mission Life
The Second Vatican Council asserts that the Church is a missionary by nature. This means that every baptized person is a missionary. A Christian who lives faith life, sacramental life, moral life and prayer life should go out to the world proclaiming the good news. They are all closely connected one another.
