"Hlwanyela lapho ukhona"

Saturday morning I joined the meeting of the "Vicariate Catechetical Committee"at Jozini. It is a group of catechists from each one of the five centres that gather regularly to evaluate and plan the catechetical journey of children, young people and adults. 

Since I arrived in the Vicariate a have always been present at their meeting reflecting together with them how to help everyone deepen our faith. At the end of last year I appointed Deacon (today is Father!) Dominic Mhlongo as their priest. They were very grateful for the appointment because he also attended the catechetical training done at Metropolitan level (six dioceses) in Newcastle in January. They were very proud to be able to attend with their priest like other dioceses do.

As soon as they arrived on Saturday they prepared the place... a bible, a crucifix, holy water and a candle with the words: "Hlwanyela lapho ukhona" (sow where you are). Fr Mhlongo opened the meeting with a short reflection and prayer based on Mark 15. Then we had a long session of sharing on the year of faith, the training, the coming retreat for catechists... There was so much to thank God for! 

I also presented an idea for the coming future: a weekend workshop to work together on the catechetical material. As no book provides everything we need, we will organize in detail our own journey of faith including: the book, the Bible, the catechism, the book of hymns and prayers... But not only that. To be a Christian is not just to learn things but to follow Jesus in our daily life so we will also include "outreach initiatives" like visiting the sick and the old at home, supporting orphans, serving the community. 

They all agreed and decided to do it in November, starting with "Our Journey Together", the book that guides the formation of those adults who want to be baptised in the Catholic Church.