Organized by Dar-ul-Kalam under the Pastoral Leadership of Archbishop Benny Mario Travas
Swat Valley – June 23–26, 2025
In a continuing effort to strengthen Catholic education and formation, Dar-ul-Kalam, under the guidance of His Excellency Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, organized a Catechism Teachers’ Refresher Course from June 23 to 26, 2025, in the scenic region of Swat Valley.
The three-day spiritual and educational formation brought together 27 catechism teachers from Catholic schools across the region. The program was led by Rev. Fr. Ishaq Gulam, Director of the Catechetical Centre, Diocese of Multan, who facilitated sessions focused on theological enrichment, pedagogical skills, and the renewal of catechetical mission.
Each day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, grounding the course in the liturgical and spiritual life of the Church. This was followed by a dynamic program of interactive workshops, including:
- Group discussions on classroom challenges
- Role-playing catechetical scenarios
- Teaching demonstrations and best practices
- Reflections on Scripture and Church teaching
The central aim of the course was to enhance the effectiveness of catechetical instruction, while also nurturing the personal spiritual growth of the catechists. Participants were encouraged to deepen their understanding of the faith and renew their commitment as witnesses of the Gospel in Catholic education.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Amir Joseph, Director of Dar-ul-Kalam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Ishaq Gulam, the participating teachers, and their respective school principals. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between catechists and Church leadership in the mission of forming children in the Catholic faith.
“Catechism teachers are evangelizers in the classroom,” Mr. Joseph shared. “Their ongoing formation is vital for building a generation rooted in the love of Christ and the truths of the Catholic faith.”
This refresher course stands as a testament to the Church’s mission to equip lay leaders and educators to carry forward the work of evangelization and faith formation in Pakistan’s Catholic schools.
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