Catechism at a Glance

Catechism is a living way of faith which we have received from our parents and early church fathers. It is a wholesome of our basic catholic truths, prayers, and instructions for the first communicants. Enlightened by faith and doctrine each student is taught to become an integrated part of the Church and a true Christian.

Catechism in Delhi Syro Malabar Mission was started in different Mass centres initially. A few Priests - in- charges started to teach catechism in their own centres. After erecting six personal parishes in July 2003, parishes started a well organized catechism. In one of the priests’ meetings Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan, (former chaplain) appointed Fr. Joshy Vezhaparambil as the director of catechism department in April 2004.  On 26^th June 2004 the newly appointed director convened a meeting of all the priests and catechism in charges of every  centre, who work in the mission to discuss about catechetical activities.  The meeting formed a catechetical Commission, including representatives of priests, sisters and teachers. The commission elected Mr. Thomas George as its secretary. Today Delhi Syro-Malabar Catechetical Centre (DSMCC) takes up the activities of the Syro Malabar catechism. 

Now Delhi Syro-Malabar Mission has grown a lot in the field of teaching Catechism. Our Catechism books are based on Bible, Sacraments, Liturgy, Church History and Values. Now 2295 children are studying and 188 teachers are teaching in 179 Divisions at 23 centers under the banner of Delhi Syro-Malabar Catechetical Center. Center distributes teaching aids, study materials, supporting materials, question papers… etc. to the parish catechism units. We have a systematic syllabus and text books for classes 1 to 12. We conduct half yearly and annual examinations and the students who score highest marks are sent to appear for the Scholarship Examinations at the Center. We organize training programmes, seminars, get-togethers for the teachers at the Zonal and central level. We, also arrange training sessions for teachers at class basis. We also arrange annual convention for the catechism children.