STELLA T
Catechists serving in the Catholic Parish of Rwegiri have been urged to manifest God’s love among the faithful while also cultivating financial literacy.
Speaking at a one-day seminar at Rwegiri Parish, Rev. Father Achilles Tumukurate, Vice Director of the Liturgy and Catechesis Commission, Kabale Diocese, and Parish Priest of Ndama Parish, emphasized that catechists are called to be living witnesses of the Gospel. “Those on the fringes of society need to see catechists as sources of hope. You must communicate hope, reconciliation, and peace not only with words but through your lives,” he said.
Father Tumukurate reminded catechists that reconciliation and peace must begin in their hearts. “True peace is born from the sacrament of reconciliation and the constant practice of forgiveness. A catechist who holds grudges or refuses to forgive cannot transmit the Gospel message of hope and peace,” he warned. He further encouraged catechists to invest in their spiritual lives, attend ministry training programs, and collaborate with others to develop their ministry skills.
Raymond Ariho, Organizing Secretary for the Liturgy and Catechesis Commission, Kabale Diocese, added that catechists are called to form the conscience of the next generation, shaping values among workers, professionals, and politicians for a more just and united society. He stressed that catechesis should be limitless, promoting hope and spiritual growth among children, youth, and families. Ariho also highlighted the importance of leadership skills, including humility, compassion, integrity, and the ability to serve and empower others.
Fr. Clement Musabyimana, Assistant Parish Priest of Rwegiri Parish, thanked the Diocese and pastoral team for organizing the seminar, and reminded catechists to always make time for prayer and discussion.
The seminar also offered financial literacy training, urging catechists to maintain records of income and expenditure for transparency and project tracking. Rwegiri Parish formed two associations, the Catechists Welfare Group B and Abakudwa Babashomesa Group A, and pledged to start poultry-keeping projects. The Diocese contributed five hundred shillings to help the groups start, with a plan to recycle the funds to support similar initiatives in other parishes after one year.
The seminar concluded with a call for catechists to combine spiritual growth with practical skills, ensuring they remain true instruments of God’s love in their communities.
