Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tian Jin (Agenzia Fides) – The Fall Catechism Course organized by the Cathedral of Xi Kai, in the Diocese of Tian Jin, has begun on September 1, with 200 participants. But the most extraordinary fact is that 158 of them are non-Christians, and this is a record-setting percentage. According to the parish pastor, “it is thanks to the Lord, who has heard our prayer for the parish mission; and it is thanks to the faithful because they have obeyed the Lord’s command: ‘Go out to all the world and preach the Gospel’ (Mk 16:15)’; and it is also thanks to the new communications technology that we use in evangelizing.”
In addition to offering formation on catechetical material, the Course group becomes almost like a family, “experiencing the joy and peace of the Lord; reflecting on the meaning and value of life.” During the 35 encounters, the parish has also prepared a presentation on the history of the Cathedral and the Catholic community in the area. After 2 months of study, the participants in the Course begin going to Sunday Mass together, to learn more about the liturgy. On the weekends (Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon), those who missed a class during the week can “make up” any lessons they lost. At the beginning of the Course, the parish pastor encouraged the entire parish to always welcome these brothers and sisters with open arms, accompanying them and thus, contributing to the progress of the mission of evangelization with others who still do not know Christ. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/09/2008)
