Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Although it is time for Summer holidays, Catholic commitment to evangelise children continues with Summer Camps, Summer Catechism and other similar initiatives thanks to the generous help of well trained catechists and animators. According to information sent to Fides most parishes and Small Ecclesial Communities have programmes for children during the Summer vacation time.
For example, the diocese of Hai Men, guided by Bishop Shen Bin, ordained with the approval of the Holy See last 22 April, held a course for Summer Camp catechists 12 - 16 July. The course was given by Sisters of the Taiwan based Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus sent to mainland China to train local sisters and committed lay Catholics on various subjects including how to help children draw near to the Lord. The course concluded with a solemn Mass presided by Bishop Shen.
“We meet in the Lord!” is the theme for the Summer Camp organised by Liu Lin parish in the diocese of Han Dan. With the help of priests, seminarians and women religious of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit Paraclete, about fifty boys and girls lived five intense days, 11 to 15 July , of faith sharing starting with Bible study.
Xiao Han Cun parish in the diocese of Tian Jin, asked the Sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of the diocese of Fu Shun to lead a catechism course for children starting 17 July. This assistance, which includes help with holiday homework. is important for working parents who would otherwise have to leave the children at home alone.
From 6 to 15 July, 157 middle and high school pupils took part in a ten day Summer Camp and Catechism organised by Fan Ga parish in the diocese of Cang Zhou. “Mission of Young Christians of the New Era ” was the principal theme. The children listened to reflections on the Ten Commandments and made a pilgrimage to the burial places of foreign missionaries and local priests who dedicated their lives to diocesan mission. They visited the cathedral and other parishes and were warmly welcomed everywhere.
July 11 was the first day of Summer Catechism at the parish of Liu He, diocese of Tai Yuan. Twenty catechists and animators work with more than 1000 children of different ages in 27 classes. The day starts with morning prayer and Holy Mass, followed by catechism, school homework and recreation. According to one priest leader, “children are the future of our faith and we must begin their formation in early childhood”.
About forty young people in Jin Jia Xiang parish, diocese of Shang Hai are taking part in a Summer Catechism course which started 13 July. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 22/07/2010 - righe 40; parole 468)
