ASIA/HONG KONG-Mgr. Tong gave 89 catechists the diploma and awarded 83 Sunday Schools teachers

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – His Exc. Mgr. John Tong, Bishop of Hong Kong, gave the diploma to 89 catechists who completed the 2-year permanent training course, and awarded 83 Sunday Schools teachers for carrying out their service in the parishes. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the awards ceremony and Mass took place on Sunday, July 3 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Don Philip Chan, a consultant for the Catechetical Centre, together with other priests concelebrated the Mass with the Bishop. The 89 catechists come from 27 parishes, 3 universities or colleges. They carry out their work of teaching in 17 secondary schools, 18 primary schools and 2 kindergartens. Among them are housewives, professionals, retired people ... all "have been called by God to be members of the Church and teach catechism to deepen their faith by transmitting it", underlined Mgr. Tong. The 83 Sunday School teachers awarded render their service in 21 parishes. According to the director of the Catechetical Centre, Amelia Lau, up till now courses like this have already trained about 4,300 catechists, who are the missionary force of the territory. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 07/09/2011)