TEACHER CATECHISTS IN GULU ARCHDIOCESE URGED TO STRENGTHEN FAITH IN SCHOOLS

Archbishop Rapheal Wokorach awards a participant with a Catechist Certificate.

By Achomo Proscovia
Gulu City

Archbishop Raphael P’mony Wokorach of Gulu Archdiocese has called upon catechists to be pillars of faith in schools, stressing their critical role in youth formation.
 
He made this address to catechists who recently completed a four -week intensive formation program at Comboni Missionary Animation Centre, Gulu Cathedral Parish, underscoring their indispensable role in shaping the spiritual and moral foundation of young learners.
 
Speaking with pastoral urgency, the archbishop emphasized that catechists are not merely instructors, but educators of faith, entrusted with the sacred duty of evangelizing the youth. “You are more than teachers, you are formaters of soul, he emphasized. Catechesis is an education in faith, and this mission demands your full dedication. Our young people spend more time in school than in their homes or even in church. If we neglect their spiritual formation, we fail them profoundly,” said Archbishop Wokorach.
 
The training that drew about 19 teachers from the different catholic schools in both Gulu and Kitgum vicariates, aimed to deepen their theological knowledge and pastoral skills, catechetical knowledge and equipping them to effectively integrate Christian values into school environments.
 
Acknowledging the challenges faced by today’s youths-ranging from moral decay to declining discipline, Archbishop Raphael urged catechists to actively bring the gospel into schools rather than merely lamenting societal shortcomings. “It is not enough to blame the youth when they falter. We must act. You, as catechists are the frontliners. Carry the gift of faith to them with conviction, creativity, and compassion,” Archbishop Wokorach added.
 
Stella Akello a teacher at St. Daniel Comboni Nursery and Primary school in Opit Parish filled with renewed passion is ready to serve as an ambassador of faith and a graduate of the program expressed her reediness to serve as ambassador of faith. “This training has deepened my understanding of catechesis as more than just instruction, it is a mission am ready to serve as a witness of Christ in my school, ensuring that our learners receive not only knowledge but also a living faith,” said Akello.

Catechists participate in Holy mass after their four-week formation training
at the Comboni Chapel.
 
In a powerful demonstration of faith-driven dedication, Jacob Canopwonya from St. Jude Primary School, Gulu Cathedral Parish made a solemn pledge to champion spiritual and moral development of learners under his care.
 
“I understand the weight of this responsibility, our youth face countless challenges today, and it is our duty as catechists to guide them not just academically, but spiritually. I vow to nurture their hearts and minds with the lights of the Gospel,” Canopwonya emphasized.
 
Having completed the rigorous Comboni training, Jacob now returns to his school armed with innovative catechetical methods, scripture-base teaching approaches and pastoral leadership skills. His enthusiasm mirrors that of his fellow participants who also vowed to become an ambassador of faith.
 
Responding to the urgent need for faith formation in schools, Peace Scovia Sentamu the programs coordinator at Comboni Missionary animation center said training teachers serve as a spiritual guide for students.
 
This initiative, coordinated in partnership with Christian Youth Missionary Groups, addresses a critical gap in sacramental preparation, particularly baptism while nurturing holistic discipleship among youths.
 
Peace explained the driving mission behind this initiative saying, “We observed a great hunger for baptism and faith formation in schools. Yet too few catechists to meet the need. As scriptures as, ‘The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few’ (Luke10:2). That’s why we called upon teachers, those already embedded in schools to receive formation and become spiritual leaders for the students,” said Ssentamu.
 
Rev Fr Dr Jino Mwaka, the vice-chancellor of University of the Sacred Heart Gulu reminded the participants that their mission extends far beyond the training classroom.
 
“Today, you are not just graduating, you are being sent forth as spiritual companions, the journey is just beginning. You will now walk with your brothers and sisters in faith, guiding them through sacraments, prayers and daily discipleship. This is where your true work starts,” Father Mwaka echoed.