By Godwin Utuedoye,
WARRI- Most Rev. John Afareha of Warri diocese has stressed tge importance of catechists in every parish community, ststing that they are the first agents of evangelization even as he more catechists for the diocese of Warri.
Bishop Afareha who officiated the commissioning Mass at 10:00am at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri, congratulated the catechists reminding them of their new task as the teacher’s of the faith.
Bishop John Oke’Oghene Afareha in a group Photograph with newly Commissioned Catechists for the Diocese of Warri
In his homily, the bishop admonished the Catechist’s to be committed to their duties and vocations as teachers in the Church . He noted that a Catechist is someone who explains the faith to others, transmit knowledge of Christ and the gospel to others. Going further, the bishop disclosed that parents are the first Catechist in the homes before the one in church, maintaining that Catechists are indispensable in the parish community.
He called on priests and the laity to support their Catechist as they are poorly remunerated. Most Rev. Afareha further admonished the catechists to be focused and committed to their duties and collaborate with their parish priests in handing on the faith to catechumens.
Present at the commissioning ceremony was the Vicar for Catechists Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Eyitene who thanked the bishop for the honour conferred on the Catechists and the Cathedral Administrator for all the help rendered to them.
Immediately after the Mass, a reception was held in honour of the newly commissioned catechists.