Reactions as Yola Catholic Bishop ordains 29 Catechists

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Reverend Stephen Mamza has commissioned 29 Catechists, ( teachers of the Catholic doctrine) alongside their wives.

The commissioning came after the Catechists completed a two-year training on the chosen ministry in the church.

Bishop Mamza who is also the Adamawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), charged the catechists to proclaim and preach the gospel by example.

During the 2023 investiture and commissioning of the catechists at the Catechetical Training Center in Muchala, Gombi local government Area, the Catholic Bishop appreciated all the directors, priests and staff of the centre for the support given to the catechists throughout their training.

He said graduating 29 Catechists is a great achievement to the Catholic Diocese of Yola which expects them to be up and doing in their calling to preach the gospel of the Lord.

Bishop Mamza emphasized the need to work as a team, stressing that without collaboration between them and priests they would not work effectively.

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese appealed to the graduating catechists and their wives to desist from being liability and beggars but should engage in farming while their wives should use the sewing machines given to them to support their families.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Catechetical Training Center, Muchala, Reverend Father Simon Salama described a catechist as a person of faith who leads others in the understanding of Faith teaching according to the official teachings of the church, saying their role is a vital ministry to the church.

Catholic Dictionary defines a catechist as one who teaches the essentials of Christian faith and morals; the term technically refers to “one who gives instruction in Catholic doctrine, especially in mission lands or among people who are not baptized or who are dechristianized.”