North Region Faith Formation Programme Promotes Creative Approaches to Catechesis

Jalandhar, August 24, 2026: Creative and participatory approaches to catechesis were at the centre of a regional Faith Formation Programme organised by the Commission for Faith Formation, North Region, bringing together 26 priests and lay participants from the Archdiocese of Delhi and the dioceses of Jammu-Srinagar, Jalandhar and Simla-Chandigarh.

Held at Bishop’s House, Civil Lines, Jalandhar, the programme was conducted under the guidance of Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Tauro of Delhi, chairman of the Commission for Faith Formation. The gathering provided a platform for participants to share experiences, effective practices and innovative methods for strengthening faith formation.

A major focus of the programme was the promotion of YOUCAT in the participating dioceses and the exchange of methods for teaching catechism to students from Classes I to X. Participants discussed the use of songs, art and craft, drawing, card-making and other activity-based approaches to make catechesis more engaging and participatory.

The participants also explored a renewed approach to catechetical pedagogy based on the progression, “Search – Understand – Practise – Live – Share”. The approach seeks to help children move beyond acquiring knowledge about faith towards understanding its meaning, practising it in daily life, living its values and sharing it with others.

The meeting also discussed regional programmes for children aimed at deepening their engagement with Scripture and Christian faith through creative activities. Suggestions included Bible quizzes, biblical plays based on Gospel parables, drawing competitions, Gospel singing, literary writing and presentations portraying biblical characters, particularly during April.

Participants were also informed about the National Faith Formation Conference scheduled for October 27–29, 2026, at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Jalandhar.

The gathering included the celebration of Holy Mass offered by Manika Raju of the Archdiocese of Delhi and concelebrated by Joseph of Jammu, John Maria Vianney of Simla-Chandigarh, Geo Jacob of Delhi and Marcus Hans of Jalandhar.

The regional programme reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to developing faith formation that is creative, experiential and participatory, while remaining rooted in Christian life and responsive to the faith development of children and young people.

The organisers expressed gratitude to Bishop Jose Sebastian of Jalandhar for his support and to Subin, Joswin and the coordinating team for their hospitality and arrangements.

By Fr. John Maria Vianney

Regional Secretary, Faith Formation