Herbile: St. Joseph’s Parish in the scenic village of Herbile in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its Annual Catechism Day on February 18th, 2024. The event aimed to honor and recognize the importance of catechesis and faith formation within the parish community while commending the dedication and achievements of its catechism children, altar servers, catechism teachers, and supportive parents.
Hirebile, one of the large Parishes of Chikmagalur Diocese, stands at a height of 900 metres above mean Sea level, surrounded by vales and dales, hills and mountains, and eye-catching greenery of coffee and tea estates.
The festivities commenced with a ceremony acknowledging children who demonstrated excellence in their catechism studies. Outstanding performers were awarded medals and certificates as a testament to their commitment to spiritual learning. Special recognition was also given to children who consistently participated in daily Mass and submitted Sunday sermons, highlighting their active engagement in religious practices.
The event further celebrated the invaluable contributions of altar servers, who were acknowledged for their selfless service and dedication to the parish community. Those who participated in Saturday meetings and maintained a high standard of attire were singled out for their exemplary conduct, emphasising the importance of reverence and professionalism in their role.
The tireless efforts of catechism teachers were duly acknowledged and appreciated, with special mention given to Sr. Helen Sequira UFS, Sr. Florine Menezes UFS, Sr. Lavina Rego, Sr. Santhosh UFS, Sr. Flavia D Mello, Sr. Olivia Miranda UFS, Ms. Priya, Ms. Sneha, Mrs. Veronica, and Mrs. Alphonse. These educators play a pivotal role in imparting the fundamentals of faith to youth through Sunday catechism classes.
In a heartwarming gesture, children who exhibited exemplary dedication during daily Mass were honored with the esteemed title of “Little Shining Stars of Herbile,” inspiring them to continue their active participation in spiritual activities.
The event also extended gratitude to parents for their unwavering support in fostering the spiritual development of their children. Altar server Johnson expressed heartfelt thanks to the dedicated organising team, led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. David Prakash and Brother Vinodh Kumar R, for their exemplary leadership and meticulous planning, which contributed significantly to the event’s success.
A total of 70 children participated in the programme, which included a Holy Mass and a meaningful sermon delivered by Very Rev Fr. David Prakash. The celebration served as a poignant reminder of the profound importance of faith formation and spiritual nourishment within the community, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose.
As the event concluded, heartfelt gratitude was extended to all who contributed to its success, reaffirming the parish’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of its members.