A total of 2,135 catechists drawn from all the deaneries across Soroti Catholic Diocese renewed their commitment to catechetical duties today.
This took place during the Diocesan Catechists Day celebrations held at Father Hilders Primary School grounds under the theme: “Keep the memory of God alive.”
Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, the main celebrant, urged the catechists to keep the memory of God alive.
“That is, make Jesus present wherever you are, make Jesus known, loved, and served. Keep the fire burning always, keep the faith alive, don’t sleep, don’t relax,” Bishop Eciru said.
The bishop described the catechists as an “army of catechists,” the foot soldiers, men and women worthy of praise. He reminded them to maintain constant fidelity and to remain faithful to Christ and the Church.
“Your work is more necessary than ever, so you need to be faithful to Christ and the Church. I emphasize that your work is now even more essential within the Soroti Catholic Diocese,” Bishop Eciru stressed.
He urged the catechists to love God, their priests, their work, and their communities, cautioning that failing to do so would label them as “fake catechists.”
Bishop Eciru also warned against engaging in extramarital affairs, reminding them to remain faithful to their spouses. Additionally, he advised them to avoid alcohol, noting that drunkenness and dishonesty are incompatible with their calling.
He encouraged the catechists to stay close to God, their priests, the bishop, and the Christian faithful.
Bishop Eciru challenged them to stand out by being exemplary in all areas—self-presentation, home life, development, prayer, creativity, love, and commitment to their work.
He also urged them, and all Christians, to embrace adoration, emphasizing its importance and noting that every Thursday, catechists should meet with their spiritual leaders.
Bishop Eciru called on women to support and pray for their husbands in their role as catechists, so they can continue serving God effectively.
Thomas Aquinas Okello, the diocesan head catechist, thanked the bishop for reshaping the role of catechists in the diocese, particularly through formation and sober living. He also appealed to leaders to empower catechists for the moral development of society and acknowledged the support of female spouses in the ministry.
The catechists submitted a memorandum to the State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, requesting government support in acquiring a tractor, improving their welfare, and providing means of transport.
During the same event, five million shillings in cash and pledges were raised for the Soroti Catholic Diocese Catechists SACCO. Hon. Adoa contributed two million shillings, the FDC party pledged another two million, and one million was raised by the Christians.
Speaking as the chief guest, Hon. Hellen Adoa, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament, applauded Bishop Eciru for reorganizing and advancing the diocese.
She urged the Church to train catechists to support the upbringing of children with challenges in the community.
Adoa encouraged the catechists to establish savings SACCOs, suggesting weekly savings of at least 2,000 shillings, and to engage in commercial farming to improve their livelihoods.
Following the mass, Bishop Eciru rewarded all catechists with gifts to motivate and empower them in their ministry.
The colorful event was attended by hundreds of Christians from all the deaneries within the diocese.
