About Us

Christodayam – Catechetical Ministry of the Salesian Province of Trichy (INT)

Christodayam is the Catechetical Ministry of the Salesian Province of Trichy (INT), dedicated to promoting faith formation, religious education, and evangelization. Rooted in St. John Bosco’s Preventive System, it aims to strengthen Christian values among children, youth, and families.

Key Activities of Christodayam

  • Sunday School & Faith Formation: Organizing catechism classes in parishes and mission centers.
  • Training Catechists & Lay Leaders: Equipping teachers and volunteers with resources for effective catechesis.
  • Publication of Catechetical Materials: Developing books, magazines, and digital content for religious education.
  • Retreats & Spiritual Camps: Conducting programs for youth, children, and families to deepen their faith.
  • Evangelization & Missionary Outreach: Spreading the Gospel in rural and underprivileged areas.

Through Christodayam, the Salesians of Trichy nurture faith, educate believers, and empower evangelizers, ensuring that Christian values continue to flourish.

OUR TEAM

Fr. John Samuel SDB
Fr. Jeyan Joseph SDB
Fr. George Chinnappan SDB
Fr. Jerald Vianneyraj SDB

Catechetics Activity Report

Christodayam – 2024-2025 Activities Summary

  • Zonal Level Catechist Certificate Course: A three-day training program conducted across zones to enhance catechetical knowledge, focusing on faith formation, leadership, and liturgical catechesis.
  • Workshop on ‘Christian Life and Religious Vocation’ for BCC Leaders: A two-day workshop to strengthen faith and leadership, with sessions on Bible study, moral values, and vocations.
  • The Altar Servers’ Convention 2024: A gathering of 125 altar servers with training on liturgical roles, sacred articles, and spiritual animation.
  • Retreat for DBHS Thanjavur Students: A one-day retreat for 11th and 12th graders focused on God’s love and the Ten Commandments, including talks, confession, and Eucharist.
  • Training for Catechetical Animators: A national-level training at Ennore Youth Animation Centre to enhance catechetical teaching and theological skills.
  • Catechism Children’s Animation: Interactive sessions held in various locations teaching the importance of catechism in Christian life.
  • Retreat for DBHS Varadarajanpet Students: A faith retreat for senior students with confession, Eucharist, and teachings on the Ten Commandments.
  • BCC Animation at Nettur: Parish-based animation promoting faith, evangelization, and social transformation through Christian responsibility.
  • Strenna Presentation – Salesian Family 2025: A session on the theme “Anchored in Hope, and Pilgrims with Young People,” focusing on faith and youth development.
  • One-day Catechist Training – Province Level (Phase II): Advanced training covering sacraments, Don Bosco’s spirituality, and current catechetical challenges.
  • ICA Meeting at Siloam (Shillong): A national gathering focused on prayerful catechesis with academic reflections on family prayer.
  • BCC Animation at Kulathurampatti: Training leaders in evangelization, Christian brotherhood, and social responsibility.
  • Catechism Children’s Animation – Bible & Suffering: Engaging children in discussions on the Bible and the meaning of suffering in Christian life.
  • Faith Formation – Family Visits: House visits aimed at strengthening family faith, encouraging religious practices, and deepening participation in parish life.

Implementation Report

Youth Ministry Activities – Faith Dimension (2024–2025)

  • Catechist Training
    Venues: Amsam, K.Pudur, Keelaeral (Zonal) | Keelaeral (Province)
    Dates: 7, 14, 21 July 2024 | 22 February 2025
    Participants: 33 (each zonal session), 38 (province session)
    Impact: Strengthened catechetical knowledge and teaching skills, deepening participants’ faith and Church understanding.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension
  • Retreat for the Students
    Venues: DBHS Thanjavur, Varadarajanpet
    Dates: 17 August 2024, 4 January 2025
    Participants: 270 (Thanjavur), 195 (Varadarajanpet)
    Impact: Fostered self-reflection, repentance, and renewed commitment to spiritual growth.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension / Vocation
  • Province Jubilee
    Venue: Thanjavur
    Date: 5 August 2024
    Participants: 700
    Impact: Celebrated God’s blessings, inspired faith and unity, and encouraged spiritual growth.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension
  • Altar Servers Convention
    Venue: DB ITI, Madurai
    Date: 28 & 29 September 2024
    Participants: 125
    Impact: Provided spiritual formation, vocational awareness, and strengthened liturgical service engagement.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension / Youth / Vocation
  • BCC Leaders Animation
    Venues: Amsam, Vilathikulam, Nettur
    Dates: 29 September, 17 November, 24 November 2024
    Participants: 135 (Amsam), 32 (Vilathikulam), 30 (Nettur)
    Impact: Equipped leaders for parish-based evangelization, community faith building, and lay leadership.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension / Parish Commission / Vocation
  • Catechism for Children
    Venue: Arul Puthur
    Date: 15 December 2024
    Participants: 45
    Impact: Strengthened children’s understanding of Christian values through repentance and catechetical teachings.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension
  • Faith Formation (Family Visits)
    Venues: Kudathipatti, Kulathurampatti
    Dates: 17 February 2025 (Kudathipatti), 24–26 February 2025 (Kulathurampatti)
    Participants: 35 (Kudathipatti), 42 (Kulathurampatti)
    Impact: Strengthened family faith life through prayer, guidance, and deeper Christian engagement.
    Youth Ministry Dimensions: Faith Dimension

Annual Plan Report

Catechetical Ministry Activities Plan (2025–2026)

1. Training for Catechism Teachers

  • Venues & Dates:
    • Madhakottai (Zonal) – 16 June 2025
    • Saveriyarpalayam (Zonal) – 23 June 2025
    • Nettur (Zonal) – 7 July 2025
    • K.Pudur (Province) – 8 February 2026
  • Expected Participants: 35–50 teachers per session
  • Budget: Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 40,000
  • Objective & Impact: Enhancing teaching methods, deepening faith, and empowering catechism teachers to educate children and youth effectively.

2. Training for BCC Leaders

  • Venues & Dates:
    • Manakkal (Zonal) – 4 August 2025
    • Alangulam (Zonal) – 18 August 2025
    • Vilathikulam (Zonal) – 15 September 2025
  • Expected Participants: 50–60 leaders per session
  • Budget: Rs. 40,000 per session
  • Objective & Impact: Strengthening community-based faith formation and leadership among BCC leaders across zones.

3. Altar Servers Convention

  • Venue: DB ITI, Madurai (Province)
  • Date: 27 & 28 September 2025
  • Expected Participants: 145 Altar Servers
  • Budget: Rs. 50,000
  • Objective & Impact: Offering spiritual enrichment, leadership formation, and vocational awareness to altar servers.

4. Tech & Tradition

  • Venue: Manikandam
  • Date: 17–19 February 2026 (Friday, Saturday, Monday)
  • Expected Participants: 20 Members
  • Budget: Rs. 30,000
  • Objective & Impact: Merging modern technology with traditional Catholic practices to foster engaging faith education.

5. Retreats for Students & Teachers

  • Venues:
    • DBHS Thanjavur (Local)
    • DBHS Varadarajanpet (Local)
    • DB Manakkal (Local)
  • Objective & Impact: Encouraging spiritual renewal, reflection, and deeper faith connections among students and educators.

6. Challenges Faced

  • Low Participation: Caused by distance, financial burdens, family obligations, and work commitments.
  • Schedule Conflicts: Overlapping with diocesan events hampers attendance and planning.

7. Faith Book for Children (Upcoming)

  • Status: Under development
  • Objective: To provide structured, interactive, and faith-filled content for children’s spiritual learning and growth.