Catechists training in Maaji and Agojo

Sr. Magda during a class

By Sr. Magdalena Orczykowska, Ukusijoni community, Uganda

In the Maaji and Agojo refugee settlements in Northern Uganda, our team of Missionaries of Africa and Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa continues to offer regular training for the catechists who serve the Christian communities. These moments of formation are one of the simple ways we bring the Word of God to people who continue to wait for the Good News of hope.

During the sessions, the catechists deepen their understanding of theology, spirituality, and leadership, and they learn to recognize God’s presence in their daily lives. Each session gathers around 25 catechists, ranging from young people who are still in school to elders who sometimes struggle with English.

We also encourage women, who form the majority in the refugee settlements, to participate actively and take up this important leadership role within their communities.

The training is offered in both English and Juba-Arabic to ensure that everyone can fully understand and benefit from the content.

It is always a joy to see how God touches their hearts and strengthens their desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.

One catechist shared a beautiful reflection after a session on how our way of leading—whether as priests, parents, or catechists—can shape the image of God in others:

“I realized that when we correct harshly, children may grow up with a distorted understanding of God’s image. From now on, I want to teach with more compassion, so that those I guide may encounter a God who loves them deeply.”

We thank God for the generosity of these catechists who continue to serve their communities with faith, simplicity, and dedication.

Who is a catechist?

A catechist is a person, a lay volunteer, who teaches and forms others in the Christian faith, particularly within the Catholic Church by echoing the teachings of the Church (the Catechism) and helping individuals develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, serving as witness, teacher, and mentor to help people know, love, and serve God better.

The term comes from the Greek word for “to echo,” signifying their role in echoing God’s Word and the Church’s teachings.

They are vital to the Church’s mission of evangelization, making disciples and transmitting faith to new generations. They lead classes, often for children and youth, in religious education, preparing them for sacraments like First Communion and Confirmation. They help people encounter God and understand their faith, while continue to nurture their own relationship with Jesus through prayer and formation.

Anyone can be a catechist, man o woman, parents, singles, religious, teens, who feels called to serve. They don’t need to be theologians but must have a strong desire to share their faith and be open to learning.