Catechism

Table of Contents

Introduction

We live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world where the voice of God often gets lost amid the noise. Today’s culture celebrates materialism, self-reliance, and fleeting pleasures, leaving little space for deeper meaning, purpose, or connection with God. Our children, too, are surrounded by these influences, and without guidance, they can grow up feeling spiritually lost or unsure of their identity in Christ.

As parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your child’s faith. But you don’t have to take on this mission alone. That’s where Sunday School comes in.

What is Sunday School, and Why is it Important?

Sunday School, or Catechism, is more than a class—it’s a place where your child can:
* Discover God’s Love: Learning who God is and how deeply He loves and cares for them.
* Develop a Strong Moral Compass: Gaining the tools to make good decisions, grounded in the teachings of Christ.
* Find Belonging in the Church: Becoming part of a faith community that supports and uplifts them.

Through engaging lessons, fun activities, and a loving community, Sunday School gives children the opportunity to know God personally and understand how He fits into their everyday lives.

What Do the Saints Say About Catechism?

The saints have long recognized the power of catechism in shaping young hearts and minds:

* St. Charles Borromeo reminds us, “Instructing children in the faith is the greatest act of charity.” Teaching children about God is not just a duty but an act of profound love that nurtures their souls.
* St. Pope Pius X declared, “The catechism is the most beautiful and necessary of all books.” He believed in the importance of teaching children the faith early, even lowering the age for First Holy Communion so that children could encounter Christ sooner.
* St. John Bosco, who devoted his life to working with the youth, emphasized the importance of love and care in teaching the faith: “It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved.”

These saints remind us that catechesis is not just about passing on knowledge—it is about forming souls for a life with God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Role of Catechesis

– The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of catechesis in the life of the faithful:
– “Catechesis is an education in the faith… imparted in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” (CCC 5).

It also reminds us that while parents are the primary educators of faith, programs like Sunday School provide critical support in deepening a child’s understanding and love for God (CCC 2223).

A Personal Invitation to You

We know raising children in today’s world isn’t easy, especially when it comes to instilling faith. That’s why we invite you to partner with us. Enrolling your child in Sunday School is more than just signing up for a program—it’s a step toward giving them a strong foundation in faith, values, and community that will guide them for the rest of their lives.

As St. Augustine so beautifully said, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Let’s guide our children toward the peace and joy that only comes from knowing and loving God.

If you’ve been feeling a tug at your heart to reconnect your family with God, this is your moment. We warmly invite you to send your child and watch as your child’s faith grows, their confidence in God deepens, and their joy in living a Christ-centered life shines through.

Catechism Class 2025

English language Catechism classes will commence from 16th February 2025

Class Timing

Class Time
CGS (3 - 4 years old) 11:00am - 12:15pm
CGS (5 - 6 years old) 10:45am - 12:00pm
Level 1 & 2 10:45am - 12:00pm
Level 3 - Level 9 10:45am - 12:15pm
Level 10 & Level 11 10:30am - 12:30pm

Registration

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ( CGS) is open for registration for children who have turned 3 years old to 6 years old.

Press the button below for registration.

Class Calendar

General Policies and Guidelines

Learners' Guidelines:

  1. Learners are expected to attend classes regularly. There are 32 catechism classes in 2025, commencing from Feb 16th, 2025 to December 7th, 2025. Please reference the catechism calendar linked on this website.
  2. Learners should be on time for class. Tardiness is disruptive to the class.
  3. Learners are to attend weekly Masses on Saturdays or Sundays.
  4. Learners should read and understand the attendance policy below. We will strictly adhere to the guidelines. Older Learners are to notify the class catechist if he/she will be absent, stating the reason for the absence.
  5. Learners are always expected to dress decently in their best attire for class and Mass.
  6. Learners are requested to comply with the general safe environment policy and demonstrate appropriate behavior in class, treating others with kindness and consideration. Learners are to lead by example, adhering to Catholic teaching. We will not tolerate bullying, inappropriate behavior or language, damage to property, or misuse of media on Church premises or during Catechism classes. Parents will be informed of such behavior if necessary.
  7. Mobile phones must be switched off or silenced during class time.
  8. Learners are to take their assignments and class participation seriously as part of their spiritual development.
  9. There will be at least one evaluation conducted during the year.
  10. A “Parent-Catechist meet” will be conducted once a year.
  11. There may be a spiritual camp, outreach, or day trip for spiritual formation that learners are encouraged to participate in.
  12. Learners are to bring their own Bible, Catechism book, notebook, writing materials (pens, pencils), and water bottle (if needed) for classes.
  13. Learners shall be respectful to the Priests, Catechists, and church members at all times.

Parents' Guidelines:

The Church recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children in the faith. Parents should assist their children in their learning, teach them how to pray, and review any homework. In addition, parents are asked to:

  1. Ensure children are on time for class.
  2. Communicate any concerns to the contacts listed on the website or to the class catechists. Parents are expected to maintain a respectful and courteous attitude towards catechists, other parents, and children at all times. This includes verbal communications in parents chat groups, private messages to catechists, and non-verbal interactions.
  3. Serve as role models and ensure their children attend Mass weekly, including on obligatory days, and go for confessions (at least once a year for children who have received First Holy Communion).
  4. For younger children up to level 2, parents are encouraged to physically pick up their children after class (preferably from the classrooms).
  5. Encourage children to participate in the spiritual camp, outreach, or day trip meant for spiritual formation.
  6. Encourage their children to follow the safe environment guidelines at all times while on the premises of Jesus Caritas and nurture them to take care of the church facilities, assets, and cleanliness.
  7. Pay attention to and share with the children information and matters shared by our Catechists periodically through the parents’ chat groups.
  8. Encourage children to take part in BEC and catechist-initiated Mass animation (e.g., doing readings, hospitality ministry, offertory, and reciting the Rosary before Mass).
  9. Attend the Parent-Catechist meet and take keen interest in the child’s faith formation and behavior in general.
  10. Ensure that each child possesses a Catholic Bible, makes reference to it regularly, and brings it to catechism classes.
  11. In the event one of the parent is a non-Catholic, we encourage a signed parental consent letter to be given to the Catechetical Ministry to allow the child to attend catechism classes.
  12. Ensure children bring their Bible, Catechism book, notebook, writing materials (pens, pencils), and water bottle as required for classes.

Attendance Policy

  1. Regular weekly attendance at all class sessions is expected. It should be the norm for all catechism learners to attend more than 80% of classes, failing which the student may be retained in the level or forgo receiving the Sacrament for the given year at the discretion of the church Priests/Catechism Ministry.
  2. Parents are to notify the catechist by phone or email if their child will be absent, stating the reason for the absence.
  3. Understand that irregular attendance at Mass may lead to the child not receiving the sacrament for the given year to ensure more faith guidance and commitment is instilled.

Enquiry

If you still have any concerns or inquiries, you may contact:
* Sunday School: Linda (012-390 2728)
* ⁠CGS: Rachel (012-327-2605)