by Michael Benedict Obek

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AFP PHOTO / Alberto PIZZOLI

As the world progresses, the technology that we use today will also advance in its development. Social media is no exception. Almost everyone who is living in the 21st century has a social media page, whether it be Facebook, X(Formerly Twitter), or  Instagram. Social Media has influenced and changed our lives, for better or worse. Thus, it is such a powerful tool that can make or break what choices we make.


This is where the Social Communication Ministry plays a role. The Social Communications Ministry helps circulate the parish’s and diocese’s activities to the people. But, the role in Social Communication goes beyond just handling the parish’s social media. It is to foster a sense of community and understanding in parish and diocese.

This is what his holiness Pope Paul VI, in his document Inter Mirifica, has to say about the use of social media:

The Church recognizes that these media if properly utilized, can be of great service to mankind since they greatly contribute to men’s entertainment and instruction as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of God. The Church recognizes, too, that men can employ these media contrary to the plan of the Creator and to their own loss. Indeed, the Church experiences maternal grief at the harm all too often done to society by their evil use. …  It trusts, moreover, that the teaching and regulations it thus sets forth will serve to promote, not only the eternal welfare of Christians but also the progress of all mankind.

The mission of the Social Communication Ministry is important. It’s not just about sharing news; it’s about sharing the Word of God and keeping our traditions alive. We want to help everyone in our parish communicate well. We’re like a bridge between the church leaders and all of us, making sure information flows clearly. Our goal is to make communication easy in our parish, ensuring news isn’t just received but truly understood by everyone.

In a nutshell, the Social Communication Ministry is about creating connections beyond screens. It’s about thriving as a parish family in our digital world while staying true to our faith. As we move ahead, let’s keep building bridges, understanding each other, and making sure the messages of love, faith, and community are clear for everyone in our parish family. Together, we’re not just getting information; we’re thriving as a connected and informed community.

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.

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.