Our Catechists – The Pillars of Faith Formation

Sometimes, it ends with a question that lingers in a child’s heart, Does God really hear me? What if I don’t feel close to Him? How do I know my faith is real? These moments aren’t just about teaching; they’re about journeying with young hearts as they wrestle with truth, search for meaning and take their first steps toward a faith that is their own. And behind each of these moments stands a catechist.

Before the new term begins, we take a moment to recognise these quiet, faithful guides, those who have given their time and hearts to walk alongside the next generation.

This year, we are blessed to welcome four new catechists to our English-language catechism team: Christie Lika, Juliana Yong, Monica, and Mariann Paulin. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives infuse our program with new life and energy. We are also deeply grateful for the presence of our longest-serving catechists, including Sebestian, Mercy Joseph, James Amalaraj, Jasintha Arokasamy, Magaret Benedicta, and Lee Li Mei, whose dedication over the years has made an eternal impact on so many hearts.

But some catechists fall into neither of these groups. They are not new, nor are they the longest-serving. Yet year after year, they return. Quietly, faithfully. Their names may not always be mentioned, but their impact is undeniable. They are the ones who show up, lesson after lesson, offering stability, wisdom and love to the children.

Many catechists share that their service is as much a blessing for them as it is for the students. Sebestian, for example, reflects, “It’s been more than 30 years of teaching, and I still learn something new each day. I’m passionate about helping children choose the right path.” For Jasintha Arokasamy, who has taught for over 14 years, the joy is found in the questions the children ask. “Seeing students grasp new concepts deepens my own understanding of the faith. Their questions challenge me, and in return, they bring me closer to Christ.”

Our new catechists also bring their unique gifts to this ministry. Juliana Yong, who was inspired by the catechists who taught her children, says, “I want to help the children grow in their faith, but I also want them to know they can have fun learning about God, to be confident in their faith, and to feel engaged in every lesson.”

Monica, another new catechist, shares how she was praying for guidance on how best to serve the Lord. “There are so many ministries to choose from, but after praying over it, I felt that forming the young is the best way to bring the Good News. When they start working, I want them to remain strong in their faith. It saddens me to see so many young adults leaving the Church.”

Christie Lika, in her first year as a catechist, speaks to the joy of both teaching and learning. “In guiding others, I find my own relationship with God strengthened. It’s a small way I can contribute to the Church, and I’m excited to meet new people in this journey.”

Sylvia Tiong, who has been teaching for a few years, finds joy in serving. “Serving God in His ministry allows me to return the love He has shown me. I am excited to help the children deepen their knowledge of our faith.”

Catechism is more than teaching, it’s a way of walking with the children, sharing the wisdom of the faith, and answering their questions, no matter how challenging. It’s not just a classroom, it’s an invitation into deeper relationship with Christ, a call to patience, presence and prayer.

To every catechist who has given their time, energy and heart to this ministry: thank you. You are making a difference, one lesson at a time.

And for anyone who has ever thought, “Could God be calling me to serve in this way?”, perhaps now is the moment to prayerfully consider that quiet call. After all, there are many ways to serve in the body of Christ, and the ministry of catechesis might be just one of those paths that opens your heart to both growth and grace.

Let us continue to lift up our catechists in prayer, supporting them as they lead our children closer to Christ. May their efforts bear fruit in abundance, and may we be inspired by their example. BB