NEWSLETTER: AUGUST 2026
Celebrating Catechetical Sunday in August 2026
In conjunction with Catechetical Sunday, celebrated on Sunday 2 August 2026, Rev Deacon Clement Samuel had a special message (below) for all Evangelizing Catechists (ECs).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this Catechetical Sunday, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to each one of you for your faithful and generous ministry as Evangelizing Catechists in the Diocese of Penang.
Our theme this year, “Be Christ to Others,” beautifully captures the vocation to which each of you has been called. Through your words, your witness, your patience, and your love, you make Christ present to the children, youth, and adults entrusted to your care. You are not merely teaching lessons—you are introducing people to a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the countless hours you dedicate in preparing lessons, accompanying your students, praying for them, and serving our parishes with such generosity. Your ministry often involves unseen sacrifices of time, energy, and personal commitments, yet you continue to answer God’s call with joyful hearts. Please know that your service is deeply valued and sincerely appreciated.
As the Church reminds us, catechesis is a ministry of hope. Every seed of faith you plant, every child you encourage, every adult you accompany, and every Gospel truth you proclaim can bear fruit for eternity. Although you may not always see the results of your labour, God is at work through your faithful witness.
May you never lose sight of the privilege and joy of your vocation. Continue to let Christ shine through your lives so that those you teach may encounter Him not only in your words but also in your compassion, humility, and joyful service.
On behalf of our Bishop, our priests, and the Diocesan Catechetical Commission, thank you for your commitment to building God’s Kingdom. We pray that the Holy Spirit will renew your zeal, strengthen you in every challenge, and fill your hearts with the joy of the Gospel.
May our Blessed Mother Mary, Seat of Wisdom, intercede for you always, and may the Lord richly bless you and your families.
Happy Catechetical Sunday!
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
With gratitude and every blessing,
Rev Deacon Clement Samuel, Head of Catechetical Commission, Diocese of Penang
Here are some ways in which Catechetical Sunday was celebrated in some parishes in the Penang Diocese.
1. On Sunday morning, 2 August, the parish of the Holy Name of Jesus in Balik Pulau celebrated the Catechetical Mass, an annual event organized by the Chinese Catechism Group. Catechism students served in various liturgical ministries, including serving as altar servers, commentators, lectors, choir singers, and taking up the offertory collection.
This was more than just a Mass; it was an opportunity for the children to grow in their faith. Through their active participation, they gained a deeper understanding of the Eucharistic celebration. By serving in this Catechetical Mass, they also learned responsibility and experienced God’s love.
The Mass was carried out smoothly, thanks be to God and to our dedicated catechism teachers, who generously gave their time and energy to guide the students throughout the rehearsals. May these young seeds of faith continue to grow into fruit-bearing trees under God’s grace.
On 2 August, all ECs spent the afternoon going through EC Module 1 in a face-to-face training session, following six online briefing 6 sessions earlier.
2. Over in Kota Bharu, there was the Commissioning of Catechists at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary on Friday 31 July 2026, the weekly rest day in Kelantan, Malaysia.
3. The Catechism Ministry of the Church of the Risen Christ in Penang animated a multilingual Mass on Catechetical Sunday, the Church’s annual celebration of the ministry of catechesis.
The celebration highlighted the important role of catechists, parents, and the parish community in accompanying children on their journey of faith. Throughout the Mass, catechism children actively participated in various liturgical ministries, including hospitality, proclaiming the readings, commentating, singing in the choir, and presenting the offertory gifts. Their involvement highlighted that catechesis extends beyond the classroom, inviting children to grow as active members of the Church through worship and service.
A meaningful feature of this year’s celebration was the presentation of the offertory gifts. Many of the gifts were presented by siblings, symbolising the family as the first place where faith is lived and shared. Groceries, generously contributed by catechism children and their parents, will be donated to a welfare home, allowing the offertory to continue beyond the altar as a concrete act of charity and Christian outreach.
During the Mass, the parish priest of the Church of the Risen Christ, Friar Crispus Mosinoh, OFM, commissioned the ECs serving the children and adults of the parish, affirming their ministry of accompanying children and adults in their faith formation. The children and their parents were also invited to renew their commitment to their own faith journey, recognising that catechesis flourishes when families, catechists, and the parish walk together.
Following the Mass, the Catechism Ministry hosted breakfast for the children and their families. It was a joyful time for everyone to meet, catch up, and celebrate Catechetical Sunday together.
The celebration of Catechetical Sunday is a meaningful reminder that faith formation is a shared mission. Through the partnership of parents, catechists, and the parish community, our children are encouraged to grow in faith and become active members of the Church.
4. Over at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Kampar, Catechetical Sunday was celebrated during the 8.45 am mass on Sunday. Students were the lectors on that day and also took up the offertory gifts which they had prepared and brought.
In line with the theme for this year, many activities were held earlier on 19 July 2026 during catechism class. Catechists shared the bible story of the Good Samaritan, focusing on the importance of showing kindness, compassion and helping others regardless of who they are. The students also participated in a simple discussion and activity where they reflected on practical ways in which they can show love and kindness to people in their daily lives, following Jesus’ example.
Parish priest Father Simon Anand thanked all catechists and RCIA facilitators for their dedication and sacrifices. He mentioned that he understood the challenges faced in instilling the Christian faith in each student, but he knew that the Holy Spirit was always there to help the ECs.
After Mass, the students were all treated to a ‘pot luck’ breakfast prepared by the ECs of the parish.
5. At the English Mass on Catechetical Sunday at the parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ipoh, all Catechism teachers, RCIA facilitators and presenters, the Infant Baptism team and the Catechists of the Good Shepherd Ministry were called up to the altar in appreciation for their service and dedication for promoting the faith in the parish. They were commissioned in front of the whole congregation that morning.
Thank you to all ECs who shared with us your celebrations for Catechetical Sunday in your parishes this year. Finally, here’s a message from Pope Leo XIV for all ECs!
PDCC is the official body that oversees the development of Catechesis in the Diocese of Penang, Malaysia.
Contacts :
- [email protected]
- Rev Deacon Clement
- PDCC Head: 012-435 0566
- Jeanne J Saw
- Communications: 016-455 4597