Some glimpses from my catechism life (1991 to 2007)
Pallippuram Forane Church of Our Lady of Snow in Diocese of Kottapuram (www.kottapuramdiocese.org) is the biggest parish in the diocese. It has three catechism centres - Pallippuram Main, St. Rockey and Cherai. I had joined the catechism department of Pallippuram Forane Church during the period 1990-91. At that time the Head Master was Sri. Shaji Panakkaparambil (present school master in St. Mary's High School). Mr. Joshi Velikkakath was the Secretary. There was only two centers for catechism, Munambam and Pallippuram. Around 1500 students was there at the time of my joining.
I had attended the Basic Catechism Teachers Training Course in 1992 at Kottapuram. The Director for the Catechism Dept was Late. Fr. Antony Madathiparambil.
I got the class in 3 with the little angels. I had enjoyed that. But in 1993, I took leave for 4 months during my examinations of Final year Diploma Course, which was at Shoranur Govt. Polytechnic.
After that I came back to catechism. After two years I had selected to teach the students of standard 5. Two years continued the same. After that I selected to teach the students of standard 7. After three years i got the class at 8 and 9 also.
But in 2000-01, I got the class of 10. There I spend 4 years and got a lot of good students like friends. On taking the classes in 10th, I got the charge of Secretary of the department. At that time we started the scholarship schemes to catechism students with the help of Parents Teachers Association. With the help of PTA we did a lot of things there.
The dramatic change in timing was the first thing. Because before that the catechism timing was 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. We changed it to 8:00 am to 9:30 am with a continuation of Holy Mass at 09:30 am. In the first quarter, many were opposed but by the support of the then Vicar Very Rev. Fr. George Padassery.
But now, almost all parishes are follows the same timing.
In 2003-04, I selected as Asst. Headmaster for the Catechism Dept. In 2007, I selected as Headmaster of the Pallippuram Catechism Centre. But, I left everything and flew to Dubai for the daily bread.
At the time of my leaving, it has a strength of 1200 students from standard 1 to +2 (Senior Level). Mr. Titson was the Secretary and Sr. Cecil was the HM-in-Charge.
The photograph was taken on the occassion of visiting Aluva Seminaries (both Syro-Malabar and Latin) with my two batches.
Its my 2000-01 batch of boys
2000-01 batch of Girls with Fr. Jose (Asst. Vicar)
One of the oldest photos of catechism teachers visit to Kodaikkanal
A night at Wayanad (2006)
Catechism Annual Day
Heartful support of the Parents Teachers Association
