The Most. Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Apostolic Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom in Ghana’s Afram Plains has thanked the Catechists for their selfless dedication for the growth of the Church in the Vicariate.
Speaking during a two-day Retreat for 45 Catechists at the Alfons Merten’s Centre at Donkorkrom, he called on them to see the importance of their work as Catechists and the fact that they are collaborators of the priests and the other pastoral agents.
He urged them to work in harmony with the Priests since they prepare the grounds for the work of the Priests.
He indicated that the Vicariate have their welfare in mind, but it is because of the financial situation that is why he seems to be silent on their welfare issues. But he promised them that when things get better their welfare would be given better consideration.
In attendance were the Very Rev. Fr. Leopold Amevi Etchiodo Ettuh, who doubles as the Chancellor of the Vicariate and the Vicariate Catechist’s Director; Sr. Cecilia Clare Kudexa, SMMC, the former Directress of the Catechists, and Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo of the Variate Communications Office.
The Recollection on the theme: “Advent, A Time of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy”, had activities such as talks, Penitential Service, Confessions and Holy Mass.
Sr. Cecilia Kudexa, in a farewell speech to the Catechists, admonished them to hold on to the good teachings and trainings that they have had during her tenure of office, asking them not to quench the fire that had been set in them.
She urged the Catechists to put up good conduct as Catechists and leaders of the people, bemoaning the wide spread misconducts of some Catechists such as excessive drinking, sexual misconduct, smoking, beating of wives, which she rather encouraged them to avoid.
She tasked them to continue to bring dignity to their office as catechists especially living exemplary lives and their mode of dressing.
She also advised the Catechists to focus on their ministry and be dedicated to God for service to mother Church and humanity. They are to live the gospel values.
By Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (DEPSOCOM AVD-DONKORKROM)
