Cambodia brings catechists together for training after two years

The Apostolic Prefecture of Kampong Cham organized a retreat for thirty-one catechist teachers at St. Francois and St. Clara of Assisi parish at Koh Roka Krao village, Kampong Siem district, Kampong Cham province, 124 kilometers, southeast of Cambodia. Kampong Cham is under the diocese of Cambodia.

Father Alberto Caccaro led the retreat with a theme of experience of the way of catechism on February 10-12, 2022.

Sister Teresa Ratha Chan, the program coordinator, said it is almost two years that the church organized this retreat for the catechist teachers in the dioceses after the Covid 19.

“We have a chance to pray, build relationships, reflect on Gospel and daily life,” Sister Teresa said.

Various catechist teacher participants expressed their sentiments.

Sokha Khem, a novice at Lover of the Cross at Kampong Cham city, said that in every situation, everywhere, even when we are busy, we can proclaim Good News to others, whether in good times or in bad.

 “To spread the faith of others, it is necessary for the educator to have a strong belief in himself/herself, to have a clear understanding of the Bible and the community of the church, to be able to organize the lessons properly and to prepare the process to teach them more easily and quickly and there must be a textbook for catechism by relying on the Bible,” Sokha said.

Paul Phalmoey, from Nak Leoung parish, says that this retreat is perfect for him to have time full day to share the experiences with other new and old catechist teachers and build up teachers’ faith.

Phalmoey requested more programs like Taizé and other reflection for Catholic people to pray and build relationships with each other and with God.

The two-day retreat focused on sharing experiences of daily faith activities and how faith is communicated with other people.

Ms. Heang Hout, from Koh Roka Krao, noted that the retreat helped her understand how to teach catechism people and spread the Good News to others.

Ms. Heang Hout has ten of experience teaching catechism for students.

“I thank God who gave me time to join the retreat. I get strength from God,” Heang Hout said.

Ms. Hout said this program is like a supplementary course, boosting her teaching skills and encouraging teachers to be the best at teaching catechism.

Sister Ratha Chan is optimistic about organizing such programs for catechist teachers every three months.

Kampong Cham dioceses cover eight provinces: Kampong Cham, Preyveng, Svay Rieng, Tbong Khmom, Kratie, Steng Treng, Rattanak Kirir and Mondol Kiri.

With inputs from Kagnha Keo.