The Christian Formation Committee of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia has met at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. The two-day gathering brought together catechetical coordinators from across the UAE and Oman to review ongoing projects, share experiences and discuss new initiatives, as well as to reflect on the challenge of passing on the Catholic faith to new generations.

Established in 2004, the committee meets twice a year and plays an important role in shaping Christian formation programs throughout the Vicariate.

The two-days program combined prayer, fraternity and moments of sharing and discussion. Friday evening began with a session led by Fr. Darick D’Souza, Moderator of the Office of Christian Formation, a time of sharing and fraternity, a way to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration. On Saturday, Fr. Darick celebrated Mass before the Committee got down to work, continuing until late afternoon.

Among the projects discussed were the new Directory for Catechesis, covering programs for children, teenagers and adults, and new initiatives to strengthen pastoral leadership.

Kate Miles-Flynn, Director of the Office of Christian Formation, the Committee represents a genuinely collaborative approach to catechesis.

“The Office of Christian Formation is not the voice of one person. It's the voices of every parish and school across the Vicariate” she explained, expressing her gratitude to the volunteers who contribute their time and experience. “I couldn't do it without them.”

Over the years, this collaboration has helped bring initiatives such as the TUFF retreats and Christian Formation conferences to life. It also encourages dialogue between generations, with younger coordinators bringing fresh perspectives and ideas.

“Having multi-generational conversations is really important. They bring so much to the table. They bring a lot of enthusiasm, great ideas, and people work together very well. I take the youngest’s view and their ideas very seriously.”

Passing on the joy of faith
Bishop Paolo Martinelli joined the Committee for an informal exchange, thanking them for their commitment and reminding them of the importance of their mission.

“You are the pillars in the life of our Vicariate. You are at the heart of the most important mission of the Church: to communicate our Catholic faith to the new generations.”

Referring to a recent document of the Holy See on the transmission of faith, the Bishop reflected on the “change of epoch” in which we are immersed and the challenges it presents for catechesis.

“We have to courageously face these changes, knowing that they are an opportunity to deepen our own faith.”

Above all, Bishop Paolo reminded the catechists to keep at the centre of their commitment with the youth the joy that comes from the encounter with Jesus:

“Christianity is a religion of joy. And you have to communicate the joy of the Gospel,” Bishop Paolo said, encouraging catechists to help young people discover that faith is not simply a matter of duties and rules, but a journey towards true happiness and love.

“We have to help our young people to experience that Jesus is the source of our true joy.”

Above all, he reminded them that transmitting faith begins with personal witness.

“Our task is, first of all, to be witnesses of joy. That means that we are the first who have to experience that Jesus is the foundation of true joy, so that we can communicate it.”

Forming the leaders
The Bishop’s reflections also touched on an important aspect of the Committee’s work: the formation of catechists themselves.

For Kate Miles-Flynn, two areas deserve particular attention today: pastoral leadership and spiritual life.

“Pastoral leadership is really important. It’s more about serving the people, bringing people on board, gently guiding people to do the best they can in their classes,” she explained.

Just as important, she believes, is encouraging catechists to cultivate a deeper life of personal prayer, so that their own relationship with God can enrich the way they teach and accompany young people.

The meeting highlighted how Christian formation in the Vicariate is not simply about developing programs and curricula, but about building a community, growing together in faith and helping new generations discover the joy of knowing Jesus.