Synthesis of Faith, Culture and Life!

Faith education by and large is concerned with leading, both communities and individual members of the faithful to maturity of faith. The task of the Catholic school is to offer “a synthesis of culture and faith and a synthesis of faith and life”.

 

In all our Educational Institutions, nearly 96% of Salesians affirm that catechism and value education classes are conducted regularly. Yearly retreats for staff and students do find a place. Other sacramental practices such as first Friday Masses and Confession once a month are offered to enhance the faith-formation of Catholic students.

 

The present situation of faith-education of Catholic adolescents and youngsters in Salesian schools seems to show that many conform externally to religious practices but without much conviction, and that mass media in Catholic families are leading to a diminution of faith, prayer and vocations.

 

Though our aim is to made faith and joyful experience for the young leading to action and life -witness, the catechetical approach is often not integrated but tends to impart just notions, practices and norms. Modern ways and means of communication are not sufficiently made use of in communicating the faith. At times the faith-educators find it hard to adapt the faith-education process to the level of the young, to relate to their problems and to make them reflect. The need is felt to prepare faith-educators who can communicate faith with competence and confidence.

 

Evangelization Work for the Non-Christians

A vast majority of the students in our institutions are non-Christians. In spite of the non-conducive climate for evangelization, through our assembly talks, prayer services on First Fridays and Feast days, value education classes, life-orientation programs and friendly approach of the Salesians, the Christian values are imparted.

 

Evangelization and Salesian Institutions in Chennai Province

Higher Education Institutions*	Total	Catholics
Students	8,088	1,692
Teachers	396	265
Non-Teaching Staff	155	93

*Statistics based on 2020

 

Schools*	Total	Catholics
Students	25,142	4,842
Teachers	972	601
Non-Teaching Staff	297	185

*Statistics based on 2020