Rev. Fr. John Christy, Director - INM Youth Ministry, conducted half-day workshop on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at Youth Ministry Office-Peravallur, Chennai, orienting the Deepagam Staff in Salesian mission of catechetical services. Fr. Jesudoss (Director-Deepagam) along with his five-member team took part in the workshop, in which everyone exchanged their personal experiences of being part of Deepagam ministry.

The session began with Johari window model for group sharing about impact on life effected while serving through the Deepagam. Fr. Christy directed the team members to state their personal changes while working as Deepagam staff for the last twenty-five years. Staff shared how working in Deepagam has transformed them and helped them grow in their life. He then requested to read NT passage from James 2:1-26 highlighting verse 17, “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” He stressed that Faith and Action (good works) is what Don Bosco practiced for his poor youth. Fr. Director (Youth Ministry) used three psychometric exercises as catechizing tool to give three key messages for the catechetical staff. First: Faith instructor observes everything keenly. Second: Catechism teacher corrects essentials. Third: Catechist overlooks unessential.

He screened DBICA’s presentation on Don Bosco and his short homily on St John Bosco “On Being Saint and Becoming Saint”. Staff then completed a questionnaire on St John Bosco, Salesian Charism and Pastoral Community. Fr. Christy’s concluding message was “Be Simple, Be Salesian and Be Synodal”. Fr. Director (Deepagam) along with all staff thanked the Youth Ministry Delegate for hosting this orientation program. He highlighted the essential role of Salesian Dimensions and Sectors in Catechetical Services. The program that began at 10:00 AM concluded at 3:00 PM with fellowship meal.