5076(II)_Faith Formation Camp

Catechetical Camp for Thai Youth

April 30, 2019

By THA SC

Phanom, Thailand, 30 April 2019 -- During the summer holidays in Thailand, which fall in the months of March and April, the Churches under the care of the Salesians - like those in the three border provinces of the south, the Church of Mary Help of Christians - Phanom, Surat Thani, St. Joseph Church - Banpong, Ratchaburi, Lourdes Parish - Hatyai, Songkhla, and St. Joseph Church - Tham Singh, Chumphorn - organize a catechetical camp for the young, aged 8-14 years old. The participants, aside from those coming from the Salesian schools, are the Catholic youth mostly coming from the government public schools where they could not have the regular catechism classes. All-in-all, there were more than 500 participants. They received intense instructions to prepare them for the sacraments of initiation - baptism, confession, holy communion and confirmation. Together with these catechetical activities, the young participated also in the various practices of piety, like the Mass, the rosary, the way of the cross. They were also engaged in sports and in other group activities which helped them to live together in community and absorb the catholic faith in practice. Normally, this camp is held during Holy Week, and would last for 7-10 days.

The various members of the Salesian Family come together to animate this catechetical camp - among them, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians [FMA], the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary [SIHM], the pre- and post-novices from Sampran, the catechists from the Salesian schools, the youth leaders of the churches. Surely the gathering of these members create cooperation and synergy, aside from promoting vocations among the young participants.