Auckland (New Zealand) -- Training of catechists
Fernhall Study Centre opened in 1999. It carries out a program of bi-weekly activities during the academic year and summer camps for girls aged 10 to 16.
In 2004 Fernhall organized a camp to prepare secondary school students as catechists and as counsellors for its summer camps. Girls from Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton took part.
The program included practical sessions on teaching methods and a review of the content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with special stress on the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. A special class was dedicated to explaining the parts of the Mass. A film forum provided material for reflecting on the value of friendship and on love for the truth. On the final day, the participants had the opportunity to take part in a day of recollection, as a means of growing in friendship with Christ and in their prayer life.
Over the course of the four days, students experienced an environment of service and cheerfulness. Some of the girls will take part as counsellors in the next Fernhall camp. Realizing the importance of their role, they will take it on with a great sense of responsibility.
Romana, n. 39, July-December 2004, p. 250-251.