More than 300 catechists from parishes across the Diocese of Tyler came together on Saturday for an In-Service Day to focus on their shared mission. Held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, the event provided a program of workshops and discussions designed to inspire, educate, and unite those entrusted with the vital mission of faith formation.
The day’s activities were divided between English-language sessions at the Cathedral Center and Spanish-language sessions at the Carney Gym at St. Gregory School. The offerings underscored the diocese’s commitment to meeting the needs of catechists and parishes.
Father Gavin Vaverek, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish and chair of the diocesan Faith Formation Committee, said the day focused on the mission of sharing the Christian faith. “The goal of today was to encourage our catechists and to remind them of our mission, which is to help people for the love of God, to help them learn to love God more, and to share that love more effectively,” Father Vaverek said.
The agenda featured presentations on a variety of topics that catechists encounter, including the new Order of Christian Initiation, encouraging parental involvement, catechetical planning, preparation for quinceañeras, celebrating the Jubilee Year, assisting couples toward marriage, and the art of accompaniment. Resources available to catechists and parishes were also shared.
Along with the informative aspects of the day, the event provided valuable opportunities for networking. Henry Troell, faith formation leader at St. Theresa Parish in Gladewater, highlighted the significance of these connections. “The best part of this day, in addition to the content from the speakers, was getting to meet catechists from other parishes and to share both what is working and what our common challenges are,” Troell said.
The diocese will host a day-long Formation Conference on Aug. 2 at Bishop T.K. Gorman School in Tyler. Registration will open in April and the conference will be for all those involved in parish formation programs.
