Christodayam is the Catechetical Ministry of the Salesian Province of Trichy (INT), dedicated to promoting faith formation, religious education, and evangelization. Rooted in St. John Bosco’s Preventive System, it aims to strengthen Christian values among children, youth, and families.
Key Activities of Christodayam:
- Sunday School & Faith Formation – Organizing catechism classes in parishes and mission centers.
- Training Catechists & Lay Leaders – Equipping teachers and volunteers with resources for effective catechesis.
- Publication of Catechetical Materials – Developing books, magazines, and digital content for religious education.
- Retreats & Spiritual Camps – Conducting programs for youth, children, and families to deepen their faith.
- Evangelization & Missionary Outreach – Spreading the Gospel in rural and underprivileged areas.
Through Christodayam, the Salesians of Trichy nurture faith, educate believers, and empower evangelizers, ensuring that Christian values continue to flourish.
Our Team
Fr. John Samuel SDB
Fr. Jeyan Joseph SDB
Fr. George Chinnappan SDB
Fr. Jerald Vianneyraj SDB
Reports
Zonal Level Catechist Certificate Course
A three-day training program was conducted in different zones to enhance catechetical knowledge, covering faith formation, leadership, and liturgical catechesis.
Workshop on ‘Christian Life and Religious Vocation’ for BCC Leaders
A two-day workshop aimed at strengthening faith and leadership skills among BCC leaders, with sessions on Bible study, moral values, and religious vocations.
The Altar Servers’ Convention 2024
A gathering of 125 altar servers to deepen their understanding of liturgical roles through activities, animation sessions, and training on sacred articles.
Retreat for the Students of DBHS Thanjavur
A one-day retreat for 11th and 12th graders, focusing on God’s love and the Ten Commandments, with talks, confession, and the Eucharist.
Training for Catechetical Animators
A national-level training program at Ennore Youth Animation Centre, equipping catechists with teaching skills and theological knowledge.
Catechism Children’s Animation
Sessions conducted in various locations to educate children on the importance of catechism in Christian life through interactive discussions.
Retreat for the Students of DBHS Varadarajanpet
A faith-based retreat for senior students with talks, confession, and Eucharistic celebrations, reinforcing the teachings of the Ten Commandments.
BCC Animation at Nettur
Parish-based animation focused on responsibility and social transformation through faith, community service, and evangelization.
Strenna Presentation for the Salesian Family
A session on the 2025 Strenna theme, “Anchored in Hope, and Pilgrims with Young People,” emphasizing the role of faith in youth development.
One-day Catechist Training (Province Level – Phase II)
A continuation of zonal training for catechists, covering topics like sacraments, Don Bosco’s spirituality, and catechetical challenges.
ICA Meeting at Siloam (Shillong)
A national gathering discussing catechesis in prayer, featuring academic presentations and discussions on family prayer and spiritual engagement.
BCC Animation at Kulathurampatti
Training for BCC leaders focusing on social responsibility, evangelization, and fostering Christian brotherhood within the community.
Catechism Children’s Animation
A session engaging children in discussions about the Bible and suffering, helping them strengthen their faith.
Faith Formation (Family Visits)
Visits to families to strengthen their faith, provide guidance, and encourage participation in church activities and religious practices.
Catechist Training
Venue: Amsam, K.Pudur, Keelaeral (Zonal) | Keelaeral (Province)
Dates: 7, 14, 21 July 2024 | 22 February 2025
Number of Participants: 33 (each zonal session), 38 (province session)
Impact Created: The Catechist Training sessions enhanced the participants’ catechetical knowledge and teaching skills, helping them deepen their faith and understanding of the Church’s teachings. These sessions played a crucial role in strengthening the foundation of religious education and faith formation.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension
Retreat for the Students
Venue: DBHS Thanjavur, Varadarajanpet
Dates: 17 August 2024, 4 January 2025
Number of Participants: 270 (Thanjavur), 195 (Varadarajanpet)
Impact Created: These retreats provided students with an opportunity for self-reflection, leading to repentance and a renewed commitment to faith. The sessions aimed to guide them toward a deeper understanding of their spiritual journey.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension / Vocation
Province Jubilee
Venue: Thanjavur
Date: 5 August 2024
Number of Participants: 700
Impact Created: The Province Jubilee was a grand occasion that expressed gratitude to God and inspired faith, mission, and personal growth among the participants. It fostered a sense of unity and strengthened the spiritual commitment of the attendees.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension
Altar Servers Convention
Venue: DB ITI, Madurai
Date: 28 & 29 September 2024
Number of Participants: 125
Impact Created: The convention provided a platform for altar servers to receive spiritual nourishment, explore their vocational callings, and build a strong faith-based community. This event encouraged youth to engage more deeply with their faith and Church services.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension / Youth / Vocation
BCC Leaders Animation
Venue: Amsam, Vilathikulam, Nettur
Dates: 29 September, 17 November, 24 November 2024
Number of Participants: 135 (Amsam), 32 (Vilathikulam), 30 (Nettur)
Impact Created: These animation sessions empowered BCC leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote Christian life and vocations within their communities. Participants were encouraged to take an active role in faith formation and leadership within their parishes.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension / Parish Commission / Vocation
Catechism for Children
Venue: Arul Puthur
Date: 15 December 2024
Number of Participants: 45
Impact Created: The catechism session helped children reflect on their lives, leading to repentance and renewed faith. It provided a solid foundation in religious teachings, fostering a deeper understanding of Christian values from a young age.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension
Faith Formation (Family Visit)
Venue: Kudathipatti, Kulathurampatti
Dates: 17 February 2025 (Kudathipatti), 24-26 February 2025 (Kulathurampatti)
Number of Participants: 35 (Kudathipatti), 42 (Kulathurampatti)
Impact Created: The faith formation family visits provided opportunities for deepening religious teachings within families. Through interactive discussions and prayers, these visits helped families grow in faith and strengthen their spiritual bonds.
Youth Ministry Dimension(s) Pertaining to: Faith Dimension
Training for Catechism Teachers
- Venue & Dates:
- Madhakottai (Zonal) – 16 June 2025
- Saveriyarpalayam (Zonal) – 23 June 2025
- Nettur (Zonal) – 7 July 2025
- K.Pudur (Province) – 8 February 2026
- Expected Participants: 35-50 teachers from various zones (Parish & School)
- Budget: Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 40,000
- Objective & Impact: These training programs aim to equip catechism teachers with effective teaching methods, deepen their faith, and help them convey religious teachings more efficiently to children and youth.
Training for BCC Leaders
- Venue & Dates:
- Manakkal (Zonal) – 4 August 2025
- Alangulam (Zonal) – 18 August 2025
- Vilathikulam (Zonal) – 15 September 2025
- Expected Participants: 50-60 leaders per session
- Budget: Rs. 40,000 per session
- Objective & Impact: The training empowers BCC leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen faith formation and community leadership within their respective zones.
Altar Servers Convention
- Venue: DB ITI, Madurai (Province)
- Date: 27 & 28 September 2025
- Expected Participants: 145 Altar Servers
- Budget: Rs. 50,000
- Objective & Impact: The convention offers spiritual guidance, leadership training, and vocational awareness for altar servers, encouraging them to engage actively in Church services.
Tech & Tradition
- Venue: Manikandam
- Date: 17-19 February 2026 (Friday, Saturday, Monday)
- Expected Participants: 20 Members
- Budget: Rs. 30,000
- Objective & Impact: This program integrates modern technology with traditional faith practices to enhance religious education and engagement among participants.
Retreats for Students & Teachers
- Venue:
- DBHS Thanjavur (Local)
- DBHS Varadarajanpet (Local)
- DB Manakkal (Local)
- Objective & Impact: These retreats focus on spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and faith strengthening among students and teachers, helping them develop a deeper connection with their faith.
Challenges Faced
- Low Participation – Due to family responsibilities, distance, financial constraints, and work commitments, attendance is affected.
- Schedule Conflicts – Overlapping with diocesan programs creates difficulties in organizing and ensuring full participation.
Faith Book for Children
A Faith Book for Children is currently under development and is expected to be completed soon. This resource aims to support young learners in their spiritual journey by providing structured lessons and interactive faith-based content.
