Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - 80 thousand children and young people this year will study the catechism in about 200 parishes of the archdiocese of former Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City.

In September, with the resumption of the school year, parishes also reopened their courses, with the fundamental contribution of 5 thousand catechists, youth volunteers, enthusiastic and full of experience, who teach the basics of Christianity and human education.

The parish of Quang Dong held an inaugural Mass on the opening day (photo) of catechism classes for 442 children. Also the parishes of Binh An Ha, Binh Thai, Nam Hai, Binh Minh and Binh Xuyen are preparing to begin the first day of instruction.

The vicar of Dong Quang explained to the children that "it is not only up to adults to make sacrifices, even the children must practice kindness. Everyone is influenced by the situation we face, like going to Mass every day, reading the Word of God, obeying parents, teachers and catechists. All these things are sacrifices".

Children who study the catechism are accompanied by their parents, who work with the parishes. Many lay people have provided educational tools, such as textbooks, lights, fans, teaching materials and donations. It is important that all parents are interested in the pastoral and missionary activities.

Currently, the catechists of many parishes have to hold lessons in churches or in the courtyard of the church, without lights and teaching materials. Thus the participation and contribution of parents is needed. Worried about their children, they help them to have more confidence in themselves and to learn their faith.

One of them, Peter, told AsiaNews that "every day when we wake up, my son reminds me to go with him to church. This helps to reassure me".  A boy of 12, Hung, from the parish of An Ha: "I like to study catechism. I'm happy when I learn and participate in the basics of human formation.