Summer catechism and Bible classes for young people of Hai Phong
by JB. VU
The successful formula allows parents to attend the classes together with their children. Bishop Van Thien: by helping people in difficulty, we are witnesses to the love of Jesus.

Hai Phong (AsiaNews) - Summer catechism and Bible classes aimed at teaching the love of Jesus, to elevate the spirit of all, especially of children, who represent the future. This is how the bishop of Hai Phong, Joseph Vu Van Thien, explains his satisfaction with the class is organized by his diocese.

Hai Phong is a city in north Vietnam. During the summer, all of the parishes organize classes for children and young people, which are also open to their parents. It's a successful initiative.

"Every summer", explains Fr Joseph Nguyen Van Thong, a priest at the cathedral, "we teach the catechism and the Bible to children and young people, according to their age group. We have many volunteer catechists who teach the lessons and motivate the parishioners. Because it is the role of the Catholic family to educate their children, and especially to offer education and the life of faith to children and to the new generation".

The pastoral center of the diocese organizes the classes and prepares discussions, using the same teaching methods and the same final exam. The classes include not only children, but also the parents who are closely involved in pastoral activities. For both parents and children, the pastoral center is like a home away from home, where the young people and their parents can exchange experiences and learn about the true sanctity of Jesus. "Those who take the month-long course of Bible and catechism studies", Bishop Van Thien says, "include catechists, parents, parish group leaders, who also contribute to the classes and other activities. In our time, we need to learn about the love of Jesus and promote the Catholic faith. Through practical activities, we will bring the spirit to everyone, every family and every parish. Children are the future for society and the Church. Through good habits, we witness to the Church and to Jesus, bringing the Good News to others, helping the unfortunate and children living in especially difficult circumstances".