Starting this month, the “St. Anthony” Parish Catechism School in Vienna has introduced an innovative teaching approach, allowing recent graduates to take on the role of catechists for younger students.
Presbytera Patricia Moga, the parish school coordinator, designed the innovative educational model. To ensure the quality of the information shared, about 20 young people—graduates from the past 9 to 10 years—attended training sessions led by Fr. Ioan Moga, Patricia Moga, and trainers Maria Piciu and Dragoș Parasca.
During these sessions, students aged 14 to 19 were trained in modern pedagogical methods, created interactive lesson plans, and practised various techniques for conveying Christian teachings.
“The main idea is to (re)discover the mysteries of faith together with the children,” explained representatives of the “St. Anthony” Parish.
The new concept, launched in early September, involves groups of two or three catechists, assisted by other youth and an adult, who teach structured lessons on specific topics from Orthodox doctrine.
Lessons include open discussions, group activities, and creative workshops, all of which aim to foster thought and reflection among the children.
“While this requires twice the effort, it has successfully encouraged high schoolers to shift from recipients to transmitters, from receivers to givers of faith. This pedagogical exercise helps them deepen their own knowledge, clarify certain approaches, and, most importantly, practice continuous reflection in the light of faith,” stated parish representatives.
Photo: Vienna St Anthony’s Parish
