(ANS – Porto) – On 5 October, 731 pastoral workers came together in Porto to be come more effective proclaimers of the Gospel at an event organised by the Salesian Province in Portgal at the Salesian School. The formation day “E-vangelising 2011”, was attended by catechists from the dioceses of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Bragança, Aveiro, Leiria and Viseu.

In the first morning session Fr Alberto Rui, a specialist in catechetics and youth ministry presented the new preparation course for confirmation entitled “In the power of Spirit”. As he explained, “With this course we hope to meet the young people where they are with regard to their experience of daily life and of the faith. With a simple but exciting theology we want young people and adults to find the entrance to the full life of salvation.”

After the talk, in groups scattered around the various rooms in the school, throughout the day those taking part were able to join five out of a possible 32 available workshops. According to the Salesian Publishers, the organisers, this sort of event “responds to the real needs of the catechists, who can find in a single day suggestions and programmes of various kinds including the new technologies or even funding for catechesis,” as Claudine Pinheiro, the person responsible for marketing said. “This event has been made possible thanks to the  collaboration of 50 teachers and volunteers freely sharing their knowledge and skills,” added Fr Tarcízio Morais, responsible for the Formation Centre of the Salesians, with regard to “E-vangelising 2011”.

As in many Salesian events there was also a musical contribution from the producer, composer and player David Neutel.

In the concluding address to “E-vangelising 2011” Fr Artur Pereira, Provincial of the Salesians in Portugal, expressing his joy and gratitude, said that the Salesians were always ready to collaborate in the task of the evangelisation of children and young people: “Today is a sign for the future. In this way, with everyone together, the Church of which we are all members grows. The light, the hope which urgently needs to be shared with families becomes stronger.”

Published 13/10/2011