From Saturday to Wednesday, August 9-13, 2025, St. Stanislaus Novitiate of Girisonta held a Catechetical Week for novices and pre-novices. This annual program aims to equip the novices with catechetical knowledge obtained from the Sanata Dharma University teaching team, led by Fr. Alexander Hendra Dwi Asmara, S.J., Mr. Rudi, and Ms. Sindi, along with two final-year students, Ariel and Caroline.
Each day, the novices participated in new ice-breaking games to support their ministry activities at the Parish of Girisonta, including games such as walking together, newspaper folding, ready-aim-fire, and cooperative counting games.
In addition to these activities, the novices received lessons on the development of catechesis to guide their pastoral work towards community transformation and spiritual growth. Notably, the Sanata Dharma team not only conducted lessons but also actively participated in the environmental ministries by cycling with the novices, facing various challenges along the way, which sparked interesting discussions about their experiences.
Symbolic Catechism
One activity during the program involves creating symbolic catechesis. Participants had to explain the meaning of catechesis using symbols or objects around them in groups of three. Each of the seven groups produced unique symbols.
One notable symbol came from Group Six (Lino, Fred, and Alfons), who chose moke, a traditional alcoholic beverage from Bajawa, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Despite concerns about using alcohol to represent something sacred, Lino interpreted catechesis as being similar to moke, a drink that can create an “addiction” to God’s love. He emphasized that catechesis should encourage people to return, not just to see the friars, but to deepen their relationship with God. This symbolic exercise helped the participants better understand catechesis, aiding in future preparations for their missionary work.
Apostolic Works: Basic Probation in the Jesuit Life
In the context of apostolic activities or catechesis, novices often face various challenges within their mission environments. These challenges begin with difficult biking conditions, such as steep roads, low lighting in some areas, and the need to be cautious around larger vehicles. Another challenge is interacting with the communities they serve, particularly with groups such as children and teens, where understanding their dynamics and effective communication are essential.
An enjoyable experience took place in Sambeng, where Ariel, a facilitator, assisted nS Higa and Deva during their mission. The children were unique and somewhat challenging. Ariel had prior knowledge of Sambeng community and demonstrated how to create engaging dynamics and good communication with these groups. This experience led the novices to reflect on their previous shortcomings.
Ariel provided feedback, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in their process. Since the novices were new, building relationships with the children would take time. They were encouraged to remain enthusiastic about preparing catechetical materials, regardless of future successes or failures. They expressed gratitude for Catechesis Week, recognizing that apostolic work is a fundamental practice and an integral part of Jesuit life, which involves availability for mission anywhere.
Contributor: nS Martin, Edgar, and Higa
