Help Catechists in Pakistan

“Pakistan‘s Vatican.” This is how Khushpur, in the Faisalabad district of the Punjab, is sometimes humorously referred to, as it is the largest Catholic ‘village’ in all Pakistan. This village, which has close to 8,000 Catholics and a very active Church life, is a pillar of strength for Catholicism in this overwhelmingly Muslim country. It has already produced numerous vocations to the priesthood and religious life—including two bishops. 

Also from Khushpur was the former Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, murdered by masked gunmen for having stood up against the misuse of the notorious ‘blasphemy laws’ in Pakistan. Bhatti was buried in Khuspur, his home village, and a Taliban-affiliated group later claimed responsibility for his killing. Just three weeks after his murder, the Pakistani bishops‘ conference applied officially to the Vatican to have him included on the list of “Martyrs of the Universal Church.” In his very last interview, Shahbaz Bhatti once again voiced his commitment to being a “witness for Christ.”

Khushpur is also important as the home, ever since 1952, of the National Catechists’ Formation Center. Currently there are 63 men following a three-year formation course at the center. Those who are already married and have families are provided with a small apartment, and their wives likewise attend a variety of courses, from basic Bible knowledge to sewing, economics and health care. The social roles of men and women are strictly segregated in Pakistan, so the center’s approach to teaching both men and women gives each a way to help care for others in in their communities. The children of these catechists, meanwhile, are also able to attend the local Catholic kindergarten or school.

The trainee catechists come from all over Pakistan and will return after their training to their home dioceses, where they will serve the Church. Since many parishes in Pakistan cover vast areas and include numerous, widely scattered villages, these catechists will play a vital role in transmitting the Faith, since the priests are too few and cannot be everywhere at once. 

ACN has been supporting this catechists’ formation center for many years now and is planning to help once again this year, especially since soaring inflation has sent prices skyrocketing. This year we are proposing a contribution of $10,900 so that the 63 trainee catechists can continue and complete their formation. 

Can you give to support these catechists and their families as they prepare to serve God and others in Pakistan? 

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 328-07-79