Madrid archdiocese offers free catechist training, now in sign language

The catechesis office of the Archdiocese of Madrid has announced a new edition of its course "Voy a ser catequista" ("I am going to be a catechist"), aimed at people who want to serve as catechists in parishes and communities. The introductory program will run during the 2026-2027 pastoral year. It gives participants a first look at the basics of the work, including what Christian initiation is and the place of the Diocesan Catechesis Itinerary in the Church's evangelizing work in Madrid.

This year the course will also be taught in Spanish Sign Language (LSE), so that deaf and hard-of-hearing people can begin training as catechists or continue their formation.

Dates, times and venue

The course will be held twice: on September 25 and 26, and again on October 16 and 17. Both will be held in the assembly hall of the archdiocesan offices at calle Bailén, 8, and both have the same program, schedule and teaching team, so participants can pick whichever date suits them. Sessions run Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Content and speakers

The course covers three subjects. Koldo Gutiérrez, director of the magazine Catequista, will speak on "Catechesis and catechists in the Church today." Juan Carlos Carvajal, professor of evangelization and catechesis and vice-rector of the San Dámaso Ecclesiastical University in Madrid, will address "What Christian initiation is." Br. José María Pérez Navarro, the new head of the archdiocese's catechesis office, will present "The Diocesan Catechesis Itinerary in light of the new Directory."

Catechists' testimonies

María del Carmen Moure López, a catechist at Nuestra Señora de las Rosas parish, said she took up the work inspired by her mother, who was also a catechist. Her greatest worry at the start was embarrassment and doubt about whether she could answer children's questions. The course showed her that she was not alone in those doubts and gave her tools to adapt catechesis to the needs of each group, she said. She stressed the importance of the relationship with the children, who see her as a friend sharing the faith with them.

Begoña Pancorbo Crespo, a catechist at San José de las Matas parish, said she also felt daunted when she started. Her motivation came from gratitude toward the catechists who had accompanied her children on their journey of faith. She felt unsure at first, but the course gave her the confidence to work with young people in the Junior stage. Growth happens both in the young people and in the catechists themselves, who also grow in their faith and in their ability to support others, she said.

The catechesis office has invited pastors, catechesis coordinators and community leaders to publicize the course and encourage anyone interested to sign up for the coming pastoral year. Places are limited and registration is free.