A total of 297 catechist from parishes across Kabale Diocese were on Sunday, April 6, 2025 commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese during celebration of Mass on 5th Sunday of Lent in Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral.
While preaching during Mass, Rev. Fr. Innocent Naturinda, the Financial Administrator for Kabale Diocese noted that people gathered to witness a profound moment where catechists, the pillars of Christian formation, were being commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Fr. Innocent described it as a sacred call, a divine invitation to serve at the Lord’s table and to become living witnesses of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Quoting the words of prophet Isaiah reminds us of a powerful truth: “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). The commissioned catechists are part of this ‘new thing’ God is doing. “He has called you not just to teach the faith but to embody it. You are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ to those who seek Him. Your mission is to lead, guide, and inspire. And now, as you take on the role of Extraordinary Ministers, your service goes beyond words, it extends to the very Body and Blood of Christ. What an honor! What a responsibility!”
Fr. Innocent noted that St. Paul speaks with deep conviction when he says: “I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8), meaning that nothing in this world is compared to knowing and that true fulfillment comes only from an intimate relationship with Jesus.
He reminded the Catechists of their role which is not just teaching about Christ but helping others to know Him personally. “Parents may teach children how to pray, but catechists teach them why they pray. Schools teach subjects, but catechists form souls,” said Fr. Innocent. As the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, catechists were reminded that they are not just handling bread but are carrying Christ Himself fully present, body, blood, soul and divinity.
Fr. Innocent urged all the people to be agents and instruments of mercy, learning from Jesus who forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Those assigned with role of teaching should teach with love and those in service to serve with compassion.
Catechists are not just teachers; they are missionaries, a bridge between knowledge and faith, between doctrine and daily life. They are builders of faith like Nehemiah, restoring the broken walls of spiritual life (Nehemiah 2:17). They are shepherds of souls like Peter, called to feed Christ’s lambs (John 21:17). Catechists are sowers of the Word like the apostles, scattering seeds that will bear fruit in generations to come (Matthew 13:3-9).
In the Eucharist, those who receive Jesus with proper disposition are healed (“By His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5). In the Eucharist, the recipients are nourished (“I am the bread of life.” – John 6:35) and in the Eucharist, we are strengthened (“Remain in me, as I remain in you.” – John 15:4).
Fr. Austen Christmas, Director of Liturgy and Catechesis Commission for Kabale Diocese and Parish Priest of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for commissioning the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who will be assisting in distribution of Holy Communion and taking viaticum to the sick. He said that of the 297 commissioned members, 233 were men and 64 were women. Fr. Austen also thanked the Bishop for his continued support to the catechists through the finance office which facilitates their on going formation, training and seminars.
Bishop Callist Rubaramira in his remarks thanked the Catechists who were commissioned for their availability and dedication to serve the people of God. He called on them to hold the blessed sacrament of Eucharist with utmost honor and dignity. He also reminded them that one of their duties will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic centres where the ordained ministers may not be available especially on Thursdays in order to help the people in adoration. He also thanked the office of liturgy and catechesis for the annual program of preparing the catechists for their on-going formation and commissioning.