The new school year has begun in Indonesia. Children are back in their uniforms, carrying their school bags filled with books, and entering their classrooms with fresh excitement. Every subject has its teacher—Mathematics, Science, Language, and so on. Religious Education is also an important subject. In Indonesia, Religious Education is a compulsory part of the national curriculum. Every recognized religion has the same right to be taught in schools, including Catholic Religious Education. It is not only about getting good grades but also about helping children grow in faith, character, and moral values.
Unfortunately, reality is not always as we hope. Many schools, especially public schools, still do not have Catholic Religious Education teachers. As a result, some Catholic students are forced to attend classes of another religion simply to receive a religion grade on their school report. It may sound strange, but this is still happening, even in Jakarta.
For this reason, several parishes in the Archdiocese of Jakarta have found a simple but meaningful solution. Catholic students who cannot receive Catholic Religious Education in their schools are invited to attend Catholic Religious Education (PAK) classes at their own parish. These classes are held every Sunday, so they do not interfere with the students’ regular school schedule. This program is made possible through the cooperation of the parish, schools, parents, and volunteer teachers.
A spirit of hope filled the parish on 19 July 2026, the Feast of the Holy Redeemer. On this special day, the Catechetical Team of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cijantung, officially opened the new academic year of the Catholic Religious Education program with a gathering of students, parents, and teachers. More than sixty children attended, accompanied by parents who generously gave their time to support the faith journey of their sons and daughters.
During the meeting, Fr. Willy invited everyone to see faith education from a broader perspective. He first expressed his sincere appreciation to all the parents who faithfully bring their children to the parish every Sunday for religion classes. In the middle of busy work schedules and family responsibilities, this commitment is a precious investment in the future faith of their children.
Fr. Willy reminded everyone that parents are the first and most important teachers of faith. Religion teachers and the parish are there to accompany them, but the home remains the first and most important school of faith. It is at home that children first learn to pray, to forgive, to love, and to experience God’s love through the example of their parents.
He encouraged every family to build simple but meaningful habits of faith: praying together, reading the Bible, attending Sunday Mass, and talking about faith in everyday life. These small habits are like seeds that will one day grow into strong trees. Parents were also encouraged to ask their children what they learned in religion class so that faith continues to grow not only in the classroom but also at home.
Fr. Willy also spoke directly to the children. He welcomed them warmly and invited them to attend their religion classes with joy. These classes are not simply a place to memorize lessons or prepare for exams. They are an opportunity to know Jesus more deeply as their Friend and Guide in life.
The children were encouraged to ask questions, participate actively, and share their own experiences. Learning the Catholic faith means learning to become honest, respectful, hardworking, helpful, and caring people. Fr. Willy also reminded them that religion classes and the Eucharist always go together. As he said, “In religion class we learn about Jesus, but in the Eucharist, we meet Jesus Himself.”
Beginning on Sunday, 26 July 2026, the Catholic Religious Education classes will be held every Sunday after the morning Mass and will follow the school academic calendar. It is a small step, but one filled with great hope for the faith formation of young people.
The parish is deeply grateful to the Catechetical Team, the volunteer teachers, the parents, and everyone who has supported this ministry. Through this shared commitment, the Church continues to accompany its people, especially the younger generation.
This is the face of a living Church—not only celebrating faith at the altar but also nurturing it in the classroom. It is especially meaningful that this ministry began on the Feast of the Holy Redeemer. The feast is celebrated not only through the liturgy but also through concrete acts of compassion that bring Christ’s love to children. When the Church makes sure that every child has the opportunity to know Jesus, the spirit of the Holy Redeemer continues to live and work among us.
This is perhaps the most beautiful way to celebrate the Patron of the Redemptorist Congregation: by sharing the Redeemer’s saving love, forming young hearts in faith, and giving hope to future generations.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala CSsR.
