Faith in the Classroom: OLLP School Catechists Bring Christian Formation to GVDNHS Learners

In a meaningful expression of collaboration between the school and the Church, the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bangkal, through its Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Roger D. Duhaylungsod, extended its pastoral and catechetical mission to the learners of Governor Vicente Duterte National High School (GVDNHS) on September 2, 2026.

With the coordination and support of School Principal Clyde Hazel Inceñales, the 13 School Catechists of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish conducted catechesis for students in Grades 8 to 12, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and its relevance to daily life.

The activity began with the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Ranebe J. Magallanes. Adding a special meaning to the celebration, students of Governor Vicente Duterte National High School served at the altar, actively participating in the liturgy. The Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish also took part in the celebration, demonstrating the parish community’s active collaboration in supporting the spiritual formation of young people.

In his homily, Fr. Ranebe reminded the learners of the importance of being sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, particularly their classmates, teachers, and family members. His message encouraged the students to look beyond themselves and become more compassionate, understanding, and caring individuals.

The reminder was especially significant as Christian faith is not merely something to be learned in the classroom or celebrated in church. It is a faith that must be lived through love, compassion, respect, and service to others.

Following the Holy Mass, the 13 parish school catechists proceeded with the simultaneous catechetical sessions for the Grades 8 to 12 learners. The formation centered on the four (4) Pillars of the Christian Faith, helping the students understand the essential foundations of their Catholic identity:

1. CREED – What We Believe
   The Creed expresses the fundamental beliefs of Christians. It teaches believers about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church, providing the foundation of Christian faith.
2. SACRAMENTS – How We Celebrate Our Faith
   The Sacraments are sacred signs through which God’s grace is given to His people. They accompany Christians throughout their journey of faith and strengthen their relationship with God and the Church.
3. COMMANDMENTS – How We Live Our Faith
   God’s commandments guide Christians in living lives rooted in love of God and love of neighbor. They challenge believers to choose what is good, just, and pleasing to God.
4. OUR FATHER – How We Pray
   The Our Father, the prayer taught by Jesus Himself, reminds Christians of their relationship with God as Father. It teaches believers to trust in God, seek His will, ask for forgiveness, and extend forgiveness to others.

Through this catechetical activity, the learners were reminded that faith is not simply knowledge about God—it is a relationship with God that transforms the way we think, speak, act, and relate with others.

The activity also reflects the importance of the partnership between the school and the parish in nurturing the spiritual and moral development of young people. With the support of school administrators, teachers, parish clergy, catechists, Eucharistic ministers, and the students themselves, Christian formation becomes a shared mission.

As the learners continue their journey toward adulthood, the Church and the school in synodality hope that the seeds of faith planted through these moments of formation will take root in their hearts and bear fruit in their relationships, decisions, families, communities, and future endeavors.

The catechetical mission of OLLP continues to affirm that when the Church and the school journey together, young people are given not only knowledge for life but also faith, values, and hope to guide their journey.

“Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

(By Rowena Baldoza-Villaflor, OLLP SoCCom | Photos: Leonides A. Lallen)