In a spirit-filled celebration on the 5th Sunday of Lent, a total of 297 catechists from various parishes across Kabale Diocese were officially commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral.
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Callist Rubaramira expressed heartfelt gratitude to the newly commissioned ministers for accepting the sacred call to serve God’s people. He emphasized the great responsibility placed upon them, calling on them to handle the Blessed Sacrament with utmost reverence. “You are now entrusted with one of the holiest roles in the Church, to carry Christ Himself to the people, especially in moments when ordained ministers are not available. Serve with dignity and deep faith,” the Bishop urged.
The day was marked with deep reflection and spiritual nourishment. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Innocent Naturinda, the Financial Administrator of Kabale Diocese, described the commissioning as “a divine invitation to serve at the Lord’s table and become living witnesses of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.” He reminded the catechists that they were not only teachers of faith but now also missionaries of mercy and shepherds of souls. Quoting the Prophet Isaiah, he declared: “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
He said the commissioning was part of this “new thing” that God is doing in the Church.“ He has called you not just to teach the faith but to embody it,” he emphasized. “Your mission is to lead, guide, and inspire. And now, your service goes beyond words, it extends to the very Body and Blood of Christ. What an honor! What a responsibility!” Fr. Innocent urged all faithful to follow the example of Jesus who forgave and healed. “Teach with love, serve with compassion,” he said. “You are not just handling bread but carrying Christ fully present, body, blood, soul, and divinity.”
Among the newly commissioned was Mr. Katongore Kereson, the Head Teacher of St. Agatha Girls Secondary School – Kakore, who described the day as humbling and spiritually uplifting. “I thank the Almighty for the gift of life and for calling me to serve Him at the altar. I feel honored to have been entrusted with this holy task,” said Mr. Katongore, who has now been assigned to serve as the Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Agatha Girls Secondary School Kakore.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Austen Christmas, the Director of Liturgy and Catechesis Commission and Parish Priest of Rushoroza Cathedral, commended the Bishop for his unwavering support. “Today’s commissioning is a result of months of prayer, formation, and training,” he said. “Of the 297 commissioned ministers, 233 are men and 64 are women. These numbers reflect the growing commitment of our laity in building the Church.”
Fr. Austen also highlighted the vital role of the Diocesan Finance Office, which continues to support catechists through seminars and ongoing formation. As the Mass ended, the newly commissioned catechists posed for a group photo with the Bishop and priests capturing a joyful moment that marks the beginning of a new chapter in their ministry.
With the Eucharist at the center of the Church’s life, the commissioning of 297 extraordinary ministers signals a renewed commitment to bring Christ to every corner of Kabale Diocese, especially to the sick, the elderly, and those in distant Eucharistic centers.
