Youth Urged to Join Sunday School Ministry at Munyonyo Catholic Shrine

Youth have been encouraged to take part in service work in the vineyard of the Lord by engaging in the Oratorio, also known as the Sunday School Ministry, at Munyonyo Catholic Shrine.
The Oratorio was first introduced in Kampala Archdiocese by the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who entrusted its coordination to the Women’s Guild. However, at Munyonyo, the Shrine Rector, Fr. Male, says they adopted a different approach by involving young people, mostly youth, who are enthusiastic about teaching children.
He explained that most homilies are often too philosophical, making it difficult for children to understand the message during Mass.
“Very often, the readings we have are quite difficult for young children to understand. That is why the idea of Sunday School in Munyonyo, also known in Uganda as the Oratorio, was introduced. During the 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am and 12:30pm Masses, children gather at the Relics Chapel for lessons tailored to their level of understanding. In addition to learning the gospel and readings, they sometimes take part in skits or songs,” he explained.
After their lessons, the children join the rest of the congregation at offertory. At this point, their teachers conduct a short revision by asking questions about what they have learned.
According to Lawrence, one of the Sunday School teachers, the sessions go beyond teaching the gospel.

“They don’t just learn about the gospel; we also choose at least one of the readings,” he noted. “For example, if we are beginning Lent, we teach them something small about it. And if we have a big celebration like the Assumption, Christmas, or the Ugandan Martyrs, we focus on those as well.”
The practice of rejoining the congregation after class ensures that the children continue to participate in the Holy Eucharist. Sunday School is mainly directed towards children who have not yet received their First Holy Communion.
“We strongly encourage that once children receive their First Holy Communion, they begin participating in the congregation together with the adults,” said Fr. Male.
Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine currently has a team of volunteer teachers who dedicate time to this ministry. The teachers and helpers meet every Thursday evening after the 6 o’clock Mass at the canteen to plan for the coming Sunday. For those who may be away on other duties, meetings can also be held online.
“We appeal to young people who are interested in children’s ministry to join and learn how to become Sunday School teachers. Even if they are shy, they don’t have to begin teaching right away,they can start by helping and guiding, and when they are ready, they can then lead the classes,” Fr. Male said.
Lawrence emphasized that youth involvement in children’s ministry is one way of actively serving in the Church.

“The gospel tells us that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. This ministry gives someone the chance to be one of those humble workers contributing to the harvest. As Christians, we are called to spread the word of God, yet many remain in the Church without actively doing so. Sunday School offers another opportunity to truly live out that mission,” he said.
He further appealed to parishioners with a passion for children’s ministry to join them in shaping the faith of young believers. He added that children who have passed through Sunday School are better grounded in the gospel and less likely to be misled.
Though the Sunday School initiative at Munyonyo may seem unique, it is a practice already common in other countries, and many parishes in Uganda are beginning to adopt it, inspired by the model at Munyonyo.