THAILAND — In the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, summer marks not just a school break but a time of deep spiritual formation for thousands of Catholic children from hill tribe communities.
Across 20 parishes in the Diocese of Chiang Rai, young participants are attending intensive catechism camps aimed at preparing them for Baptism and First Holy Communion.
“This summer, we have 2,340 children attending catechism classes in 20 parishes,” said Bishop Joseph Vutthilert Haelom, who oversees the northernmost diocese in Thailand. “In our diocese, the number of young children preparing for these sacraments remains fairly consistent each year.”
In a predominantly Buddhist country where Catholics make up less than one percent of the population, the Catholic Church continues to explore new ways to nurture the faith of its members—particularly those in remote areas who have limited access to Catholic education.
While some Catholic schools incorporate catechism into their academic curriculum, many children living in distant villages cannot attend regular religious instruction during the year.
To address this, the Church organizes summer catechism camps that offer a concentrated period of learning and community life.
“There are a lot of sisters from various congregations, seminarians from the National Major Seminary, and volunteers from the Catechist School who come together to make this annual project possible,” Bishop Haelom told LiCAS News.
For one to two weeks, children live together in parish facilities, learning about the tenets of Catholicism through formal classes, group discussions, and recreational activities designed to foster Christian values and fellowship.
“Generally, it takes at least three summers before children are considered ready for Baptism, and for the older ones, the Eucharist,” the prelate explained.
The camps also serve as training grounds for seminarians and future catechists, offering them hands-on experience in teaching, lesson planning, and pastoral care.
Organizers say the experience is formative not just for the children but also for those who lead the sessions.
At Holy Spirit Parish in Mae Suay, the catechism program incorporates elements of interfaith dialogue.
Children preparing for First Holy Communion receive instruction that explores the relationship between Catholicism and Buddhism—a reflection of the religious diversity of the region.
“We have a mobile team of 7 persons led by the Sacred Heart Sisters, a PIME priest, Fr. Massimo Bolgan, a major seminarian, and even a well-qualified Buddhist monk who help explain the two religions in an accessible way,” said Sr. Kannikar Lamtaisong.
The program is designed for children who have attended monthly catechism lessons throughout the year. The summer session serves as their final preparation before receiving the sacraments.
“We have been running this summer project for the past ten years and are committed to continuing it,” Sr. Kannikar said. “This year, we are conducting it at four centers. The first one at Mae Suay just concluded on Friday, and we are now moving to the next location where another 200 children are waiting for us.”
Beyond catechism, dioceses in northern Thailand organize additional summer initiatives, including vocation camps and community service projects. These efforts are largely sustained by parishioners and volunteers who contribute time, skills, and resources to support the Church’s mission.
The Church’s summer catechism camps remain a key component of Catholic formation programs for children in northern Thailand’s remote and ethnically diverse communities.
