Introduction

The Reverend Father John O'Hea Pass on the Faith Parish Quiz Competition was recently held to promote faith, knowledge, and spiritual growth among children. Sponsored by Sir Felix Fapohunda KSJI, this annual event brings together children from various parishes to test their understanding of Catholic teachings, doctrines, and liturgical readings. The competition focuses on fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith among children. By testing their knowledge and encouraging them to learn more, the competition aims to inspire a new generation of faithful and knowledgeable Catholics.

Event

The competition was divided into four groups, each comprising 7-8 parishes. The preliminary rounds took place on different dates and venues: Group A: St. Leo Challenge, St. Mulumba Alakia, St. Gabriel Mokola, St. Thomas Agbowo, St. Anne Sasa, St. Anne Ogbere, St. Michael Yemetu, competing on February 1st at St Leo Challenge (10:00 AM)

• Group B: Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, UI, St Patrick Bashorun, Sacred Heart Ilupeju, St Michael Idi Ayunre, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. John the Baptist, Airport Road, St. Kizito Oluyole, St. Augustine Ojoo, competing on February 2nd at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, UI (3:00 PM)
• Group C: Church of Ascension, Bodija, St. Charles Lwanga, Adeoyo Ring Road, Holy Family Yawiri, Sacred Heart, Gegele, St. Mary Oke Padre, St Anthony Ashipa, St. James Olorunda, St. Richards Eleyele, competing on February 8th at St. Mary Oke Padre (10:00 AM)
• Group D: St. Martins De Pores, Ajobo, St. Christopher, Sango, Christ the King Catholic Church, Odo Ona, St. Benedicts Oke ABA Mater Dei Gbopa, St. Mary Egbeda, St. Peter Apata, competing on February 9th at Christ the King Catholic Church, Odo Ona (3:00 PM)

Results

The following parishes emerged victorious at the group stage and qualified for the next round.

They are as follows; 

Group A: St. Anne's Sasa, St. Anne's Ogbere, St. Michael Yemetu, and St. Mulumba Alakia.

Group B: St. Patrick's Bashorun, St. Augustine, Ojoo, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Loyola and St. Kizito Oluyole

Group C: St. Richards, Eleyele, St. Charles Lwanga, Adeoyo, St. Anthony, Ashipa, and Sacred Heart, Gegelose

Group D: Christ The King, Odo Ona, St. Peter, Apata, St. Benedict Aba Oke, and St. Martin De Pores, Ajobo

Findings

The competition revealed a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to faith among the participating children. It also highlighted the importance of catechesis and religious education in shaping the minds and hearts of young Catholics. The competition offers attractive prizes, including: - 1st prize: ₦100,000 + plaque, 2nd prize: ₦75,000, and 3rd prize: ₦50,000 

Admonition

Very Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue, Director of Religious Education, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, emphasized the importance of creating a spiritual atmosphere in the Sunday school environment. He encouraged Sunday school teachers to:

• Create a spiritual atmosphere in the Sunday school environment
• Ensure punctuality and orderliness
• Provide necessary materials for each child
• Admit only children between 4-9 years
• Introduce children to catechesis classes and books in preparation for First Communion
• Encourage children to participate in prayer and offering
• Minimize distractions and make the class engaging
• Attend Mass for spiritual growth
• Ensure proper supervision to prevent bullying and child abuse
• Sunday school teachers must avail themselves of the children's bulletin days before Sunday
• Sunday school teachers should be able to solve readings, puzzles, and other activities before Sunday
• Sunday school teachers must understand the gospel readings very well
• They should allow the children to take the readings themselves and slowly, too
• They should allow the children to read the glory and the creed slowly in a bid to understand and memorize it
• They should mark their books at the end of each week and return to them
• They should ensure each child has a bulletin
• They should give incentives, if possible, to encourage performers
• They should allow children to take prayer of the faith to prepare them a week ahead with the intention to pray for
• They should encourage them to give generously during the offering
• They should avoid distractions as much as possible and make the class alive
• They should attend Mass as well for their spiritual growth
• Where you have two teachers, you can interchange at least twice a month
• Note that they are learners of the faith; hence, nurture them with the basics
• You should also realize that they have not attended Mass because, at their stage, they are attending service of the word
• Sunday school is a ground to introduce them to catechesis. Hence, you are encouraged to introduce them to and through your class for First Communion. By this introduction, they have been introduced to proper catechesis classes and books

Summary

The Reverend Father John O'Hea Pass on the Faith Parish Quiz Competition celebrates faith, knowledge, and community. By promoting faith and knowledge among children, the competition aims to inspire a new generation of faithful and knowledgeable Catholics. The competition has been a huge success, with participating children demonstrating a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to their faith.

Conclusion

As the competition unfolds, we look forward to witnessing the growth and development of the participating children. May their faith and knowledge continue to inspire and guide them as they grow in their spiritual journey. We also commend the efforts of the Organizers, Sponsors, and Sunday School Teachers who have worked tirelessly to make this competition a success. May their dedication and commitment to the faith inspire us all. Amen