NOW AVAILABLE | HITIK: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators Volume 3, Issue 1 | June 2026

The Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), Inc. proudly announces the publication of Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators, Volume 3, Issue 1 (June 2026). This issue features 12 peer-reviewed scholarly articles exploring contemporary themes in theology, catechesis, religious education, spirituality, ethics, ecology, interreligious dialogue, pastoral ministry, mental health, and educational innovation. Articles in this Issue   1. Mekeni Abe, tara mangan! (Welcome Friend, let’s eat!): A Kapampangan Cultural Exegesis on Meal Fellowship and Hospitality Authors: Bonnadelbert A. Antonio, Jocelyn H. Masbang, & Rowena B. Sibal https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.210   2. Extent of Practice of the JEEPGY Framework among the Grade 12 Students in Selected Diocesan Catholic Schools in Western Visayas Authors: Daniel Fernando, Rev. Fr. Eric L. Legada, & Sr. Ma. Rosini P. Escarilla https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.220   3. Faith and Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods Study on How Catechetical Teaching Shapes Students’ Help-Seeking Attitudes Authors: Edgar R. Lumandas, Fremativo A. Vergara, & Evan P. Taja-on https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.225   4. From Beauty to Holiness and Panata: An Interreligious Reading of Iḥsān (إحسان) and Kalos (καλός) Author: Paul Mark Andres https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.226   5. From Gossip to Grace: Understanding Marites Culture through Catholic Doctrine and the Formation of Ethical Speech Author: Jonald De Leon https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.230   6. Ecological Responsibility and the Action Gap Among College Students Anchored on the Laudato Si’ Framework Authors: Fremativo A. Vergara & Evan P. Taja-on https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.228   7. Serving Beyond Borders: The Missionary Witness of Sr. Conchita Cruz, SSpS and its Impact on the Church in Flores, Indonesia Author: Sr. Herlina Hadia, SSpS https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.238   8. Toward an Authentic Indian Theology: Inculturation, Liberation, and the Cry of the Poor in the Light of Dilexi te Author: Sebastian Mathew Mittathanickal, OFM Cap. https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.241   9. Perspectives of Senior High School Students on Religious Education at Saint Mary’s University Authors: Charles Ron Capin, John Carlo Armando, Lady Valen Charon Dela Peña, Harold Padilla, Pedelina Bulligan, Arnold Viller Villanoza, & Dan Del Rosario https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.218   10. Reframing Service-Learning (SL) as a Pedagogy of Care (PoC): Toward a Humane Framework for Religious and Theological Education Authors: Paulo Antonio Aton, Joenel Buencibello, Elmgay Valeriano, & Gracita Perez https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.231   11. The Church of the Poor in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II): Its Concrete Expression in Basic Ecclesial Communities Authors: Maria Lourdes S. Antonio & Fred Jr. F. Antonio https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.237   12. The Pedagogy of Encounter as Via Pulchritudinis: Humanizing 21st-Century Teaching-Learning through Education 5.0 and the Global Compact on Education Authors: Ericka Mae B. Cunanan, Allan A. Basas, & Joseph Renus F. Galang https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.236   Read the complete issue: https://hitik-journal.reapph.org   Email: hitikjournal@reapph.org   We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and partner institutions for making this issue possible. We invite researchers, educators, catechists, theologians, and students to read, cite, and share these scholarly contributions.