Catechist Kelli Lien Reflects on Giving Children “Positive Connections to the Church”

Kelli Lien has truly been a steward of the Catholic faith, teaching some of the youngest members of the Church and on up through 11th-grade students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“It is a joy to watch the children connect to the Church and grow in their faith,” Kelli says. “The young children always have the best questions that make you realize they really are listening and growing in their relationship with God.”

Kelli and her family joined St. Andrew around 2011 when they moved to Granite Falls from Renville.

“Our oldest son, Derrick, was just in early elementary and we were wanting to have him in local faith formation,” Kelli says.

When Derrick was in fourth grade, the Coordinator of Faith Formation asked Kelli if she would be interested in becoming a catechist. That simple invitation prompted Kelli to consider becoming involved in the faith community in a new way.

“At first, this wasn’t something I thought I would have the time to do,” Kelli says. “Then I decided I needed to take the time to make sure the children of our community were given a positive connection to the Church.”

As a catechist, Kelli has found so much support to help her be successful in this meaningful ministry, from a very detailed curriculum and lesson plan to the support of the Faith Formation Coordinator.

“It is really easy to get ready for, and the lesson book gives many different activities to choose from,” Kelli says. “Any materials that are needed are listed, and the Coordinator always supported what was needed in terms of materials.”

Over the years, Kelli has found that through serving in this ministry, her own faith has grown.

“When you talk to others about your faith and help them grow in theirs, it also grows your own,” Kelli says. “There are many things I learned about the Catholic Church and my own faith through the materials I was working on with the children.”

If you’re looking for a way to share your faith and to support the young members of our faith community as they grow on their own spiritual journeys, consider discerning if you’d like to serve as a catechist.

“I would encourage others to consider becoming a catechist because it is a very rewarding and positive experience,” Kelli says. “Although I was the one teaching, the children always continue to teach me things by listening to them and seeing them grow.”

If you would like more information about becoming a catechist, please reach out to Ann Voller, Coordinator of Faith Formation, at sjocoordinator@holyfamilyarea.org

Catechist Kelli Lien and her husband, Brian (right), and their oldest son, Derrick (center), at his Confirmation