Reflections on Being a Catechist

Each year the Church takes a Sunday at the beginning of the academic year to focus on and to thank the many men and women who so graciously give of their time and talent to serve their parishes in the ministry of catechesis. In 2021 Pope Francis released an Apostolic Letter entitled Antiquum Ministerium in which he expounded on the role of the catechist and its vital importance to our Church. In this he states:

“…every catechist must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails.”

What better way to focus on the role and mission of the catechist than to hear from catechists themselves and their reflections on their ministry in the Church, so I share with you some of their thoughts.

As a mother, I was always called to teach the faith to all of my children. It was only natural that this calling extend out to other children. I think just knowing that I’m right where God wants me to be is what sustains me. There is comfort being in the arms of Jesus, and in this role, I just feel at home sharing His love with others. There are many motivations that might drive a volunteer, but a disciple works for the good of the Kingdom simply because one loves God and wants to share that love with others. I believe the role of the catechist has always been vital from the time of the disciples. Each age has its own vices and strengths. In today’s relativistic society, a catechist’s primary role is to keep Jesus at the forefront of one’s mind. It is crucial for the Church, because especially with the priest shortage, they simply cannot complete their mission of evangelization without their “prayer warriors” and “ground crew.”

Melody, Prince of Peace Parish, Chesapeake, VA

When I was first invited to be a catechist (in the 1970s), I thought my job was primarily responsible pedagogy, as well as an opportunity for me to meet good people in the parish. As time continued, I found the role to be a serious commitment of time and talent. Also, that a catechist was not just what I did but who I am through my Baptism and Confirmation. That I needed to actively participate in the life of my Christian community, to be a witness to the children entrusted to me. This is the point in my life when the role of catechist led to discipleship. The time when I knew that I needed to exemplify that Jesus is real in my life, that I communicate with Him through prayer and communion. That I had to bear witness to my faith through service to others. Hopefully, from that first invite to now, I have grown to be a better me and a better catechist. A quote from Psalm 18: “He puts into my hands gifts for relay to others, He entrusts me with tasks far beyond my human abilities and enables me to carry them out.”

It was not until I got married and began our family did I start to realize that there was something missing. God began to fill the large void in my life. Anger and restlessness was replaced by joy and peace. I became more aware that I needed to live a more moral life, receive the sacraments, pray and read scripture. These experiences made me think how different things could have been if I had someone encouraging and mentoring me in my faith. I then realized that the Holy Spirit was prompting me to be that person to encourage and mentor our young people. As a catechist, I hope to teach the 7th grade teens who are preparing for Confirmation that the Holy Spirit reveals to us that we are loved by God, that nothing we can do can make God stop loving them, that we have a purpose in our lives, and that Jesus died for each and every one of us.

Being a Catechist is sometimes difficult with work and family obligations, but I try to remember Jesus teaching “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2) The Holy Spirit continually tugs on my heart to encourage me.

Dave, St. David’s Parish, Willow Grove, PA

Thank you to these dedicated Catechists for sharing their reflections on their ministry. And in honor of Catechetical Sunday, observed on September 17, 2023, we profoundly thank all Catechists who serve their local parishes and the greater Church. The gift of your faith, and the power of your influence, is beyond measure. May God bless all your efforts this coming year as you catechize and teach!

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, Sister Eileen Tiernan IHM – DRE at St. Patrick Parish, Malvern, PA