“Catechesis aims to bring about in the believer an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of his person and message, and a firm commitment to follow him.” (National Directory for Catechesis No. 19A)
Recently I was listening to a presentation about recruiting, training and forming volunteers. The presenter, Bill Keimig, made some great points about the need to distinguish between catechist training and catechist formation. He shared some interesting insights regarding the importance of leading catechists to being spiritually formed, i.e., our spiritual lives. It is imperative that catechists have a foundation in the spiritual life if they are going to help make saints in the classroom. Seeking to help students be saints is seeking to bring them to what Bill Keimig calls, “The joy of relationship”. First and foremost the catechist must have a desire to grow in relationship with Christ. It is also the aim of the catechist to foster a desire in students for this joy of relationship with God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The more we focus on it in our own lives the more students and those around us will see Christ working in and through us. Granted it is the parents primary role to instill this desire in their children, but DRE’s and catechists must also foster this.
Please do not misunderstand, catechist training is very important. Knowledge of the faith enables us to draw the students into the mystery of Christ and God’s plan of salvation. Catechists who are seeking to grow in their spiritual lives and seeking to be formed in their spiritual lives are going to succeed more than those who have great skills and tricks of the trade to make their classes fun and interactive. The more we can engage students the better, however at the heart and center of our mission as catechists is drawing our students into that joy and love of relationship with Christ.
As we begin this new year, together let us resolve as St. Maria Mazarello did to “make up our minds to become saints”. Together with God’s grace and life in us we can do great things this year! May God be with each one of you!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments: woleary@kcascension.org
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I agree. Teaching a love for our Catholic faith truly is about building relationships. Sometimes that’s all we are able to do. The Holy Spirit takes over from thee.