At this time of the year, many Catholics find themselves considering an invitation to become a catechist in their parish. Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education/Faith Formation, Pastoral Associates, Priests, and Deacons are all “on the prowl” seeking out those who have the potential to serve in this role. Perhaps you’ve been invited to be a catechist. Perhaps you know someone who is thinking about becoming a catechist. Or, perhaps you are the one doing the inviting. Whatever the case may be, I’d like to offer the following Top Reasons for Becoming a Catechist. (I may add to this list in the days to come when I hear from colleagues/fellow catechists).
Top Reasons to Become a Catechist
- You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus
- Your baptism calls you to share in Jesus’ ministry
- Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus
- Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to encounter good role models of faith
- You have much to share with those you’ll teach and you’ll have opportunities to share faith with other catechists
- Today’s catechetical textbooks/resources offer outstanding support
- You’ll be challenged, you’ll have fun, and you’ll make new friends
- You’ll be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus (you’ll be evangelizing!)
- You’ll be handing on a 2000-year-old Tradition that changes lives
- It’s our job: Jesus sent us to “go and teach all nations”
What other reasons would you include?
P.S. If you are considering the invitation to serve as a catechist, please send a comment to my blog and tell me (us, i.e. other catechists) what you’re thinking or ask any questions that you may have. There are lots of great catechists out there who would love to share their thoughts with you about this wonderful opportunity!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Mary Jeanne Pazin 06.28.07 at 2:40 pm
Your prayer life will grow and deepen.
You will be part of a vibrant faith community within the parish.
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Jane Fagan 06.29.07 at 7:40 am
You will become prat of a new catechist family that seeks not your money or the purchase of “whatever is for sale” but instead encourages your own faith and seeks to share your parishes wonderful children with you. You will be blessed by other peolple’s faith and the openness of its children. How can you resist a win-win proposition !!!
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Joe 06.29.07 at 8:26 am
Mary Jeanne and Jane, thanks so much for your “top reasons” for becoming a catechist!!!
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Ali 06.30.07 at 7:05 pm
Not only does it deepen your personal relationship and prayer life with God, my serving has made it more of a family affair.
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Joe 06.30.07 at 9:17 pm
Ali, that’s a good point. Thanks!
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Judy Klein 07.01.07 at 11:08 am
As as parent who becomes a catechist, you are letting your own children know how much you value religious education. Your “action” of being involved and teaching the Gospel speaks louder than your “words.”
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Joe 07.01.07 at 3:36 pm
Judy, I’m sure that every parent who has become a catechist would agree with you. Thanks.
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Elizabeth McAuliffe, O.P 07.02.07 at 9:14 am
Thank you, Joe sharing insights makes my job much easier. I am grateful for your service.
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Joe 07.02.07 at 10:44 am
Elizabeth, I’m happy I can be of service!
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Pat Kahl 07.02.07 at 2:20 pm
Thanks, Joe. I think one of the best reasons to become a catechist is it puts a smile on your face. You learn to expect the unexpected and delight in it. Humor adds joy to life and to your faith.
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Joe 07.03.07 at 7:58 am
Pat, coming from someone who walks the talk! You’ve always made joy and humor a big part of your ministry and it’s good advice for catechists to follow. Thanks!
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Fran 08.07.07 at 7:03 am
One of the best reasons to be a catechist, for me, is that the children provide me with energy and hope. Sometimes people think they are too old to be a catechist, but young people need to have that experience we come with.
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Maria Winston(St. Paul's Tampa, FL) 08.07.07 at 7:45 am
As a Catechist, you will constantly remind yourself how wonderful it is to live the life of Jesus and by doing so, teaching becomes natural and comes from the heart. You will also set a good example to everyone, most especially the youth of today, who hopefully will be inspired by you and will do the same when they become adults.
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Joe 08.07.07 at 9:59 am
Fran, may I ask how old you are? I think your comment is very well taken!
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Joe 08.07.07 at 10:01 am
Maria, your words are so true. When we walk by faith we can teach what we really and truly believe and that indeed will come naturally. Those we teach can tell if we practice what we preach. Thanks for sharing.
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Fran 08.07.07 at 12:58 pm
Hi Joe,
I am going on 61 in October. I have no formal training to work with youth, but have always found a love for them and believe in their future. I feel, if I can help in any way, that is what we are here for. I am youth coordinator, at Our Lady of Grace, but find that all you need is a heart for kids. Kids are basically good and looking for direction.
God Bless!
Fran
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Joe 08.07.07 at 1:49 pm
Fran, the kids are blest to have someone who cares so deeply. You know, none of us receive training to be parents but, with love (and common sense and help from our parents and other relatives), we find a way. As catechists, we don’t have to have a PhD in theology or child psychology to be effective. Certainly we seek the training that is offered and or required but the heart of being a catechist is love of God and neighbor! Thanks for sharing.
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Laura 02.24.09 at 5:43 pm
How do I become a Catechist? I live in Portland, OR.
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Joe Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Hi Laura from Portland! The usual route for becoming a catechist is to make a connection with the Director of Religious Education at your parish. He or she is responsible for recruiting, training, and forming catechists. Typically, you would receive some preliminary training and formation and then continue formation as you teach. If you currently belong to a parish, that would be the place to begin. If you do not belong to a parish, you may to “shop around” to find one that you feel you can share your gifts with and be nurtured by. One other route to becoming a catechist is to contact your diocesan catechetical office and find out about catechist training/formation programs that you can participate in before you ever actually begin teaching. I wish you well with your calling to serve as a catechist. Keep in touch and let me know how things unfold.
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Jeff Armstrong 10.13.09 at 2:36 am
Hello,
I know this is an old post but I thought I’d comment anyway.
I saw the notice on our church newsletter this Sunday inviting people to become catechists. I am considering offering myself for this. I believe I might be able to do some good there. Mostly, however, I remember, as an adult catechumen, what an extraordinary effect my teachers had on me last Easter and I feel responsible to pass that amazing experience on.
Thanks for listening.
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Joe Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Jeff, thanks for the comment. I encourage you to pursue this calling further and to talk to the people involved to help you discern if this is indeed what God is calling you to do. You are so right that our teachers of faith have an extraordinary effect on us and that, as a catechist, we now have the same awesome opportunity. I wish you the best with your discernment…let us know how things pan out!
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