Comments on: Becoming a Catechist: What’s YOUR Story? http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/ Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:43:16 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Linda Price http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-2130 Linda Price Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:10:45 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-2130 Authenticity is vital to being a human being practicing the Catholic faith as well as a catechist in the classroom. There can be no separateness . I have met some of the children in McDonald's and they just smile so big. They see me as a real person who actually eats!! I greet them and they can put me in the symbolic place of the "Church" for the moment. Again it is vital that we are not seen at inappropriate places either by members of the Church. As a professional DRE or a catechist we take upon a new life that can not be part time..Are you ready to do that? Authenticity is vital to being a human being practicing the Catholic faith as well as a catechist in the classroom. There can be no separateness . I have met some of the children in McDonald’s and they just smile so big. They see me as a real person who actually eats!! I greet them and they can put me in the symbolic place of the “Church” for the moment. Again it is vital that we are not seen at inappropriate places either by members of the Church. As a professional DRE or a catechist we take upon a new life that can not be part time..Are you ready to do that?

]]> By: pamela salas http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-2117 pamela salas Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:52:10 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-2117 dearest my beloved friend hope u can send more about how to teach being a catechist ok thanks a lot love you,GOD BLESS dearest my beloved friend hope u can send more about how to teach being a catechist ok thanks a lot love you,GOD BLESS

]]> By: Rita Diaz http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1924 Rita Diaz Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:02:42 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1924 I have been teaching Old Testament for 15 of my 19 years. I learn something new every year that I teach. I just attended session 2 of "Journey Through Scripture" by Dr Scott Hahn. It is a marvelous program and teaches the correlation of OT to NT in program #1, the Bible and the Mass program #2. I have #3 and #4 to attend yet. It opened my eyes even more to God's great gifts. I have been teaching Old Testament for 15 of my 19 years. I learn something new every year that I teach. I just attended session 2 of “Journey Through Scripture” by Dr Scott Hahn. It is a marvelous program and teaches the correlation of OT to NT in program #1, the Bible and the Mass program #2. I have #3 and #4 to attend yet. It opened my eyes even more to God’s great gifts.

]]> By: Jessica Arroyo http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1861 Jessica Arroyo Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:12:07 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1861 Hello Everyone, My name is Jessica Arroyo and my story began 2 years ago when I was offered the DRE position in the chapel my husband is stationed at in Iwakuni, Japan. Being in the military this is the first time I have ever been away from a civilian parish and I have had to utilize the base services dealing with a chapel. I will say that my first year I felt like a person that was brand new to the Catholic faith. Even though I have been a Catholic all of my life, been in Catholic school as a child and attended a Catholic college. Now, two years after the initial shock has worn off I can say that I am glad that I chose to pursue this career and I enjoy my call to serve. Also, it has taught me a lot about the faith too. Hello Everyone,
My name is Jessica Arroyo and my story began 2 years ago when I was offered the DRE position in the chapel my husband is stationed at in Iwakuni, Japan. Being in the military this is the first time I have ever been away from a civilian parish and I have had to utilize the base services dealing with a chapel. I will say that my first year I felt like a person that was brand new to the Catholic faith. Even though I have been a Catholic all of my life, been in Catholic school as a child and attended a Catholic college. Now, two years after the initial shock has worn off I can say that I am glad that I chose to pursue this career and I enjoy my call to serve. Also, it has taught me a lot about the faith too.

]]> By: Christine http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1786 Christine Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:56:31 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1786 My call to be a catechist came this past year. For years, I wanted to teach the children and be a catechist. I kept putting if off telling myself I was not a teacher. I did not know enough about my religion. With being single and having no children, where did I think that I had the knowledge to know what to do. Everyone always told me, I was very good with children, my cousins children. I would sit there listing to them and talking. Finally, three years after to moving to CT, I became a catechist. It was after mass two of the faith formation coordinators spoke at the end of mass. After listening to them, I decided to become a catechists. It was easy to meet with them; they knew me by seeing me serve as a Lector and Eucharist Minster. During the following week, I gave Kathryn a call and made an appointment to met with her near the end of May 2008. We spoke for a little while and felt it was the best thing I had every done. At this time, I had met the other two coordinators, Marj and Michelle. They made you feel so welcomed. They advised that they would be their to assist us. Also, I would have a co-teacher. They asked if I could work with the second graders. I said I would work where ever they needed me. I was really scared as October approached. In our parish, we get the second graders ready for Reconciliation. Holy Communion is in the third grade. Its better to wait the year and separate the sacraments. During this first year, the children really got me nervous. Hoping you tell them the right thing, but God guided us. I really got to know the children well. On their day of reconciliation, I was asked to assist greet the children coming in and provide them with the Act of Contrition. When the children left, I also got to give them their certificate. It was honestly a beautiful ceremony. We did it! I had decided earlier in the term to make a rosary for each child and got them to tell me their favorite color. Our class was held on Tuesday. On March 17 which is my birthday, I got to give the children the gift. I was so happy. It was a really blessed day for me. The children really liked them because I gave each got their favorite color. Our last class was in mid April. I work full time and made arrangements to leave early on Tuesday and work late during the week. Then, I got scared because a company bought our company. I discussed it with management and actually begged them to not take it away from me. I can gladly say that my manager said we can work around it. It was not a problem. Now, I really miss Tuesdays and can't wait until October. During the year, I was also attending St Cyril classes and attending seminars. Right now I'm trying to read everything to help me on my journey. I can honestly say I am very blessed with the support of my family and the people I know through the church. God bless you all! My call to be a catechist came this past year. For years, I wanted to teach the children and be a catechist. I kept putting if off telling myself I was not a teacher. I did not know enough about my religion. With being single and having no children, where did I think that I had the knowledge to know what to do. Everyone always told me, I was very good with children, my cousins children. I would sit there listing to them and talking. Finally, three years after to moving to CT, I became a catechist. It was after mass two of the faith formation coordinators spoke at the end of mass. After listening to them, I decided to become a catechists. It was easy to meet with them; they knew me by seeing me serve as a Lector and Eucharist Minster. During the following week, I gave Kathryn a call and made an appointment to met with her near the end of May 2008. We spoke for a little while and felt it was the best thing I had every done. At this time, I had met the other two coordinators, Marj and Michelle. They made you feel so welcomed. They advised that they would be their to assist us. Also, I would have a co-teacher. They asked if I could work with the second graders. I said I would work where ever they needed me. I was really scared as October approached. In our parish, we get the second graders ready for Reconciliation. Holy Communion is in the third grade. Its better to wait the year and separate the sacraments. During this first year, the children really got me nervous. Hoping you tell them the right thing, but God guided us. I really got to know the children well. On their day of reconciliation, I was asked to assist greet the children coming in and provide them with the Act of Contrition. When the children left, I also got to give them their certificate. It was honestly a beautiful ceremony. We did it! I had decided earlier in the term to make a rosary for each child and got them to tell me their favorite color. Our class was held on Tuesday. On March 17 which is my birthday, I got to give the children the gift. I was so happy. It was a really blessed day for me. The children really liked them because I gave each got their favorite color. Our last class was in mid April. I work full time and made arrangements to leave early on Tuesday and work late during the week. Then, I got scared because a company bought our company. I discussed it with management and actually begged them to not take it away from me. I can gladly say that my manager said we can work around it. It was not a problem. Now, I really miss Tuesdays and can’t wait until October. During the year, I was also attending St Cyril classes and attending seminars. Right now I’m trying to read everything to help me on my journey. I can honestly say I am very blessed with the support of my family and the people I know through the church.

God bless you all!

]]> By: Linda Price http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1610 Linda Price Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:29:27 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1610 My call to the catechist ministry began at the age of 19. I was in Japan with my parents on a military base and was very unhappy living at home. During my confession with our pastor I mentioned this and he recommended helping in the first grade as an assistant catechist. I did volunteer and from then on nearly every year I helped or taught a grade, even with my fiance with the 9th grade. I really felt the call when I was asked to be youth ministry here at Sacred Heart and then four years later the Director. My life is full and I am very blessed with a wonderful church family. My call to the catechist ministry began at the age of 19. I was in Japan with my parents on a military base and was very unhappy living at home. During my confession with our pastor I mentioned this and he recommended helping in the first grade as an assistant catechist. I did volunteer and from then on nearly every year I helped or taught a grade, even with my fiance with the 9th grade. I really felt the call when I was asked to be youth ministry here at Sacred Heart and then four years later the Director. My life is full and I am very blessed with a wonderful church family.

]]> By: Christian http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1524 Christian Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:55:32 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1524 "...teaching all levels from pre-school to seniors" Do you have an age preference, and why; also are you as happy being the DRE as you were teaching? “…teaching all levels from pre-school to seniors”

Do you have an age preference, and why; also are you as happy being the DRE as you were teaching?

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1522 Joe Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:33:22 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1522 Bobbi, you've been in ministry almost as long as I've been alive! What an inspiration to me and to all the folks reading your story! Thanks for sharing! Bobbi, you’ve been in ministry almost as long as I’ve been alive! What an inspiration to me and to all the folks reading your story! Thanks for sharing!

]]> By: Bobbi http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1520 Bobbi Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:11:23 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1520 When I was a junior in high school, in 1963, one of the sisters at the church I attended asked if I would like to teach a 2nd grade class for the year. That was the "honey" that got me into the hive and I have been there ever since. As I got married and we traveled from state to state in the military I was always a catechist teaching many different grades in different areas of the country. It was my passion, my vocation, my ministry and my honor to be of service to the Lord wherever I lived. Since we settled back into Michigan I have taught all these years with the exception of 1-1/2 years, teaching all levels from pre-school to seniors. I went back to school at 41 to get my degree in religious studies and now after 18 years as a youth minister, I have taken on the role of DRE in my home parish where I catechized for 33 years. It definitely has been my calling, the use of my gifts and talents, and my passion to share the love of Christ with all the students I come in contact with. I cannot imagine not doing this and will continue to be a catechist is some form until I pass on. I have been doing this ministry for 46 years now and hope to do it for at least another 20! When I was a junior in high school, in 1963, one of the sisters at the church I attended asked if I would like to teach a 2nd grade class for the year. That was the “honey” that got me into the hive and I have been there ever since. As I got married and we traveled from state to state in the military I was always a catechist teaching many different grades in different areas of the country. It was my passion, my vocation, my ministry and my honor to be of service to the Lord wherever I lived. Since we settled back into Michigan I have taught all these years with the exception of 1-1/2 years, teaching all levels from pre-school to seniors. I went back to school at 41 to get my degree in religious studies and now after 18 years as a youth minister, I have taken on the role of DRE in my home parish where I catechized for 33 years. It definitely has been my calling, the use of my gifts and talents, and my passion to share the love of Christ with all the students I come in contact with. I cannot imagine not doing this and will continue to be a catechist is some form until I pass on. I have been doing this ministry for 46 years now and hope to do it for at least another 20!

]]> By: Christian http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/05/26/becoming-a-catechist-whats-your-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1518 Christian Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:33:36 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1211#comment-1518 Terry, do you miss teaching now that you've moved into a management position? I mean, are you as happy being the DRE as you were teaching? Terry, do you miss teaching now that you’ve moved into a management position? I mean, are you as happy being the DRE as you were teaching?

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