Reflecting on Your Calling as a Catechist

Lord, You Called Me book cover and author photo of Ricardo Grzona

One of the themes emphasized in the new Directory for Catechesis (as in the previous General Directory for Catechesis) is the notion that catechists have a vocation. In particular, the new directory says: “The catechist is a Christian who receives a particular calling from God that, when accepted in faith, empowers him for the service of the transmission of faith and for the task of initiating others into the Christian life.” (112)

This “particular calling” requires ongoing discernment. A calling is not a once-and-done event, but an ongoing experience that requires reflection and discernment. To assist you with this ongoing discernment of your calling, I recommend Ricardo Grzona’s book, Lord, You Called Me: Discerning Your Path in Life. You can use the book as a daily reader for a self-led, 21-day retreat or as guide for meditative prayer whenever time allows. This is also a resource that you can use to help others—especially young adults—discern their own calling in life.

Lord, You Called Me, which is based upon Grzona’s experience of making the Spiritual Exercises under the direction of Father Jorge Bergoglio, SJ, now Pope Francis, offers 21 lectio divina encounters with God’s Word. Through the prayerful reading of the Scriptures, followed by reflection, prayer, and contemplation, and guided by Grzona’s prompts, readers can begin to discern their paths to answering God’s call.

Be sure to access the free discussion guide that comes with this book, especially if you are reading the book with a group.

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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