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Being a Catechist

What’s Your Story? Touching the Sacred

Here’s a beautiful story from Jean about how a moment when she felt touched by the presence of God in her catechetical ministry. Shortly before my class was to make their first Communion, one of the mothers said she did not believe her son was ready since he was unable to answer the questions in the Baltimore Catechism. I explained that we had used a different book and approach to teaching. She was dubious so […]

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Being a Catechist

Week Three of Stories on the Journey – Touching the Sacred

I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful stories you’ve been sending in for Stories on the Journey, our summer renewal experience here on Catechist’s Journey! If you’ve just joined us, take a look: Week One: How Did I Get Into This? Week Two: Kids Say/Do the Darndest Things Now, it’s on to Week Three and our topic is: Touching the Sacred – describe a time when you really and truly felt the presence of God […]

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Being a Catechist

Stories on the Journey Week 2: Kids Say/Do the Darndest Things

Welcome to Week 2 of Stories on the Journey, as we continue to share stories about our experiences in the catechetical ministry. This week’s topic is, “Kids (adults too) Say/Do the Darndest Things!” Let’s hear about those unforgettable moments when one of your students (whether a child or an adult) said or did something that cracked you up, made you smile, or simply blew your mind! Share your story by typing in the comment box […]

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Sharing Stories

A Weekend of Stories on the Journey – How Did I Get Into This?

As we enter into this first full weekend of June, I invite you to share your story (and enjoy reading others’ stories) about becoming a catechist. This summer experience – Stories on the Journey – is off to a great start! Thanks to so many of you for sharing such inspirational stories about your calling to the catechetical ministry. If you’re just joining us, here’s what we’re up to. All summer long, I will be […]

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Sharing Stories

How Did I Get Into This? Stories on the Journey

How did you become a catechist? Toni writes the following: Let’s just say that our Lord planted the seed in my heart well before I finally made the leap. I had thought about volunteering in previous years but never did. It was late August the year my daughter was to enter 5th grade. At Mass one Sunday, our DRE was at the pulpit requesting volunteers for Catechesis. I again felt that tug — “should I?”, […]

stories from the field
Being a Catechist

Stories on the Journey: How Did I Get Into This?

Now that the summer months are upon us, I thought it would be good to do something a little different that will serve to refresh us and get us ready for the upcoming year. I call it STORIES ON THE JOURNEY. I thought it would be a lot of fun (and inspiring) to share stories of our experiences as catechists: the joys, frustrations, hilarious moments, sacred moments, challenges, opportunities, successes, not-so-successful moments, creative moments, mentors […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

My First Catechetical TweetUp!

At the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, I attended an informal conference within th conference. It was called a TweetUp and it was organized by Jonathan Sullivan, the Director of the Catechetical Office in Springfield, IL. It was simply a gathering of Catholic bloggers and Twitter users -an opportunity to meet one another and compare notes and share stories. It was a lot of fun and very informative. Now, I guess I should start using […]

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Junior High

What Age to Confirm?

I was quoted in an article in the current issue of the National Catholic Reporter, talking about the issue of what age to confirm. What are your thoughts about this issue? (pictured: Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, N.D., and Fr. Luke Meyer, chancellor, talk with children at St. John Catholic Church in Wahpeton prior to their April 23, 2010, confirmation and first Eucharist Mass. (Diocese of Fargo/Tanya Watterud)

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Sharing Stories

Telling Stories on the Journey

Last evening, at our end-of-the-year catechist meeting, my favorite part was when our DRE, Arlene, invited catechists to share stories of highlights or “Aha!” moments from this past year. It was very heart-warming to hear people sharing stories of how they connected with the kids they taught in the past year. One catechist, in particular, talked about how he made a prayer box for his 7th graders and invited the kids to write prayer intentions […]

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Intermediate Grades

Sowing the Seeds for Future Catechists

One thing I did this year on the last day of class (something I had never done before) was to invite my 4th graders to consider becoming a catechist some day! I told them that I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with them and that I’m pretty sure it showed. I said that being a catechist is a wonderful way to practice your faith and to bring others closer to God and that I encourage […]