Catechists are necessary and vital ministers of the Gospel in our parish. We need our catechists. We depend on our catechists. We appreciate our catechists. We honor them for who they are and for what they do for the transformation of our young people.
Catechists need to take care of themselves. They need to take care of themselves physically. They need to take care of themselves intellectually. They need to take care of themselves socially. They need to take care of themselves psychologically. They need to take care of themselves spiritually.
Catechists need to promote self-care. In this way, they are able to be present Jesus to their students. Catechists need to prepare not only their lessons but also their souls. The soul is a force for wisdom. It motivates us to give, to serve and to love. They not only need skills but they also need renewed and cleansed hearts.
Catechists have a public ministry. However, they also have a private ministry to themselves. They have a ministry to their own souls. “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed” (Roman Missal). It is that self-care of their inner lives that can make all the difference to what happens in the classroom.
The catechist’s highest motivation is to teach; is to serve; is to give; is to love. This brings meaning to the student. This brings happiness to the student. This brings freedom to the student. This is a noble and selfless goal.
The catechist makes a great contribution to the student’s life. The catechist lifts the student up from feelings of aloneness and alienation. We may not see it happening. However, we can be assured hidden changes are taking place for the better whenever we bring lofty concepts about living to a student.
Catechists do not simply teach curriculum. Catechists teach who they are. They teach their identity. They teach their values. They teach their convictions. They teach their beliefs. They teach by example. They teach by modeling how to live and how not to live.
Catechists teach why they honor the Sabbath. They teach why we take time out every weekend to worship God with our families. They teach when they carve out time for prayer in their busy lives. They do not miss Mass. Mass is non-negotiable for children and for parents.
Catechists are people who believe that assembling as the Body of Christ transforms each of us individuals. It transforms us into something bigger and something more. It takes our focus from our daily activities to the higher gifts of faith, hope and love. In praying as a faith community we give ourselves over to the Holy Spirit. This is where we are nourished for our spiritual health.
Catechists teach their inner spiritual dispositions. They teach what is in their souls. They teach what is in their core beings. They teach what is in their hearts. They know they cannot give what they do not have. Therefore, for a catechist to teach virtue and faith, the catechist must be a person of strong virtue and deep faith.
Catechists pray for their students. They open their hearts to the true needs of their students. They invite God’s help and participation in their educational efforts. They believe that God works through them. They believe that God blesses their efforts. They believe that God multiplies their successes.
Catechists are called to be gentle with their students. Gentleness is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you are spiritually strong. Catechists who are gentle with themselves exhibit spiritual maturity. They exhibit inner strength. Gentleness, kindness and compassion are the inner virtues that light up the soul.
Msgr. Thomas J. Morgan is pastor of St. Mary Parish and St. Thomas More Parish, Cherry Hill.
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