FAITH FORMATION
Their eyes smile.
It’s a response I see time and time again whenever I ask a catechist to share their vocation story, of how they heard God’s call and why they accepted the mission of passing on the faith and witnessing to the Gospel as a community of faith.
Some say they heard God’s call from a very young age, particularly when their family prayed together, went to Mass, and helped with parish activities. Being a catechist is a way of life that reflects their family values.
Others say that, for years, God’s whispered invitation to catechetical ministry was drowned out by the busyness of life. It took a personal crisis to quiet themselves long enough to hear God’s healing message of truth, reconciliation and love and increase in them the desire to share this message with others.
And, honestly, some said yes because Father or Sister or Deacon or the director of religious education asked them to. They didn’t know they had it in them. Their eyes smile as they reflect upon how the ministry has brought them closer to God and given joy and meaning to their lives while sharing in moments of laughter and camaraderie with their ministry colleagues, students and their parents.
While everyone’s life story is different, the core message — the kerygma — that each catechist is compelled to share is clear: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” (Evangelii Gaudium 164)
Each year the church celebrates her catechists on Catechetical Sunday, this year observed on Sept. 19. It is a day for our parish catechists to be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. There is also a blessing for parents who are the first and most influential catechists of their children.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has chosen the theme: “Say the Word and My Soul Shall Be Healed.” The committee acknowledges that “the past year has highlighted the urgent need for healing — physical, spiritual, emotional — in ourselves and in our world. As our world struggles to heal, complete healing is not possible without Jesus as the Divine Physician. When our souls heal, all heals, despite our suffering.”
We thank our parish catechists throughout the Diocese of Honolulu for their stewardship. I ask that you pray especially for them on Sept. 19 and reflect upon the many ways that God is calling you to be a kerygmatic (evangelizing) catechist among your family and friends, and out in community. Share the Good News. And when you do, make sure your eyes smile.
Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy is the diocesan director of Religious Education and Faith Formation.
