Being a catechist is serious business. I don’t mean it’s literally serious, or business, for that matter. I mean it shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, the Church recognizes it as a vocation and a response to a baptismal call. Catechists are commissioned every fall and recognized for their efforts in the spring. They are required to meet certification expectations and encouraged to continue through the master catechist status within their diocese. Catechists should be commended for their commitment to religious education and faith formation. However, in an effort to maximize the bond of their response to the call, there are a few crucial questions catechists must ask.
Why am I doing this?
Wait…answer the question. What was my motivation to become a catechist? Why am I still here? Is it because no one else responded or because it is fun? Am I a catechist so I can teach or so I can be heard? Do I find excitement in sharing the Good News or do I hope no one asks me a question I know not the answer?
What do I expect to happen?
Again, really think about your answer. Do I expect to make friends, have the children know of God’s love for them, or learn the precepts of the faith? Am I building the Kingdom of God or leading them to a Savior? Do I really think I am making a difference or marking the weeks until the end of the year?
If I could improve, would I?
Quick answer, yes, I would surmise. What would I be willing to do to improve, become more effective, or relevant? How much time do I invest networking, preparing, planning, envisioning, investigating, researching, or learning? Do I actually implement strategies presented at workshops, formation days, or education institutes?
Being a catechist means not only asking the crucial questions, but answering them, and then responding to them. How do you respond to the crucial questions?
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