O Catechist, Where Art Thou?

Prior to launching TransformingCatechesis.com I read and researched blogs and websites looking new ideas within the field of catechesis. Recently, I have read them to see what catechists are interested in talking about and what problems need solving.

O Catechist, Where Art Thou?I have not seen everything on the internet about catechesis but only a handful of sites make it consistently to the top of web searches. I have read extremely interesting blog-posts and engaged in conversation. There really isn’t as much discussion as I would have expected for many of the posts and not nearly the numbers of contributors or commenters anticipated. The excellent contributors I have observed are diocesan or parish leaders. One thing I haven’t seen, however, is much comment or content from catechists or teachers of religious education.

Assumption

I thought I would have seen more response from enthusiastic catechists – you know – the ones who (respecfully) have all the answers at catechists meetings, attend all the parish catechetical leadership and training days, the ones who visit every table at a catechetical exhibit hoping to find a new idea. After all, I have read there are approximately 500,000 catechists in the US alone. There are also many graduating college each year with degrees in religious education and theology who go into the field of catechesis as their profession. When presenting workshops I always am impressed by the competency and commitment I see in so many of the catechists. But where is your presence on the web?

Missing Voice

In the world of social media we have an unprecedented opportunity to be heard. It’s not for the sake of being heard, but for the reasons of having something to say. And we all know we can echo the Christ in our lives! A web search for catechist will find a few publishers, catechist resources, and certification programs. Outside of catechesis one may find groups for amateur/indy actors, game makers, toastmasters, hiking, parenting, and the like, but nothing for catechists. I believe catechists not only have something to say, but share the most important information as our message is eternal. Where is the commentary from catechists?

One area that seems to be flourishing for catechists is Pinterest. There we have many pages from catechists who are collecting ideas for classes. It is interesting to see the sharing of ideas but not the sharing of thought about the ideas or why they are good ideas. Are catechists more interested in activities and ideas than relationship and challenging greater responsibility as disciples of Jesus?

Challenge

So, what do we say about a lack of voice from catechists on the internet? Is it that they are not present or have nothing to say? I doubt it. Is it that there aren’t that many contributing or haven’t found appropriate forums to share their thoughts? Possibly. Is it that their commitment to the field of catechesis is unique and yet to be seen as an area of exploration. Maybe. I wonder if there need to be new forums created for catechists to share thoughts about catechesis or if we need to inspire catechists to share the voice within. After all, we can’t echo what hasn’t been spoken!

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