But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

What is a Catechist, exactly?

A catechist is someone who helps children and youth to know, love and serve God better. The name “catechist” comes from catechetics, which refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This book is the primary source (heavily rooted and inspired by Scripture and the Holy Spirit) of “what the Church teaches.” The catechist is the one who really passes on the faith to the next generation of Catholics.

“Truly, to help a person to encounter God, which is the task of the catechist, means to emphasize above all the relationship that the person has with God so that he can make it his own and allow himself to be guided by God.” (General Directory for Catechesis, 139)

Wait, so I am not a teacher?

Technically yes, technically no! The proper title is “catechist.”  A catechist must employ various teaching methods to facilitate better understanding and intellectual knowledge of the faith. Ultimately, the goal of catechesis is to help pass on the faith and help others to have a real relationship with Christ. This is vastly different than teaching most any other subject matter. The Catholic religion is more than just a subject matter, but a personal relationship with Christ himself.

Everything that the Catechist does in the classroom setting should point to Christ.
 

Ten Reasons to Become a Catechist:

Taken from: Loyola Press

1. You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
2. Your Baptism calls you to share in Jesus’ ministry.
3. Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
4. Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to encounter good role models of faith.
5. You have much to share with those you’ll teach, and you’ll have opportunities to share faith with other catechists.
6. Today’s catechetical textbooks/resources offer outstanding support.
7. You’ll be challenged, you’ll have fun, and you’ll make new friends.
8. You’ll be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus. (You’ll be evangelizing!)
9. You’ll be handing on a 2000-year-old Tradition that changes lives.
10. It’s our job: Jesus sent us to “go and teach all nations.”

This is a calling.

Yes, it is true one must feel the “call” to become a catechist. Not simply for vanity reasons, or convenience. It is a very crucial ministry to the Church.  We are all called to evangelize, through our Baptism, but we are all called to do it differently depending on our gifts, talents, and interests.

This is something that should be prayed about. If you’re not sure, come speak with the Director and she will be able to help you discern if this is a good ministry for you!