Catechists do more than simply teach the faith. A catechist shares their faith and guides students to learn how to apply and live their faith. Catechists and directors of religious education within the Diocese of Gary are currently preparing for another year of classes.
Vicenta Solis was the secretary at St. Casimir School when she learned that the school was used for catechism classes on the weekend. She had some experience being a catechist and the thought of doing it again really brought joy to her heart. She signed up, and the very next year there was a need for a new director of religious education, and she felt called to apply.
Solis now serves as the director of religious education for St. Casimir and All Saints parishes in Hammond. She believes the best catechists are those that have a heart to serve. They serve the children in the classroom, the families they go home to and the community they live in.
“If your heart fills up with joy and wonder to know that God has used you to plant a little seed that grows and gives fruit for his glory, you belong here,” she said.
Solis feels families with little ones need a great deal of encouragement in the faith and said it is beautiful to see the parish’s more experienced community be that support and encouragement.
“You need just ask and the helping hands come,” she said. “You see the Holy Spirit at work through volunteers, donations, kind words, uplifting prayers and all different kinds of support. It is nice to have a spiritual home to rest your spirit in and welcome others to do the same.”
Classes start in September, after Labor Day. Those in 1st-4th grade attend on Saturday mornings, while 5th-8th graders attend weekday evening classes.
Cathy Scolaro worked at Our Lady of Consolation for many years and recently joined the staff of St. Mary in Crown Point as its faith formation coordinator.
Scolaro stated as Catholic Christians everyone is called to be disciples of Christ, and added what better way to live the faith than by sharing it with young people.
“Catechists don't need to have all the answers; just be authentic, honest and have a love for the Lord,” she said. “The joy you receive in return is immense, seeing young people attend Mass, growing in their faith and receiving sacraments is truly a blessing.”
Scolaro explained the faith formation program at St. Mary has evolved a bit over the last couple of years. Students now have an option of attending traditional in-person classes or participating in an online version.
“We want to help our families,” she said. “They're trying to juggle work, school, athletics, dance, orchestra etc. with attending faith formation classes and it’s hard. If we can offer a program that takes away some of that stress then we have accomplished what we set out to do.”
Last year due to the church roof being under repair and the need to hold Masses in the St. Mary school hall, the faith formation program was entirely online. This year the church is open and a number of volunteers have stepped forward so parish staff is excited to offer both in-person classes along with an online option.
“I am also excited about a new curriculum that the faith formation program and school have adopted, Word of Life by The Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press,” Scolaro said.
Classes at St. Mary likewise begin after Labor Day and Scolaro feels blessed to have all catechists and aides lined up. She expressed her gratitude to all the parents who have their children in faith formation programs, whether at St. Mary or elsewhere.
“Being a parent can sometimes be a tough job, and when you show your children that their faith formation is a priority, then you are showing them their future is a priority,” she said. “We all want to get to Heaven one day.”
Mary Ann Groszek taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for sixth grade students for one year when she was an undergrad and enjoyed it.
Years later, her children attended religious education classes at St. Patrick Catholic School in Chesterton which was only available for grades K-6. When her son was enrolled in religious education in Grade 8 at St. Mary in Otis, the neighbor who was taking him to class on Wednesday evenings told her that she would not be able to return as catechist for Grade 6 the following year, and asked Groszek if she would take her place. With classes moving to Sunday, she was available to help and said "yes."
“Leading religious education classes is a wonderful way to learn more about the faith, enjoy the support of fellow catechists and interact with the students,” Groszek said. “It's a great way to share how we personally live our faith.”
Groszek, the current director of religious education at St. Mary in Otis, added the program tries to incorporate some fun in the religious education classes to build a faith community: Rosary at the grotto, blessing of the pets, celebrating the Advent saints and their cultural dishes, Mardi Gras and Stations of the Cross.
“It is exciting to see the enthusiasm the students bring to activities focusing on helping others,” she said.
Those involved with the religious education program organize a food drive for St. Vincent de Paul and a backpack program to provide food to Westville area students. The students also make simple crafts for patients in Franciscan Health hospital in time for Christmas.
“We hope that these experiences will inspire them to help others throughout their lives,” Groszek said.
The classes at St. Mary in Otis begin on Sept. 7. In the first half hour they plan to celebrate St. Mary's birthday with cupcakes and games, and hold an "open house" for parents and grandparents to meet and greet catechists.
To find out how you can help a religious education program within the Diocese of Gary, or to enroll a child, contact your local parish or visit dcgary.org/find-a-parish.
Top 10 reasons why you should be a catechist
10. The best way to learn is to teach. - We all are called to continue to grow in our own faith, and the best way to learn is to teach.
9. Catechists tell the truth. - In today’s chaotic world, people are searching for what is real and what isn’t. Catechists speak the truth about God, faith and morals.
8. Sharing the faith is an honor. - It’s estimated that fewer than 1 percent of Catholics are catechists. If you’ve been approached to be a catechist, or if you feel the call, you are being asked to do something special for God, for the Church and for your fellow Catholics.
7. Your own faith will come alive. - By acting on what you believe, you become a participant in building up God’s kingdom.
6. You become an active part of the most active part of your parish. - One criticism of Catholic churches is that they don’t offer as much “fellowship” as some others. When you join the catechists in your parish, you enter into a community that will support you.
5. A catechist is a role model. - Ask young people who their role models or heroes are, and you’ll get a litany of movie and sports stars. While looking good and being athletic are fine qualities, young people also need examples of ordinary people who do the right thing.
4. You will be practicing stewardship. - In these difficult economic times, families are struggling with rising prices and shrinking incomes. Being a catechist is a way of being a good steward by giving a bit of your most precious resource — your time.
3. You show your own family that you value religious education. - Taking time out of your life to teach the faith shows your own children, grandchildren, siblings and family members that you put a high priority on religious education.
2. It’s fun. - Spending time with energetic, enthusiastic young people gives you renewed energy and vitality.
1. It’s what we are called to do. - At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
(OSV News, Woodeene Koenig-Bricker)
