It’s not middle aged-moms teaching religious education classes anymore. Catechists in the Diocese of Gary are all ages – seemingly 17 to 82.
“I think at every age, catechists offer a unique perspective,” said Madalyn Jozaitis, director of religious education for Holy Family Parish in LaPorte. “All our catechists have something they are able to share. They are able to rely on their variety of experiences to share the Catholic faith. Our faith can be reached at all angles.”
Eric Wozniak, 38, became a catechist in LaPorte when he was just 29. He said his teaching methods have not changed much in the past nine years. He promotes respect and love of neighbor as he shares the catechism, sacraments, and the importance of the solemnity of the Catholic Mass. “I start and end with prayer,” he said. “We do petitions. The students pray for one another in a fluid and natural way. When I first became a catechist, it was just another obligation and now I look forward to it every time. My wife is probably even going to help this year!”
Nathan Puch is a first-time aid in the classroom for the seventh and eighth grade boys at St. John the Evangelist in St. John. The 26-year-old is excited to witness to his faith. “I think back to when I was in middle school and the first time I remember encountering Jesus at Mass. That, plus I had a religion teacher who helped make the Catholic faith so real. Hopefully, I can pass some of that on.”
Maura Carpenter, a former DRE, has been a catechist for decades. She is instructing fourth graders this year at SJE. She is so joyful when she sees her students light up with understanding. “The main message I try to share is how much God loves them, but that you have to show your love in return,” said the 82-year-old.
“Our youngest Catechist is 23; our most mature and experienced Catechist is 82,” said Amy Goggin, who is beginning her fourth year as DRE at St. John. “We have three young men in their 20’s,” said Goggin. “We are so blessed to have all these young guys who are willing to give their time to teach the faith. The students can really look to them as an example since they are not much older than them.”
Jamie Sandona, DRE for St. John the Baptist in Whiting, has a 17-year-old catechist this year. “He turns 18 in October. He started as a student, was an aide in the classroom, and now he will be teaching a middle school class. “The young people can relate to him and look up to him as a role model. He is witnessing right there in the classroom and doesn’t even realize it.
Alxavier Rodriguez is a senior at Whiting High School who plays football, baseball and wrestling. And, actually, he does recognize the impact he can have on students. “I just love being there for the kids,” he said. “The positive impact I have is as a young role model who is pretty cool who is into religion, and they think ‘I can do that.’”
At the same time there is definitely something to be said about experience. “Our seasoned catechists know how to manage a classroom well. They also have a great sensitivity towards each individual student,” Goggin shared. “Our Catechists are volunteers, and they do it because they love their faith and feel called to share it.”
Carpenter shares her faith to all who will listen. She enjoys reading to her young students. She also encourages them to learn doctrine through song, when it is appropriate. “Kids are very funny and appreciate the truth. I try to create a picture of times long ago. We carry vices and virtues no matter the time or culture or surroundings.”
Sean Martin, coordinator of catechesis and faith formation for the diocese, said he appreciates the varied ages of the catechists. “It is not about knowing everything, but knowing that our catechism is organic and systematic,” he explained at a recent catechist workshop at SJE. “You do so much and the rest is up to God…The heart of a catechist is Jesus Christ,”
DRE Emilija Lapas said the catechists in her program at St. James the Less in Highland range from 22 to 80 years old. “It is beneficial that we have a wide variety of experience and wisdom,” she said. “Those catechists who are more senior in our program have had a lot of life experiences and can engage the youth with their real-life stories of God’s faithfulness throughout their lives. Our younger catechists may be more in touch with the culture of their students and can find creative ways to engage by connecting there.
“Any age has a certain ‘specialness’ to it and so I think we are blessed to have such a variety so that our student can learn to appreciate and respect both those who share and that the Catholic faith is for all, and for all baptized to share – no matter the age,” Lapas added.
Many parishes throughout the diocese have begun sign ups for this year's religious education programs. To volunteer or register a child, contact your local parish.
Caption: Angel Mills, who became a catechist for the first time last year at St. John the Evangelist in St. John, shares some information Aug. 5 with Nathan Puch, a new religious education classroom aide. Parishes throughout the diocese have catechists between the ages of 17 and 82 sharing their wisdom and witness to the Catholic faith. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)