Walk With One Another
Life is a wonderful journey – one in which we encounter many milestones along the way. Our faith is a big part of this journey and it is good to come alongside someone and encourage them on their walk. In spiritual terms, that “someone” is a catechist.
At the heart of it all, a volunteer catechist is simply offering their time and energy to accompany someone – just as Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus – talking with them, whilst opening their eyes to discover some of the deeper truths of the Catholic faith. It is a hugely rewarding and fulfilling role.
It Could Be You!
During lockdown, you may have done your bit to assist those isolated or struggling during the pandemic and may now be wondering how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of those we meet. You may also feel you’ve been “away” from church for a long time and are keen to re-engage in a more meaningful way, as things open up.
If that’s the case, you are invited to prayerfully consider making a commitment to taking an active role in our parish community. The work of building community and sharing the Gospel does not stop! As sacramental programmes and other activities gradually restart, it is the calling of each one of us to consider how we can best help serve the community.
Let’s be clear: A catechist is not somebody else; they are some other specially-qualified person in the parish who knows it all. YOU can be a catechist! You might be the one who someone is in need of encountering to make a positive difference in their lives! A Catechist does not need a degree in theology, but simply a willingness and enthusiasm to be a witness of Christ’s love to others; even in the unworthiness we sometimes feel to be able to do this!
What Does a Catechist Do?
So what does this mean practically? Well, catechesis can take many forms. That’s because a child will need to hear the message of the Good News of Christ in a very different way to an adult, for example. So catechism may be done through song or story or by drawing with children. With teenagers, catechism may involve discussion of life’s bigger questions. Adults will experience catechesis through deeper conversations, looking at different aspects of the Catholic faith. But catechesis is also be achieved through use of multimedia – books, videos, the internet and even through social media. Passing on the faith can even be done whilst making cups of tea or serving pizza!
We are looking for support in the following areas:
- Confirmation – guiding our young people as they prepare to receive this sacrament
- RCIA – parishioners keen to accompany someone who may be “dipping their toes in the water” and finding out about the Catholic faith.
- Baptism Preparation – do you think you would be able to help facilitate our baptism course for new parents?
- Accompaniment of our children and young people – they are the future of our church! Can you help to take steps of faith alongside them?
Or maybe you are keen to help and have some skills to share, but not sure where to start? Just contact us and let’s get a conversation started!
What Now?
To find out more about what it means to be a catechist, visit our catechists page
If you think you’d like to talk to someone about what being a catechist involves, email our Catechetical Coordinator, Sophie Sullivan, in the first instance, at bstortfordcatechist@rcdow..org.uk or contact Debbie in the parish office and leave your details.
