Welcome to the Ministry of Catechists and Teachers learning program which is developed in two parts: Part 1. Called to be a Follower of Jesus, and Part 2. Called to be a Teacher and Catechist. You will explore your ministry as “a person of faith who lives the baptismal call by sharing the faith with others… and helping bring others to Christ through the traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith. . . . (A person who) realizes God’s voice in this call to serve and recognizes the ongoing need to grow in a relationship with Christ and deepen an understanding of the Catholic faith (Pope Francis, 2021). You will reflect on the three primary roles of a catechist or teacher and how you live them in them out through your teaching: (1) as a witness of faith and keeper of the memory of God, (2) as a teacher and a mystagogue, and (3) as an accompanier and educator (see Directory for Catechesis, para 113).

Readings

It would be very helpful to have a copy of the following two booklets (32 pages) to go deeper into the topics covers in this learning program.

• Celebrating the Ministry of the Catechist—Reflections on  Pope Francis’ Antiquum Minsterium. Janet Schaeffler, OP. (Twenty-Third Publications, 2021.)
• The Gift of Being a Catechist—Celebrating the New Directory for Catechesis. Janet Schaeffler, OP. (Twenty-Third Publications, 2020)

In addition the following three publications provide more depth for the two topic addressed in this learning program.

• The Holiness of the Catechist—Celebrating the New Directory for Catechesis. Kathy Hendricks. (Twenty-Third Publications, 2020)  [Booklet]
• The Spirituality of the Catechist: Feeding Your Soul, Growing in Faith, Sharing with Others. Janet Schaeffler, OP. (Twenty-Third Publications, 2015)

Opening Prayer 

Loving God, Creator of all things,
you call us to be in relationship with you and others.

Thank you for calling me to be a catechist and teacher,
for the opportunity to share with others
what you have given to me.

May all those with whom I share the gift of faith
discover how you are present in all things.

May they come to know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide my heart and lips,
so that I may remain constant in loving and praising you.

May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of your truth.
May all my words and actions reflect your love.

Amen.

 

Source: Loyola Press: Prayer for a Catechist