Recognizing the call to become a catechist

by Jo Ann Borchert

At this time of the year a great number of people in the New Ulm Diocese are receiving the call to be a catechist in parishes of our diocese. This call to ministry comes as a virtue of our Baptism. It is a noble calling that sustains the very life and mission of the parish. When catechists gather and the question is asked of individuals, "How many years have you been a catechist?" the response, when tallied, is most likely in hundreds of years. Catechists share their deep faith with those entrusted to them.

Formation of catechists is of primary importance to the church. They are called on to evangelize as well as catechize. "Catechists must be able to be, at one and the same time, teachers, educators, and witnesses of the faith." (General Directory for Catechesis #237) They are called on to integrate the teachings of the church while living a Catholic Christian life in the home, parish, and world.

There are basic skills and techniques needed by catechists to be successful.

For the past two years in the Diocese of New Ulm, when workshops are conducted, recognition is given to the participant for attendance by completing a module of content. These modules form a curriculum for preparation of catechists. We have been developing a process of recognizing catechists for training in five basic modules. Modules 1-4 have been presented at various times over the past two years.

This fall Module 5 will be presented at diocesan sponsored events and by directors of religious education in their parishes. Directors of Religious Education from across the diocese gathered on August 22 in Spicer to become familiar with the process. When the first five modules are achieved by an individual catechist, public recognition will be given.

The diocesan sponsored events for Module 5 will take place: September 4, Lafayette; September 10, Benson; September 17, Willmar; September 18, Tracy. They will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. These are area events and surrounding parishes are invited to attend.

More events can be scheduled by contacting the Office of Religious Education, (507) 359-2966.