It might be helpful to reflect on what a catechist is. Our Church says that a catechist is, first of all, a witness. The General Directory for Catechesis says, "Throughout the centuries the Church has produced an incomparable treasure... in the faith: above all the witness of saints and catechists..." (GDC, #141). So, when we consider whom to invite into this ministry of catechesis, it is important to look for people who are witnesses to Christ in our midst. Such a person might be the young mother or father who makes such an effort to bring their children to Mass each Sunday, because they know it’s important. A witness might be the person next door, the friend you see in church, the volunteer at the Food Bank, the teacher in the local school. Catechists come in all shapes, sizes and ages, but what they have in common is a love for Jesus and an ability to be a witness to the power of his Good News.

Jesus told stories to help get his message across. A good catechist is someone who can share with others the stories of Jesus and of his Church, and make these stories come alive. Do you know someone who is a good witness to the love of Jesus, and has an enthusiasm for sharing the Story? Consider inviting them to serve as a catechist. The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be offering a process of catechist formation to help equip catechists with skills and tools for ministry.

GOOD NEWS TO SHARE    GOOD NEWS TO SHARE 

Who should we invite to be a catechist? A Catechist is a Companion to Others.

A catechist is someone who is comfortable sharing his or her faith with others. The catechist doesn’t have to know everything, but must be a person of faith who has the desire and the ability to walk the path of faith with others. The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be offering a process of catechist formation to help equip catechists with skills and tools for ministry. Do you know someone who you believe would make a good catechist? Consider inviting them into service as a catechist.

Not everyone is called to be a catechist, although each person in the Christian community has a responsibility to share and pass on the faith according to their own gifts, talents, skills and abilities in whatever walk of life they choose. Thus, the catechists who serve in our parishes and schools represent the entire community in its love for those being catechized (whether these are children or adults) and its desire to pass on faith. The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be offering a process of catechist formation to help equip catechists with skills and tools for ministry. Do you know someone who you believe would make a good catechist, representing our faith community and its love and concern for all? Consider inviting them into service as a catechist.

Part of the role of a catechist is to lead children and their parents in prayer. A catechist, therefore, must be a person of prayer themselves. Do you know someone who you think would make a good catechist? Consider approaching them, and suggesting that they become a catechist on one of your parish Sacramental Preparation teams. The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be offering a process of catechist formation to help equip catechists with skills and tools for ministry.

GOOD NEWS TO SHARE   GOOD NEWS TO SHARE 

Who should we invite to be a catechist? A Catechist is a Teacher.