Catechists from throughout Holy Trinity Parish localized in Arouca, La Pastora, Lopinot, Surrey and Tacarigua were invited to come away together on the Republic Day public holiday, September 25th for some reflection and relaxation at De Freitas Recreational Park in Valencia. It was to be a loose day, not overly structured, a day of fellowship and study as we contemplated our catechetical ministries.

We were a varied group with unique stories. We were experienced catechists, who have served in some cases, for decades.  Respected elder brothers and sisters in the faith, some of us not as strong as we used to be, yet all ready to learn new ways, still willing to grow.

We were trainee catechists new to it all, coming with enthusiasm, but needing wisdom and direction. We were young adults, observing, understudying, discerning.

Catechists at a recreational park in Valencia

We each had our stories but were all united in seeking to answer a call within our hearts and from the Church, to be a source for good in our communities, to nurture and guide others in their growth in faith.

We represented the spectrum of Total Parish Catechesis: from sacramental initiation for children and youth to ongoing adult faith formation. 

Like a good teacher, our parish priest and guide for the day, Fr. Peter de la Bastide, CSSp gave us tangible symbols of catechesis. An open bible lay mounted on an old carved wooden folding stand, and a votive candle, alit, the flame flickering in the constant breeze stood on a tall wooden stool.

 These symbols were positioned at the very centre of our discussion space, a focal point. They were remainders that we were guests of an unseen Host, stewards in His Kingdom, readying ourselves to do His work.

In our lively discussions we shared on:

• the need to recognise that while we were individual communities we belonged to one parish. One example of such unity would be our Parish Calendar. The activities of each of our communities would be prioritised on the calendar, each community represented according to its needs.
• the need to be non-isolationist by keeping in focus the BIG PICTURE. There is the danger of becoming narrow-minded, remaining absorbed in our own little world and forgetting that we belong to something bigger.
• the call to see ourselves as part of a “seamless garment” - an image adapted from the late Cardinal Bernadin – that speaks of open-minded, honest dialogue strengthening inter-relatedness and understanding.

Great lovers of JC

At the core of our reflection lay our individual and collective response to the question posed by Jesus in the Gospel on Catechetical Sunday “But you, who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8:29).

While the answer to this pivotal query must always be deepening and evolving, fundamentally we are called to be great lovers of Christ. Indeed, this must be the overarching objective of every disciple, to become a great lover of Christ. What Good News!

What an enormous challenge to all our planning and busy activities. All our catechetical programmes, each individual lesson, each encounter, must allow faith to soar. We are thus called to be zealous, converted witnesses to Christ, “infectious agents” of His limitless love for all humanity and creation.

Whole parish catechesis

Fr Peter recalled what Sr Columba Byrne, Archdiocesan Catechetical Director had taught at the Eastern Vicariate’s catechists’ session on September 9 at the Malabar church, i.e. there are eight elements that all come together to effectuate Total Parish Catechesis: parish, family, catechetical programme, liturgy, catechetical curriculum, catechists, the catechumenate model, and lectionary-based catechesis.

Further, the format of the RCIA is seen as the template for all other catechetical programmes, progressing through the four stages of pre-catechumenate (inquiry), catechumenate, candidacy and mystagogy.

As catechists (and indeed for all who journey with others sharing the Faith), we must not mistrust the power of story-telling and memories, art, music and Catholic symbols.

Collegiality

We were reminded to listen to, and learn from each other. We are called to contribute our unique talents and creativity to the tasks of catechesis. To this end, a Parish Catechetical Team can serve well to plan and maintain the vision for the entire parish in the spirit of collegiality.

Resources

We were encouraged to ensure that our resource and research material date from Vatican II. We must seek to be renewed by the teachings of the Church and ensure that all that we teach is in accordance with the mind of the Church Universal.

We were reminded of some basic print and audio-visual resources to feed our own ongoing formation. Such a list includes the documents of Vatican II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis (1997), the AEC’s On the Ministry of Catechesis (2000) and Guidelines for Catechesis (2004), Catechist magazine, and the Catholic News.

Various Catholic Scripture guides are readily available to help in the reading, study and application of the Bible-lectionary, such as: Living Faith (in adult and kids’ editions), Word Among Us, Understanding God’s Word in the Daily Scripture Readings, and One Bread, One Body.

We are called to greater use of our principal local Catholic publication, the Catholic News, as well as Catholic radio & TV and audio-visual libraries available at CCS & TCN.Archbishop Gilbert is on the air every Thursday from 8.00 p.m. in his Shepherd’s Corner broadcast simultaneously on cable channel 10 and 102 FM.

We were introduced to the six tasks of catechesis as outlined in the National Directory for Catechesis published in 2005 by the US Bishops Conference and which is the topic for the 2006-07 University of Dayton Catechist Formation Series in association with Catechist magazine.

These are:
(1) to promote knowledge of the faith; (2) to promote knowledge of the meaning of liturgy and the sacraments; (3) to promote moral formation in Jesus Christ; (4) to teach the Christian how to pray with Christ; (5) to prepare the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church; and (6) to promote a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society.

Much homework

As responsible catechists, it is essential that we be faithful to our own journey of faith. We are challenged to be repentant, to persevere in prayer and to allow ourselves to be catechized. We must read, research and continue to learn. In total, six handouts were distributed to the group. They are part of a tool kit which has to be always expanding.

Fr Peter’s words seemed to summarise all our deliberations of the day. Called to be co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord, we are to bear fruit, fruit that will last. To do so we must draw our strength and growth from the Vine, the source of Love (cf John 15:1-5.16).

From Scripture, Moses (Ex 3:11-12), Jeremiah (Jer 1: 6.8), Mary (Lk 1: 34.38) are role models for us as we seek to respond to the call of discipleship as catechists within our faith communities. 

Against the protestations of hesitation, fear and other excuses, we are given the assurance that we are not alone. We have been chosen to bear lasting fruit.

On that note, our fruitful day of reflection and relaxation was fittingly brought to a close with shared prayer and blessing. We can respond anew: “Here I Am Lord, it is I, Lord/I have heard you calling in the night./I will go, Lord, if you lead me./I will hold your people in my heart.” (Dan Schutte, SJ)

Prayer
Dearest Lord, Loving Father, guide us in our tasks as catechists, fill us with your joy, strengthen us when we are weak, forgive our sins, cause us only to do your will. Amen.