Catechists put faith into action

September 16, 2004

Dear Catechists,

In church ministries, sometimes the terminology that we use is not meaningful to everyone. I have had individuals say to me, "But I'm not a catechist, I am a teacher." Catechesis is a broader term than Religious Education. Catechesis is a process of helping individuals and communities acquire and deepen Christian faith and identity. Catechesis is a matter of heart as well as head (formational as well as instructional); therefore, a catechist is anyone who formally or informally participates in the catechetical ministry of the church. Teachers in parish religious education programs and teachers in Catholic schools are catechists. Many others are also catechists: bishops, priests, deacons, diocesan personnel, directors of religious education, youth ministers, Catholic school administrators, parents and parishioners.

As catechists, you do more than teach from a book or other prepared material. As catechists, you put your faith into action. You teach the Gospel message by example. In catechesis, the encounter is not with a textbook, even if the student can memorize it. The encounter is not with "correct doctrine" even if the student can repeat it back to us perfectly. The encounter is with Christ through the catechist.

One of the essential and vital roles you play as catechists is to lead people into an ever more intimate contact with God. As catechists you are called to be teachers, speaking to children and adults about the ultimate concern, which is God's passionate, unconditional and excessive love. You hold up to the people of God the images, stories and symbols of salvation that lie at the heart of our Catholic Christian tradition. You tell the story of Jesus and make the connection between his life and message and the struggles, sorrows, hopes, joys and expectations of people today.

God has richly gifted us as church and as individuals. Thank you for being good stewards of God's gifts - for sharing your faith, your time, your skills and your enthusiasm for the Word of God. May God richly bless you in your ministries and may you know that you are deeply appreciated.

Yours in Christ,
Linda Anderson Director of Catechesis, Diocese of Sioux City

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