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Supporting Catechists in Ministry
by Steven Ellair

There’s a comic strip I once saw which depicted a chaotic—but perhaps true-to-life—household. It is a scene that is taking place simultaneously in one room. One child is seen terrorizing the family dog as he is pretending to be a warrior on the chase, the second child is in the process of knocking over a lamp as she trips, and the third is simply sitting with his hands in the air wailing. Toys are strewn all over the floor and the room seems quite in disrepair. Amidst it all, we find a mother, nearly collapsed from exhaustion, slumped over a chair. And then we see the father, sitting quite straight, looking up from reading his paper and asking his wife, “Whatever happened, Ruth? You used to be a fun person?”

Certainly we have all experienced times in our lives when we felt, like the mother in the comic strip, overwhelmed and unsupported. It is an uncomfortable place to be. Support is an essential element for one’s sustenance, growth, and development. The same is true for the catechists who are in our care. Therefore, while our new and returning catechists will come to us rested, energized, and ready for ministry this fall, it is important for us to begin thinking about and planning the steps we can take to help them be fully prepared and supported throughout the year.

Some of the important tools we can offer our catechists through in-services, workshops, and other opportunities for formation include: an exploration of their role in catechetical ministry, an understanding of the strategies that foster a successful learning environment, encouragement to pursue ongoing learning, and reminders of the need to take care of one’s own spirituality.

With a plan for support and ongoing growth, we are investing in a community that is part of an essential ministry within the Church. Unlike the father in the comic strip who sits by behind his paper, we will be standing side-by-side, supporting those who give so much to the incredible ministry of catechesis.

Adult Formation
The Faith Connection®

Whole Community Catechesis
Online Resource

Sacrament Preparation
Eucharist and Reconciliation

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