A Catechist's Story - John Ray

After returning to the Catholic faith from a 35-year hiatus, I burned with the desire for more. I joined multiple ministries, trying to learn things I had forgotten since childhood. In the midst of searching, I heard an appeal for catechists from the Religious Education Department. The staff members were very helpful in training me and guiding me to resources. Several of my friends were teaching already so I felt I had a built-in support group. 

I was given a choice of either being a lead catechist or an aide. I jumped right in taking the position of catechist. At first, nerves were starting to get the best of me. Do I know enough? Will I say something wrong? Will I be asked a question I can't answer? As I am prone to do, I over prepared. I would study for several hours preparing for one class - re-reading the chapter multiple times, reading all the catechism references, searching the publisher's website, seeing what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has on the topic and so forth. What I discovered, was that I was educating myself to know more about my faith! What are our Holy Days of Obligation? Got it! What did the early church go through after Christ's Ascension? I know it now! Who has to fast and abstain during Lent and why? I can explain that to the class! I was learning far more than I was able to teach the students. 

After several years of being a catechist, I still enjoy teaching classes. There is always so much to learn - for me and the students! I am amazed how the Holy Spirit helps me. The more I open myself to inviting the Holy Spirit into the classroom, more enriching classes become. Every class is different. Every class challenges me in a different way. It never gets boring!