Feeling a Tap on Your Shoulder?

OLGC Catechist Q&A 2025

What is your role in OLGC faith formation?

I am a catechist that serves our young children in the 1st grade. I have done this for the past 6 years. I truly enjoy working with our younger children as they are so sincere and truly want to hear about our Lord.

How often do you serve?

At OLGC, our sessions for 1st grade are part of the CONNECT program. Our program is made up of both classroom and family night sessions. On average, we do two teaching nights each month from October through late April, and we have time off during the holiday seasons.

What is your favorite part of handing on the faith as a catechist?

I’ve often thought, how can I evangelize others? It is really what Jesus wants us to do. Sharing my faith with our younger parishioners allows me to help Unleash the Gospel.

How has your personal faith grown since being involved with catechesis at OLGC?

When preparing lessons, listening to the children, and trying to anticipate how the children will respond in class, my desire to know more and to do more has increased. My faith life has become more important than ever to me, especially when I know I need to be a role model for others.

How do you create a session? What tools do you use?

I have found that your class session needs to present one clear message. Often keeping the class simple allows the children to hear more clearly God’s message. Keeping the message related to the children's daily life is so important. This may lead them to remember the message at another time. I use the suggested readings and activities in our St. Mary's Press program. I feel the program offers many suggestions, and you can select the best format for your teaching style. Our fellow catechist team is always there to collaborate with as well.

What have you seen that really helps the kids encounter Jesus?

Children, I feel, need to engage in an activity. They do not always have to be lectured to, especially at a young age. Activity and variety are both important. I feel when our clergy are involved with the class the results are phenomenal. Familiarizing the children with the Church building along with objects related to Adoration and Mass (i.e. chalice and monstrance) are things children may not know about unless shown.

How did you decide to begin helping with catechesis? How might I know that the Lord is calling me to do this?

Choosing to become a catechist was a call I knew I had for a long time. It was a small nagging feeling I had that was persistent and would not go away. A person knows that feeling. and it will not rest until one tries to determine how God might be asking them to serve. Please know you do not have to be a catechist from the start, but a classroom helper is such a benefit to the program as well. Take it one step at a time. Pray about it and ask for courage. If you find it may not be the "right" thing or time, Jesus will help you discern. In any case, please pray for our team and our young parishioners.