 Catechist: Passing on the Faith
Hence the CCD is calling upon any Catholic especially young university students who were inspired by WYD to spread the Catholic faith, to consider becoming volunteer catechists.
"While there are over 70,000 Catholic children in non-Catholic schools in Sydney - over half the Catholic school age population - only 28,000 are reached by volunteer catechists," Miss Carolan continues.
"That leaves 42 000 or about 60% of Catholic children in public schools without a teacher," she says.
Becoming a volunteer catechist would mean a commitment of approximately two hours a week to prepare and present a 30-minute class to primary or secondary school students.
A teacher’s manual, student activity books, resources are all provided to help the volunteer catechist prepare the lessons.
"Government legislation enables us as Catholics to provide a 30 minute scripture lesson each week to students who nominate an interest in attending Catholic Scripture," Mary Carolan explains.
"The classes vary in size (anything from 5 to 25 or more) and are generally made up of a mixture of knowledgeable practicing Catholics on one hand and the totally disinterested and uninitiated (those who are not baptised) on the other," she says.
Within the Sydney Archdiocese there are close to 2000 volunteer catechists bringing the Catholic Faith to children in public schools.
"Most find it a very rewarding apostolate and dedicate many years and precious time to [teaching catechism]. Personally I think the early years are most significant and to be able to teach the Faith to little children is a great privilege and responsibility," she says.
One volunteer catechist who can attest to that is Sydney University PhD student, Kiran Newman.
He says that teaching the children (aged 6 - 12) is one of the most exciting experiences, because of the kinds of questions they inquiringly ask.
"Their questions are genuine, and surprisingly well thought-out. On one occasion, I had a child ask me how the Lord could be in so many different places all at once, and how He could be consumed and still remain," he says.
Newman - or "Mr Kiran" as he is referred to by his pupils - has been teaching Years 1 - 6 for the last four years, depending on need, he says, and keeps returning to teach because he is very aware of its future impact.
He says: "...The children are genuinely eager to learn, and have interesting and exciting questions [to ask] on issues which will affect the way they will live their lives. I also come back because I feel that this is where I am most needed."
"Kids can also take in and understand a lot more, and make further deductions which are quite surprising. It is not accidental that Our Lord said 'Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven,'" he continues.
Teaching the children can even have positive benefits for the catechist's faith as well.
"Passing on the Faith strengthens my own faith, but it means more. As St. Paul argues, preaching is part of every Christian's duty. And in talking about God, I learn more about God, as well as give him praise in my own small stuttering way," he says.
"In the classroom you are a living witness to the Faith. It is
missionary territory - in many cases you will be the only contact these
students will ever have with religion," Carolan adds earnestly.
HOW TO BECOME A CATECHIST
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Catechist & be trained for the job, the CCD will be running a 5 week, two hour course on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting NEXT WEEK for FREE.
There is no obligation to teach after participating & all are welcome to come along and find out more.
WHERE: Polding Centre 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney
WHEN: Tuesdays 4pm – 6pm 26 Aug, 2, 9, 16, 23 Sept (5 weeks) OR Thursdays 3pm – 5pm 28 Aug, 4, 11, 18, 25 Sept (5 weeks)
RSVP by email
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or phone (02) 9390 5122
Image courtesy of Mary Carolan
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