What’s more important for effective catechesis, great methodology or deep spirituality? Both really or perhaps a correct synthesis of the two. I was reflecting on how well the Saints transmit the Faith and found a striking characteristic that I think is important for making an impact as a catechist.
My friend William O’Leary at Catechesis in the Third Millennium had a great post on the often overlooked fact that contemplation is the basis of catechesis, not teaching methodology or praxis. He said:
“So often catechists and even directors of religious education programs (as well as other people in various ministries of the Church) focus excessively on the “practical application” tools and see the theology to be merely for theologians. This causes one to lose focus I believe. All the practical tools at our disposal are good at assisting us in helping make relevant the faith but it is not the heart of our work in catechesis. On the other hand mere theory or theology about this doctrine or that doctrine is not the answer either. Our catechesis must come from a knowledge and love for Christ and His Church.”
I’ve often thought about how the Saints were such effective catechists. Conversions just follow them wherever they go. That’s because what they teach flows from their union with Christ and their love for him. Saints have this sort of lived experience of the doctrines of the Church–a “lived theology” where Church teaching becomes reality in their lives. That has catechetical power because what they’re saying is no longer simply words they’re reading from a page or lists of facts. Truth is, in a sense, incarnated in them. It’s real! Sometimes it’s so real, it manifests in miracles!
This makes me think about how we teach and how we make applications in our teaching. I think we can learn something from the Saints here. What are we after when we catechize? We’re not merely the passing on information. We want our students to understand what we teach but then be affected by it in some way. The information should become a vehicle for increased faith and that faith must lead to change in life and behaviors.
Catechists need a “lived theology.” One that is not purely theoretical. One also that is not devoid of practical tools but not centered on them either. It is a theology where the doctrines of the Church are reflected upon through prayer, internalized and then put into practice. This can be channeled into a teaching that lives and breathes. It has power because it’s no longer merely on the page, but a reality in the life of the catechist!
William also said, “Contemplation of the divine mysteries is essential in catechesis. When we seek to echo a message and most especially a person we must do so out of a heart overflowing with God’s life. Prayer and reflection cannot be underestimated in the work of catechesis.” I agree!
Next time you prepare to teach a topic, take it to prayer first. Reflect on what this topic means in your own life and how it has affected you. Then, think about the one thing your students need to walk away with. That is the core of your message to them. Find that and build your lesson around it. That is effective catechesis!
Image credit: Prakhar Amba
Great post Marc!!! And I promise it’s not because you mentioned me. If you don’t mind I think I might post it on my blog. I really liked the way you said the following regarding how the saints were effective: “Thatu2019s because what they teach flows from their union with Christ and their love for him. Saints have this sort of lived experience of the doctrines of the Churchu2013a u201clived theologyu201d where Church teaching becomes reality in their lives. That has catechetical power because what theyu2019re saying is no longer simply words theyu2019re reading from a page or lists of facts. Truth is, in a sense, incarnated in them.” Very true. Thanks Marc!!!!
Thanks William! Yes, you can absolutely post this on your blog!
Amen, Honey! Funny how it is sometimes the hardest to live this out right at home. We get so busy raising the boys that we loose our prayerfulness about it. Nothing — nothing — terrifies me more than losing them. Conversely, nothing thrills me more than the hope that they will grow up in deep relationship with God. “Prayer and reflection. Prayer and reflection.” I’ll chew on that this morning.
Yeah, very good point! Don’t want to lose that same kind of focus in parenting huh?
Boy, you have both really gotten to the heart of catechesis. It is not like other subjects, but it must be approached with the same respect and recognition of importance. What sets religion teachers and catechists apart is their need to live what they teach. There is no amount of teaching strategies that will make a catechist good at catechesis. Everyone sitting in the pew is a theologian no matter how few theology classes or books they have read. Thank you Marc and William for this reminder.
Thanks Jared! And, great insight too. I guess that’s true that if we could all harness our own spiritual experience and how God is operating in our lives, we’re all theologians and have great things to contribute. I guess that’s why small groups and faith-sharing opportunities work so well for many people. We all have stories to tell and unique ways that God is working in our lives.
Thanks for the comment Dorian…and the transparency! Just so you know, I wasn’t suggesting that you have to BE a saint to catechize LIKE a saint. Just that it seems to me like that’s what they do and they get such incredible conversions, it could boost all of our effectiveness to take a lesson from them and be more reflective in our preparations and in our lives. nnFor the record, I think the way you come at catechesis from the perspective of a teacher is good and extremely helpful as well. I don’t have that kind of experience in classroom management and practical aspects so I’m always trying to learn more that way and balance myself out. I guess it’s a matter of balance. But hey, if you know where you have an imbalance, that’s part of the game huh?