{"id":462,"date":"2010-11-09T11:37:38","date_gmt":"2010-11-09T17:37:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marccardaronella.com\/?p=462"},"modified":"2010-11-09T11:37:42","modified_gmt":"2010-11-09T17:37:42","slug":"how-to-catechize-like-a-saint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marccardaronella.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/09\/how-to-catechize-like-a-saint\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Catechize Like a Saint"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What’s more important for effective catechesis, great methodology or deep spirituality? Both really or perhaps a correct synthesis of the two.\u00a0I 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.<\/p>\n

My friend William O’Leary at Catechesis in the Third Millennium<\/em> had a great post<\/a> on the often overlooked fact that contemplation is the basis of catechesis, not teaching methodology or praxis.\u00a0He said:<\/p>\n

\u201cSo often catechists and even directors of religious education programs (as well as other people in various ministries of the Church) focus excessively on the \u201cpractical application\u201d tools and see the theology to be merely for theologians.\u00a0 This causes one to lose focus I believe.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\u2019re 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!<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0What 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s no longer merely on the page, but a reality in the life of the catechist!<\/p>\n

William also said,\u00a0\u201cContemplation of the divine mysteries is essential in catechesis.\u00a0 When we seek to echo a message and most especially a person we must do so out of a heart overflowing with God\u2019s life.\u00a0 Prayer and reflection cannot be underestimated in the work of catechesis.\u201d I agree!<\/p>\n

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<\/em> your students need<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n

Image credit:\u00a0Prakhar\u00a0Amba<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What’s more important for effective catechesis, great methodology or deep spirituality? Both really or perhaps a correct synthesis of the two. 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