The Catechetical Review - Communicating Christ for a New Evangelization

Practically Speaking: Notes from the Parish

Authored by Patty Norris in Issue #32.4 of The Sower
Parish catechesis is a very messy enterprise. The catechist knows the wonder and joy of those who hear and believe; but also the sorrow of watching those who are lukewarm drift away. There is often a daily encounter with stressed and over-committed parents, disinterested teens, and poorly written texts. In the midst of jostling for parish space, answering questions about first communion veils, or explaining why a Buddhist best friend cannot be counted as a Christian witness for baptism, the idealism that accompanied that first catechetical ‘call’ can begin to lessen! The question begins to seep into the corner of the catechist’s consciousness: “what was I thinking…?”

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This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

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