What Does It Mean to Be a Catechist? The Ecclesial and Spiritual Profile of a New Ministry

Abstract

What Does It Mean to Be a Catechist? The Ecclesial and Spiritual Profile of a New Ministry Bishop Dr. Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst (bio) When Pope Francis introduced his Motu proprio “Antiquum ministerum” to the Universal Church in May of last year, we, at the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, were aware that it would be most welcomed where a large number of catechists highlighted the Church’s vitality and their efforts to evangelize and catechize. This lay Ministry of Catechist requires an understanding of what is meant by catechesis. Our familiar word ‘echo’ is part of it and points to what catechesis is all about. The word catechesis is derived from the Greek expression “kat echein,” that is, to teach by word of mouth. Catechesis is like ‘rhythmic waves’ that touch us and make us become, in turn, ‘resonators’ for others. This is the original meaning of catechesis when used and understood in the transitive form. Later in church history, it also has been used in the intransitive form, which has emphasized the teaching of the content of catechesis. Both understandings are important. To be touched by ‘pulsating waves’ and to move others to open their hearts to the gift of faith by our personal witness is part of this ministry. Catechesis also means teaching and maturing in the faith1 by receiving knowledge so that we may not think too small of God and His grace. A faith identity assumes identification with the content of everything we believe, summarized in our creeds. The ministry of catechist entails both receiving and giving all that the faith holds within the tradition of our Church and turning always to the origin of our faith. Scripture, our living tradition, and magisterial teachings are some of the sources of our faith and catechists should be [End Page 5] immersed in their ‘undulating flow.’ These ‘solid waves’ lead catechists to a threefold awareness of their ministry. I. Catechists embrace the cross During my studies in the United States more than thirty years ago, I participated in the Rite of Election for Catechumens at the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. The songs of that first Sunday of Lent included one, I have never forgotten; part of its words are: “Lift high the cross/The love of Christ proclaim/Till all the world/Adore his sacred name.//Each newborn servant/Of the Crucified/Bears on the brow/The seal of him who died.” George W. Kitchin wrote this song in 1887 for the British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. It has also been suggested that this hymn was inspired by the story of Constantine’s conversion to Christianity after seeing a cross with the inscription “In hoc signo vinces” (“in this sign you will conquer”). To accept and bear the crosses in our lives leads us to embrace the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more we empathize with the sufferings around us, the closer we are to the cross of the Lord. Catechists who want to proclaim the Gospel must have touched Christ’s cross and personally bear “the seal of him who died.”2 The entire story of our faith includes the manner in which canonized saints and the “saints next door”3 have found their personal call and have identified with the cross. During the Rite of Institution in the Ministry of Catechist,4 a cross is given to each candidate. When catechists receive the crucifix during the liturgy of institution, it is a clear sign that they are called to touch the wounds of Christ. To bear a personal cross, united with the cross of Christ, enables us to carry the crosses of others. This communion makes catechists capable of witnessing, in words and in deeds, the content of our faith. “Lift high the cross” there, where life tends to pull us down, seems to be the strongest proof [End Page 6] of our confidence in the providence of the love of Christ. Bearing “on the brow the seal of him who died” inspires catechists to regard others with the eyes of Christ. This leads us to a second aspect...