Catechists: bearers of Faith for the next generation

Catechists play a vital role in the mission of the Church, serving as “teachers” and “bearers of the faith for the next generation,” according to Gary Tagallie, Director, Office of Pastoral Planning and Development, speaking at last Sunday’s Catechetical Conference at the auditorium of Presentation College, Chaguanas. The theme of the Conference was Catechists: missionaries of healing and service. The event was hosted by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office on Catechetical Sunday, the third Sunday in September.

Tagallie said that the work of catechists today “will reflect on the identity of the Church tomorrow.” He reminded catechists of their calling, quoting Pope Francis who describes catechists as “experts in the pastoral service of transmitting the faith.” This role requires deep faith and active participation in the Christian community.

The mission of catechists extends beyond teaching to embodying the transformative message of the Gospel. “You are forming  those you teach to become missionary disciples,” Tagallie explained.

He stressed the importance of balancing action and contemplation in catechetical work. “Without action, our faith will be sterile and dead. Without contemplation, our service is disconnected from that source of love,” Tagallie noted.

Catechists, he said in his address titled ‘Catechists: missionaries of service’, are encouraged to use the See-Judge-Act method to understand their community’s reality and plan their actions accordingly. Tagallie viewed the catechist’s role as “both a privilege and a profound responsibility” in fulfilling the Church’s divine mission.

The morning’s second talk, ‘Catechists: missionaries of healing’, was presented by Zion RC Community co-foundress/leader Mary Baptiste. She said that catechists are called and sent by God, stating, “If you are carrying the word Christian missionary, you are called by the word to a living God.”

Baptiste highlighted the importance of understanding the deep-rooted issues affecting those being catechised. She stated, “Many times the rejection, and the name calling, and the putting you down… You taking on all that energy” which can occur even before birth, impacting individuals profoundly.

The concept of healing, according to Baptiste, goes beyond physical well-being. She introduced the term ‘Shalom,’ explaining it as “integral flourishing”, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational wholeness.

Baptiste challenged catechists to address real-world issues: “There are some on-the-ground realities that we don’t want to face in Church.” She urged them to be creative and willing to engage with difficult topics.

Baptiste reminded catechists that “healing is a process” requiring partnership between God’s grace and human effort. She encouraged catechists to persevere, even when progress seemed slow, trusting in God’s transformative power. Baptiste later led a healing service before group discussions.

The conference began with praise and worship followed by a welcome address from Gillian Ruben, Director of Catechetics. Group presentations followed the lunch break.

The day closed with Holy Mass with Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon as chief celebrant.