A Catechist Day is held at four locations throughout the Diocese each year to offer catechists opportunities to share their experiences and be refreshed ahead of a new catechetical year.
This year the Catechists Days focused on the theme “Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person.”
Father Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku, V.F., pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Rancho Cucamonga related the theme of the day with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the opening Mass.
“We need to protect the dignity of the human person, especially the dignity of our children,” Fr. Nwachukwu said. “We are to model our catechetical lives and teachings after the Blessed Mother. She left her comfort zone to make the Word of God known to others. That is what God is calling us to do, to leave our comfort zone to engage lives!”
Kathy Hendricks, the keynote speaker from William H. Sadlier Publishing Company, spoke on how to safeguard human dignity. She summed it up in three words, look, learn and listen.
“We need to look carefully at who we are as an image and likeness of God,” she said.
She advised catechists to encourage learning about others by making connections, developing empathy and sharing stories of others.
“We have a responsibility to introduce the youth to an expanded world view. We aren’t closed off to the world.”
Jessica Calderon, a catechist at St. Edward, Corona, was affirmed that the programs and activities at her parish align with what was being discussed in her sessions.
“The class was very helpful, it was very much on point,” Calderon said.
Patricia O’Leary, a catechist at St. Mary Parish, Fontana, found her sessions to be inspiring as well.
“The talk on service learning really helped me,” O’Leary said. “When I was in Confirmation that is what I loved. It’s hard to leave the faith when there are activities and you make connections. Doing service is when you can really see Christ in other people. I’m going to incorporate this more in my class.”
Aside from having access to vendors and speakers, many catechists attend Catechist Day to interact with other catechists.
“We sometimes give the same teachings over and over,” said Arnel Recio, Youth Minister at St. Mary, Fontana. “Being around people who are also catechists and hearing what they do, you get good ideas. Sometimes they affirm you that you are doing the right things.”
The High Desert and San Bernardino Vicariates combined for their Catechist Day on Aug. 22 at Our Lady of Hope, San Bernardino. The Low Desert parishes will hold their event on Sept. 19 at St. Theresa, Palm Springs and the Hemet Vicariate will close the Catechist Days on Oct. 24 at St. Catherine of Alexandria, Temecula.