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April 27, 2018Does what we do as catechists really matter? When you get down to it, is what we do each week truly worth our time and effort? Consider the following scenario and answer for yourself.
People learn morals from three primary places; the home, the Church, and society. Communities work best when all three are in sync. But as we all know, we do NOT live in a perfect society, yet. So let's see what happens when one or more of these elements fail in their role.
Let's say that parents fail in their responsibility to teach their children that stealing is wrong. In fact, let's say that a family teaches their children just the opposite. Imagine a family that teaches their children that if someone has something that you want, simply take it. Thankfully, our Church will be there to correct that error. In our teachings of the Commandments and moral formation, we would right the ship and instill in our youth, that stealing is a grave sin.
But let's say that, the Church either fails in its responsibility and doesn't teach this moral truth. Or suppose that the child doesn’t receive this religious instruction because the parents don't see the need to send them to religious instruction. Thankfully, again, we have society that will step in and teach the child that stealing is wrong, because, eventually, he will be caught stealing, and suffer the consequences to his crime. So each entity, assists the other in fulfilling their role of forming a conscientious citizen.
But, what happens in the case of when families and society agree upon an immoral position? Let's say that a family believes that abortion, or premarital sex, or artificial contraception, is morally acceptable. Let's also assume that society agrees with this position. Once again, we can rely upon the Church to fulfill its obligation to stand up for objective truth and teach the young child proper moral standards. But what happens if the Church is absent once again, or, God forbid, the catechist fails to teach it, or finds the teaching to be uncomfortable, or worse case, disagrees with church teaching? In these cases, the Church would sorely fail in its obligation and the catechist may very well be partly culpable in the sin.
You see, our role as catechists is vitally important, especially in moral formation. Having said this, there are two critical points to be made. First, it cannot be understated, that catechists MUST know the Church's teachings, stand behind these teachings, and know how to properly explain and defend these positions. Just as important, catechists must never shrink from their duty. Jesus stated, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)
Our role in forming the faith and consciences of those in our care is immense. But when done with faith and diligence, becomes the most important work in the world. May God bless us, strengthen us, and guide us in leading his children home!
Mr. David Wilson
Director of Relgious Education and Youth Ministry
St. Ann Church and Shrine
Metairie, LA