New Catechists 2021-22

At the start of the pandemic when the program went online, I saw Anu took up the new role of the Catechist for the 4^th graders. The effort and time she put in preparing and taking sessions for the kids, surely was an eye-opener.

Last year, as the church tried to reopen, the CCD program was considered pivotal to bring back the community. Apart from ensuring proper guidelines were being followed, the program needed new Catechists. So as Paul and I were discussing the 11^th grade, I volunteered to take up the role.

I believe that the role of the Catechists, especially us who teach the high-schoolers have to an additional responsibility to help prepare our wards for the future that awaits them. Learning about Christian faith, is one thing, but leading and living the life as a Christian, requires a lot of sacrifice.

I am thrilled to partner with Jeff – who I might add is one of the coolest teachers I have seen in action. Hoping to learn from one of the best and provide the best of the guidance to our youth.

But inspirations were short lived. It dies down when I think of the responsibilities that come with any commitments.

Last summer Paul Joseph, CCD director messaged me about the teaching opportunity and I was confused. I got thrilled to know I was contacted for the opportunity but at the same time wasn't sure if I could do it. My usual response would have been a No with a hundred excuses to back it up but I said yes with a clause that I would like to teach in a smaller grade. My human rationale convinced me I am already a catechist at home leading my kids in the way of faith. And my spiritual rationale convinced me it is a calling to serve the community and be close to God.

Fast forwarding to CCD days... I teach second graders along with Jenson Kaithamattam. My second graders are not just chirpy, fun loving little ladies and gentlemen, but they are also very vocal in expressing their opinion of the bible stories and how God could have acted on time to save us from all the trouble. When we were discussing the story of Adam & Eve and how they got expelled from paradise, there were a lot of ideas around how God could have stopped Satan from tempting Eve, Or even better, don't plant the tree of good and evil in the garden! Jenson and I had a hard time convincing them it was all in the plan and God wanted us to pick good over evil and be responsible for our acts. I am constantly amazed to see the energy and enthusiasm in them when we discuss Jesus, his preaching and how to lead a holy life. In the last class I received a big reward from one of the kids in my class - a holler we are the best teachers ever! Little he knew that he made my day by that comment out of his excitement and joy! For those curious minds out there thinking what we did to get this acknowledgement - of course! We were handing out candies to all kids as a prize for the awesome performance in mid term exams :) Still, it counts!!!

I must admit it is a big responsibility and challenge to be a catechist. It demands additional time from your already busy life not just to take class and help kids attend mass with reverence, but also prepare for the class, communicate the class summary to parents and above all pray for each kid in your class. It may sound overwhelming but now it is part of my life and I enjoy doing.

Dear readers, if you also have that feeling of 'giving back to the community' in you but not having enough courage to say yes. Don't think too much, take the leap of faith. If I can do it, you can too. God bless!