Called to Listen: Become a Level 1 Catechist

As a new year of faith formation begins at Holy Spirit and we give thanks for the catechists commissioned on Catechetical Sunday, we want to share a quiet but beautiful invitation. Our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program welcomes our youngest parishioners, ages 3 to 6, into the atrium: a prepared space where children encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows each of His sheep by name. To keep this gift growing, we are looking for adults who feel drawn to serve as Level 1 Catechists.

St. Arnold Janssen, founder of the Society of the Divine Word, placed Scripture at the very heart of his missionary work and taught that proclaiming the Good News is the first and greatest act of love of neighbor. His missionaries learned to enter a community by first listening, observing, and discovering how God was already at work there. That same spirit lives in the atrium. A CGS catechist does not stand in front of children to fill them with answers. We sit beside them, listen, and watch with wonder as God speaks to their hearts.

Here are three reasons to prayerfully consider this call:

• It is a vocation, not just a volunteer slot. Serving as a catechist is a response to God's invitation. Many CGS catechists say they came to form the children and found themselves being formed instead.
• You will be deeply prepared. Level 1 formation is a rich course in Scripture, liturgy, and the religious life of the young child. No prior teaching experience is needed, only an open heart and a love for Christ.
• The children will teach you to pray. There is nothing quite like watching a four-year-old place the sheep beside the Good Shepherd and whisper, "He keeps them safe." Their joy has a way of renewing our own.

If something stirred in you while reading this, pay attention to it. That may be the Shepherd calling your name.

Please contact Amanda Ayala at 480-838-7474 ext. 113 to learn more about upcoming Level 1 formation.