Things are changing at Our Lady of Hope Parish. Since the parish formed from the merger of three parishes in 2006, there have been three catechetical ministries running programs that overlap at times. This year the communities from the former San Bernardino parishes Christ the King, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Anne will make a strong effort to work together in ministry. The transition has not been easy, but is necessary.
“We have been having prayerful meetings, working on collaborating with all the communities,” said Christine Nguyen, a catechist helping to coordinate the transition.
The catechists have taken advantage of the formation opportunities offered through the Office of Catechetical Ministry this summer. In these sessions, catechists have found encouragement and resources that can be beneficial in their program.
“Knowing we are not alone helps us,” Nguyen said. “We know that we have resources. It’s a unifying experience to be here.”
One of the activities offered to all catechists over the summer was the annual Catechist Day. This year St. Margaret Mary Parish, Chino hosted Catechist Day, a day of formation for catechists and catechetical leaders. Catechists from parishes throughout the West End, Riverside Vicariates and neighboring communities reflected on the theme of forgiveness at Catechist Day in preparation for starting a new catechetical year.
The Low Desert Vicariate will hold its own Catechist Day on Sept 13 at Our Lady of Solitude, Palm Springs.
Catechists also had two other formational opportunities through the Office of Catechetical Ministry’s inaugural Catechist Summer Institute. The series of five workshops focused on the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist and Matrimony, as well as ministering to those with special needs. The workshops were held in June and August.
The Catechist Summer Institute and Catechist Day both provided catechists with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge so that it can be shared with the youth.
“I didn’t get to go to Congress this year, so I came here,” Shawn Schubert said during a Catechist Sumer Institute session. “I really enjoyed the session on reconciliation.”
Schubert works full time and often is unable to attend workshops, but welcomed the multiple opportunities available this summer.
For Jane Padilla, a catechist at St. Joseph, Barstow, rest and prayer occupied much of her preparation.
Aside from reading over the materials and speaking with the coordinator, she has also been speaking with members of the parish community, inviting them to give a talk during one of the sessions.
Working with children in preparation for participating in the Rites of Christian Initiation, Padilla spends much of her time sharing the basics of the Catholic faith with youth.
“I want to know where they are in their lives,” Padilla said. “For the younger ones, I talk to their parents after the sessions.”
A catechist for about 30 years, Padilla has taken several workshops and certification courses in the past. She continues to attend formation sessions to refresh her knowledge and pick up a few tips.
“It is always good to hear it from different perspectives,” Padilla said.