"Learning the Faith"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the Sept. 11, 1997 edition of the Inland Register)
The Church from her very beginning has placed a high priority on education. She considers education an important mission. Thus we see here in the Northwest with our relatively brief church history that some of the first church institutions established were educational.
On Sept. 21, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Catechetical Sunday. This day is a reminder of the important mission of catechizing in our church. Also it is a good opportunity to affirm and encourage those who are engaged in the teaching ministry. We have many who teach full time in our Catholic schools, many who teach a class a week in a catechetical setting, and many who help with the classes for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In the statistics of the diocese in the latest National Catholic Directory for 1997, I notice that we have almost 10,600 students under instruction in the elementary and secondary grades. There are 6,150 of these in parish religious education classes -- perhaps more traditionally known as CCD classes.
On the diocesan level we strive to make our programs of religious instruction more effective through certification programs and workshops for the teachers. Given the complexity of our world and culture in which we live, the task of catechetical instruction is a challenge. Yet, it should also be one of great joy as we teach the rich tradition of our Church and help those in formation to know and come closer to the Lord Jesus. Also, given the complexity of the times, the need to know our faith tradition well has never been more important. Oftentimes one hears comments about our need and responsibility as Church to pass on the faith to the next generation. That’s very true of course, but there is also the need for us right now to know and understand the faith. Some months ago a poll was taken among Catholics on the East Coast, indicating that about 60 percent of them were confused about Eucharist and whether or not the consecrated bread and wine were really the Body and Blood of Jesus ("Surveys uncover widespread confusion among Catholics about what Communion really is," Inland Register 7/31/97). One can wonder about the validity of such a poll, but nonetheless, such a statistic should be a wake-up call for us in the Church to expend our best personal and collective efforts into the ministry of education and catechizing. This mission of the Church is about evangelization, sharing the goods news of salvation of the Lord Jesus in our faith tradition. Catholic schools should be eminent places of evangelization. Catechetical classes in parishes should be the best possible, given the parish resources. Those of us who are adults must set an example and inspire our children by continuing to learn ourselves. We cannot allow ourselves to feel that somehow we have completed our Christian formation and education. That effort is a lifelong journey. I’m still learning a lot with all the exposure I have to the Church.
Finally, I want to thank all of you who are engaged in religious education ministry. I know of one person in our diocese who has been teaching a religious education class in his parish for more than 30 years! That’s dedication and generosity. Just a few days ago I read a little booklet by Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., titled "Spirituality of a Catechist." He lists 10 qualities of the spirituality of a catechist. I think they are useful not only for catechists but for all of us:
May God bless you and give you peace.
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School has begun again, and the fuller schedule for parishes resumes. There is always something refreshing about a new start, whether it’s a first time to school, a new grade, or a new program.