What To Do On Wednesdays
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August 19, 2021If you’ve ever looked at our events calendar, you’ll notice a trend…what’s up with Wednesdays? During the school year, Wednesday nights are often left blank, with no events to attend.
Now before you go being an awesome Catholic instigator and host an event on Wednesday nights, it’s important to note that for most groups, especially those at parishes, leaving Wednesday nights free is intentional.
If you grew up in the faith, you may think back to Wednesday nights and remember trundling to your parish for Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Well…for many parishes, Wednesday night is still the faith formation day of the week for young people.
So, if Wednesday night is for young people, why don’t all the Young Adults head to a brewery and hang out?
While we’re all for finding time for fellowship, often at a brewery it seems (trivia night? I’m in…), Young Adults (or really any adults) who find themselves available on Wednesday nights have a real opportunity to give to the Church.
To learn what that is, you have two options…
For those who love reading articles and blog posts, keep reading.
For those who’d rather listen to a podcast, we want to introduce you to The Dudes that Babel. These 3 local Young Adults, who also happen to be Youth Ministers in local parishes, really care about this topic and what you do with your Wednesday nights. In their recent episode, they dive into the topic of “Why be a Catechist?”. Open on Spotify.
In the rest of this blog, I’m going to give you some “show-notes” about the main reasons to consider being a Catechist as well as providing my non-Youth Minister, plain-old Young Adult perspective on the topic. Two years ago I teamed up with a friend as a substitute catechist / 4th grade religious ed. teacher and man…what an experience!
WARNING!: These Dudes…they’re awesome. And they do love to babble. They always spend some time chit-chatting at the start of their podcast. This episode in particular is about 50% chatter about interesting food debates (well worth the listen) and 50% discussion of the topic. If you really can’t stand small talk, we’d recommend tuning in at the 21-minute mark for the real meat of the conversation
And on to our show notes…
Why are we talking about this now? (22:42)
Just like the school year, faith formation and religious ed. follow the same September to May schedule and so this post on August 19th falls right in the time when parishes are searching for people to commit to being Catechists for the upcoming school year.
Wait…what’s a catechist? (24:06)
The Dudes agree that “Catechist” is one of the most intimidating words that we use in the Church. Catechist can mean a lot of things – CCD teacher, small group leader, Edge core team leader, and more. Many parishes use “Catechist” as a term of honor and sophistication, but don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that you have a theology degree. It simply means someone who is leading in the catechesis of children.
Official definition: A teacher of the principles of Christian religion, especially one using the catechism (kudos Austin).
Who can be a catechist? (28:48)
YOU. No seriously, YOU. I know I don’t know who you are Mister or Miss Reader, but if you’ve found our blog, I’m about 99% sure you’re a good fit.
If you don’t believe me, answer these questions:
1) Are you a practicing Catholic? Do you go to Mass on Sunday?
2) Do you go to Confession somewhat regularly?
3) Do you pray or try to pray?
Three Yes’s make you qualify! Remember, parishes are not looking for theologians to teach the intricacies of the faith…they are looking for adults who can teach the PRINCIPLES of the faith to others. If you practice the Catholic faith, Jesus is equipping you to teach.
As John points out, “You don’t need to know everything about the Catholic faith…you really, really don’t.” The programs that these parishes use for faith formation tell you what to teach. And to top it off, “it’s almost better if you’re not the know-it-all,’ – H.
So what does a catechist do? (32:32)
If you’re following along…they teach. But as mentioned, you don’t have the be a theologian or expert. Anyone who’s been in a tough college or high school course knows that listening to an expert who seems to be speaking in another language does not help in the learning process. The answer is not putting theologians in front of children.
The answer is forming relationships. It’s “showing them that there is something worth knowing.”
“These people (the kids) just need people who love kids and love their faith, and you don’t have to be a mega-genius.”
“What they need in their lives is somebody other than their own parents who show a desire for their faith and it’s a desire for them (the kids) to also have faith.” Data actually shows that this is one of the leading indicators of a kid who will live out their Catholic faith as an adult.
These Dudes are directors of religious ed. at their parishes and they don’t know everything…they admit it! They have hearts for the youth and that’s all that they need to be successful. Look to the disciples! They were street-smart, they didn’t have all the answers, but they were given a mission, did their best, and changed the world.
Sidebar – Annie’s story: Honestly, this was the toughest thing for me to get past. When a director of religious ed. from my parish reached out to me, she said I’d be great at it, and I was like… “Me…? No way.” I’ve been in conversations about my faith, and I struggle. I hate not knowing the answers or being able to eloquently provide the answers to people’s questions.
But what these guys are saying is true. Every week, I was given the kid’s workbook and direction on what activities to do, discussions to have, and major takeaways the kids should have when they left class. I worked with 4th graders…and it was truly the basics.
If you’re still sitting there thinking, no way am I getting in front of a group and teaching these kids, even if it’s the basics…do what I did! Call a friend! I called up my friend Sarah and asked if she would teach with me. She’s great with kids and worked for NET so I knew this would be a more comfortable environment for her, but I also felt really supported. By the end, I knew that I could have taught the class on my own. But honestly, it was a lot of fun to do it with a friend. We’d get together for dinner every Wednesday before class, catch up, review the material, and then hang out with adorable, inquisitive, and fun 4th graders who we could tangibly see starting to understand and love the Catholic faith.
Okay, but why me? Why Young Adults? (39:00)3 Reasons:
1) You Have Time. Okay, we know you’re super busy…but you can set aside one night a week. God will use that sacrifice.
2) Again, You Have Time. When people talk about “giving to a parish” the first thing people think of is the collection basket. Most parishes are supported monetarily by those older in the parish. YAs have #loans #startersalaries #bills #fillintheblank. Time is just as valuable as treasure.
3) You’re Young! What will inspire young people more? A group of 80-year-olds or a group of 20 or 30-year-olds? Think about your own experience. Jesus started his ministry in his 30s and changed the world. Your youth draws people in.
Sidebar – Annie’s story: I am a big believer in intergenerational relationships. Ask any of my friends and they know how my face lights up when I see or talk with the elderly. Honestly, I still keep in touch with my grandparent’s friends. Older people are AMAZING, and many of them have inspired me in my faith. But when I really look at my own life and faith journey, my faith didn’t really become my own until I had people who were my same age, or just a bit older, walking with me and sharing their faith with me. That’s when I knew the faith isn’t just traditional or just for adults, but is for me, right now, whatever age I am. Don’t discredit the place that God has you in in this time of life. Use this time. Don’t waste it.
So Now What?Reach out to your parish and see if they’re looking for catechists. A phone call or an email inquiry is not signing your life away. God can’t drive a parked car. If you don’t make any effort, God can’t put you on the path that He has for you. Learn about what’s available at your parish, look at your calendar, talk to your friends, pray about it, and decide if it’s something you can commit to this year.
If you don’t belong to a particular parish, reach out to us! We know of some amazing parishes and religious ed. directors that are on the hunt for people like you. Many of these parishes are listed on our parishes page, but we’re happy to make an introduction.
And as always, pray. Maybe being a catechist isn’t feasible for you and your schedule this year. But that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have something for you and something for you to do, give, and share with your parish. Pray for insight and opportunities. Do some research. And be willing to say “yes.” No volunteer position is forever, but you can make a huge difference in our parishes and world when you give your time to the Church.
To listen to more awesome podcasts by The Dudes That Babel, check them out wherever you listen to podcasts! Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Annie Tracy is a good old Wisconsin girl who’s called the Twin Cities her home since 2012. She found herself studying at the University of St. Thomas for its faith-focus, business school, and gorgeous campus (Roll Toms!). After working in corporate marketing consulting for 4 years, she took a leap in the middle of 2020 to join CEND (the Center for Evangelization & Discipleship) who runs MSP Catholic along with some other awesome initiatives. She lives in NE Minneapolis and is currently searching for a new parish to call home.
