More than 700 catechists from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington gathered Nov. 16 for Catechetical Day, a biannual event aimed at inspiring, supporting and renewing those dedicated to passing on the Catholic faith. Under the theme of Catechists as Pilgrims of Hope, the gathering allowed catechists to reflect on their mission as guides on a shared faith journey.
Sara Blauvelt, Secretary for Catechesis for the archdiocese, explained how the theme was chosen in connection with the upcoming Year of Hope, which begins on Christmas Eve.
“The Holy Father has invited us all on this journey of hope,” she said. “It was easy to make the connection to catechesis, as each person is on a lifelong journey of faith.”
In his keynote address at Catechetical Day 2024, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Juan Esposito invited catechists to reflect on their work as a pilgrimage rather than an academic or administrative exercise. He described a pilgrim as someone yearning for “some kind of transcendence, for the spiritual experience, for communion with God.” This contrasts, he explained, with a tourist, who moves quickly and risks missing the deeper significance of what they encounter.
“A religion class could be taught this way,” the bishop continued, cautioning against conveying facts without heart. “But that would not be catechesis.”
He urged catechists to walk alongside those they teach, helping them encounter God personally and meaningfully.
Bishop Esposito’s words resonated with Franciscan Sister Dolores Velazquez, a teacher at Sacred Heart School in Washington D.C., who appreciated his encouragement to “model what we preach and to continue to learn and grow spiritually.”
“Catechists accompany others on part of their journey of faith. In this, we truly walk together toward God. A journey is always easier when you have companions at your side. What could be more hopeful?” Blauvelt said, as she reflected on what the day would hold for archdiocesan catechists.
Catechetical Day, held at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, featured various workshops designed to support catechists in their ministry.
One session, led by Father John Benson, administrator of St. John Vianney Parish in Prince Frederick, Maryland, tackled sacramental readiness in his presentation titled, “Must We Confirm Seven-Year-Olds?” He addressed questions on whether it is better to wait to confirm children or to fully initiate them into the Church.
“It’s about what is best for the child,” Father Benson said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the individual’s spiritual journey.
He explained that Canon Law requires children to be capable of reasoning to receive baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist together. “This is not an option left up to the discretion of the pastor; it is the law of the Church,” he stated.
Father Benson acknowledged that sometimes delaying sacraments is necessary to ensure children are adequately prepared. “Sacraments are not magic,” he said. “We don’t do catechumens a favor by rushing the process – in fact, we do them a disservice.”
For many catechists, the workshops provided an opportunity for practical skills and inspiration. Bobbie Woollen, director of Religious Education at Jesus the Divine Word Parish in Huntingtown, Maryland, said she was “hoping to be inspired and to gain some practical ideas” to take back to her parish.
Kim Stack, Director of Religious Education at St. John Vianney Parish, appreciated the opportunity to engage with colleagues throughout the Archdiocese of Washington, stating, “I hope to find a broader perspective from the diversity one encounters in the archdiocese.”
Attendees said they found personal meaning and inspiration through workshops and shared reflections. Essie Orekeya, a parishioner at St. Martin of Tours in Washington, D.C., has shared the faith with children for more than 30 years, reflected that Catechetical Day offered her and other catechists a chance to reconnect with the heart of their ministry. “I’m hoping to be re-enriched and empowered by the workshop,” she said.
One recurring theme of the day was encouraging those who might feel hesitant to take on the role of catechist. Bishop Esposito addressed this concern directly: “What you do have is your faith and willingness to be God’s instruments. You serve as catechists because you love the Lord, Mary, and the other saints. You do it out of recognition that the people you instruct—those you share the Gospel with and walk with—are not strangers. You see in them someone to love and care for, and you want to share the wonderful gift of faith with them.”
Lilian Cifuentes from Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish in Washington, D.C., echoed this sentiment, sharing that she approaches mentoring hesitant catechists by supporting them “one step at a time.”
Father Benson also addressed essential catechist qualifications, emphasizing that “all of us, all the baptized, are sent to announce the Gospel.” He reminded attendees that the only non-negotiable qualification to be a catechist is to have a personal experience of Jesus Christ.
Another key focus of the day was the vital role parents play as the primary catechists of their children. Bishop Esposito acknowledged the challenges many parents face in this role, emphasizing that catechists often step in to guide children whose parents are still growing in their own understanding of the faith.
Sister Dolores encouraged parents to actively engage in parish life, noting that doing so not only deepens their own faith but also enriches their ability to nurture it in their children. “Get involved in your parish,” she urged. “The more you take part, the deeper your faith will grow.”
Father Benson summarized the role of acting as a pilgrim for the catechist, whether they are a parent, grandparent, other relative, or parish volunteer.
“Pilgrims, to me, means we are on a journey. As catechists, we each have our own journey of faith, and we accompany others on their journey,” he said. “Not that we are better than others, or that we have already reached the goal, but maybe we are a few steps ahead so we can point out to them where the potholes are.”
