Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION CATECHISTS
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SERVE AS STEWARDS OF OUR FAIT
ver since Blane Schriock first you have to have love, but you became a catechist, a refreshing can't love if you don't know what new journey of faith, hope, and love or whom you are loving,” Blane opened up for him, and his life took says. “Our mission as catechists on a whole new meaning. is to have the children know what “When I first became involved and whom to love, so they can in faith formation, I was in early serve well.” high school, and I didn't even know Overall, Blane has been deeply the Catholic faith well myself,” he pleased with how well the Youth says. “However, I found that when Faith Formation program has you teach the faith, you come to been coming along this year. know it yourself. As you evangelize “I really enjoy working with the and teach the youth, you also young people, and teaching them evangelize and teach yourself. new faith-based concepts and I wouldn't be where I am today ideas,” Blane says. “I especially if I hadn't taught catechism — I appreciate our new curriculum, wouldn't have either the degree or the Faith and Life series by Vocation Directors give a talk on the job I have.” Ignatius Press. Its chapter lessons the priesthood and consecrated Years after he first made that are shorter, which leaves more religious life to Faith Formation "leap of faith" and began teaching time for discussion and activities. students at Ascension. catechism, Blane is now reaping It encourages the children to ask the fruits of his efforts and coordinating our questions about what they are learning, and parish's Youth Faith Formation catechists as not just listen to us teach them. They have been our Director of Faith Formation. Thankfully, receiving it very well!” he understands firsthand from experience the Looking forward, Blane has some aspirations unique value that catechesis can have in a young when it comes to our Youth Faith Formation person's life. catechesis process. “Our catechists are essential because, without “I am really hoping to get the youth ministry them, the faith life of the Church cannot be taught underway,” Blane says. “I am hoping to build or shared with others who do not know it,” Blane community among the young people, and help them says. “In this day and age, it can be hard for build up their personal relationships with Christ.” people to come to know about the Catholic faith Michael Jochim, who currently serves as a solely from their families, because their families catechist for our fifth-grade students, finds that may not even be going to church regularly. I being involved in this ministry gives him an ideal realize that the hour the children spend in Faith way to make an impact on our parish children. Formation class may be the only hour they spend “Three years ago, I began teaching my learning about the faith all week.” daughter, Felicity's, third-grade Faith Formation Blane believes that being a faithful catechist class, and I have been a catechist ever since,” means being a faithful steward of the truth of Michael says. “I have done some sports coaching, Catholicism, and sharing it with others. Ultimately, and I felt that running a class for an hour can't growing in stewardship means growing closer to be too different than that, so I thought I would Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, while bringing give it a try! It has given me a great opportunity others along with you. to spend time with my daughter and get to know “In order to be good stewards and servants, her friends at church.” 4
