What are the qualities of a good Catechist?
From “Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community: Some Principles and Guidelines” Catechists do not regard themselves as superior or extrinsic to the persons or groups to whom they minister. Rather, in the process of growing in the faith, they feel one with and indebted to everyone, and they know how to recognize everyone and make them agents and participants in the faith journey. (#71) Stability and living the Christian faith as a member of the ecclesial community are basic requirements for catechists. They must mature as spiritual persons in the concrete tasks they perform, in such a way that the “first word” they speak is that of personal witness. To this must be added a professional competence, or the ability to sustain a catechetical journey with their brothers and sisters. (#72) More precisely, an indispensable quality of catechists is the wise insight which allows them to go beyond the interpretation of texts to a deep grasp of vital issues and contemporary problems, and to be able to critically interpret present day events and the “signs of the times”. Other requirements are the ability to listen and dialogue, encourage and reassure, form relationships, work in teams, and build community. There must also be a sense of being sent by the Church and of being accepted by the community, whose journey they share in a fraternal spirit. In a word, the catechist of adults will be a sufficiently balanced human being, with the flexibility to adapt to different circumstances. (#73) Quoted from “Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community: Some Principles and Guidelines” issued following the sixth plenary session of the International Council for Catechesis. For more, click here.
