What does a church council from the year 325 have to do with a group of more than 300 suburban Catholics gathered in a windowless hotel ballroom in Reston on a Saturday morning? Well, a lot, actually.
The catechists and directors of religious education, or DREs, gathered for spiritual enrichment and practical strategies for proclaiming the good news in their own classrooms at the annual diocesan Catechetical Conference Nov. 15.
The event was organized by the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation. This year’s theme was “Celebrating the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.”
“The Council (of Nicaea) had to teach who Jesus truly is as beautifully proclaimed in the creed we proudly profess. That work must continue today as we face modern-day heresies,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge told attendees during his homily at Mass.
Strategies for countering the modern heresies of paganism, materialism, Pelagianism, and moral relativism as well as practical ideas for engaging young people and their families were the focus of all the speakers at the conference. Event organizers recognized 42 catechists who have served for 10 years, and 11 catechists who have served for 25 years — a testament to the dedication and passion many have for sharing Christ with their classes.
“You are a special gift to those you serve and, indeed, to the entire church. So, persevere. Do not get discouraged,” Bishop Burbidge said, echoing Pope Leo XIV in his thanks for catechists during the Sept. 26-28 Jubilee of Catechists.
Mass had a sense of reverence as the room hushed beforehand and later attendees knelt on the carpeted floor before the Eucharist. There was excitement about seeing Bishop Burbidge, and a long line of attendees waited to greet him after Mass.
With 14 expert speakers and 12 exhibitors, the day provided catechists with inspiration and knowledge to better serve the children and adults they are training in the faith. Those gathered attended sessions on topics ranging from ways to lead children to an encounter with Christ; strategies for managing a classroom; how the Council of Nicaea impacts catechesis today; practical ways to engage families in faith formation; the influence of modern beliefs on young people and many others. Presentations were offered in both English and Spanish by speakers including diocesan priests, deacons, laity and professors from Christendom College in Front Royal.
“It is a wonderful day of fellowship and catechesis, hearing from people you don’t normally get to hear from, learning from people you don’t normally have a chance and opportunity to learn from,” said Aida Willis, DRE at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax.
The diocese has partnered with Christendom College to provide opportunities for more catechists to complete certificate programs on a variety of faith and theological topics or a master’s in theological studies. The certifications and conference are all efforts to better form catechists, according to Mgsr. William P. Saunders, diocesan episcopal vicar for faith formation and evangelization.
“They’re more knowledgeable about the faith and better prepared to present the faith, especially in the world in which we live,” he said.
“We’re giving back the best thing we have,” said Jennie Avendano, a catechist and youth minister from St. James Church in Falls Church. “God needs witnesses.” That’s what catechists are, she said.
Receiving Christ’s love so it can be given back to others, was a theme echoed by many attendees. “God is asking us to soak in his love and give it to others,” said Ana Lisa Piñon, diocesan director of faith formation and evangelization programs.
As speaker Colette Lienhard said in her session, “That’s what we want to do as catechists, keeping in mind that our job, first and foremost, especially with young children, is to introduce them to Jesus.”
Goss is a freelancer in Arlington.
