By Chloe Berwick, Correspondent and staff reports
In top photo, Catechists receive a blessing during Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Farmingdale. Chloe Berwick photo
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, was one of many parishes across the Diocese to celebrate Catechetical Sunday Sept. 20, blessing catechists and parents at the beginning of the school year. Father Angelito I. Anarcon, pastor of the Farmingdale parish, began the tradition 15 years ago and sees good things on the horizon.
“It’s a beautiful program,” Fr. Anarcon noted. “We see the future of the Catholic Church, particularly in St. Catherine’s, because of our religious education program. We try to do the best that we can to provide them with the education [and] formation of the faith.”
More than 280 children are enrolled in the religious education program this year. Behind the scenes, 32 catechists work to ensure their faith formation is enriching and engaging.
Growing and Changing
The religious education program has seen an uptick in enrollment in recent years. With four weekly sessions to choose from, families can select the class time that best fits their schedule.
The program’s learning spaces have also expanded with Father Anarcon’s support.
“We’ve created a dedicated faith formation room, which we use for OCIA, said St. Catherine of Siena Parish Pastoral Associate Laura Randazzo. “Also, our parents in our sessions will be invited in, almost like a ‘parent cafe.’ We’re trying to connect the learning, how to be a Catholic family. We also have a Marian prayer room, dedicated for the children, to learn all about Mary,” she said.
The parish has also established an outdoor playground and art room, allowing children to be creative and wonder at God’s creation.
Sharing the Faith
At its core are the catechists who share their faith with the next generation. One catechist, Jacqueline Wade, explained what she loves most about teaching.
“As catechists, we don’t only open notebooks, but we open hearts to the love of Jesus,” she said. “That’s what I love the most: opening their hearts to Jesus and seeing them grow in that relationship.”
Theresa Mandrillo, another catechist, described how she hopes to leave an impact on her students.
“I just want to help them grow in themselves and to appreciate the beauty in the world, the beauty in themselves,” she said. “I want everyone to appreciate who they are in relationship to God.”
As classes begin on Sept. 21, both catechists and students alike are preparing for the new school year.
“We always appreciate [the catechists’] dedication, their devotedness, their intention to be an important instrument in molding these kids into the Catholic faith,” Fr. Anarcon said.
Honoring Service
For Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, Catechetical Sunday unfolded with recognition of the community’s catechists during a Mass celebrated by their pastor, Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, who blessed them and presented them with prayer cards.
Elizabeth “Betty” Angelucci recalled how her introduction to serving as a catechist was sparked in the 1980s when her children attended religious education. She spotted a form in the parish bulletin requesting volunteers to help teach the faith to children. While Angelucci initially checked the box to be a substitute, the day before the classes started, she was contacted by the director of religious education saying that the assigned catechist could not be there and “that I was needed to cover the fifth-grade class.”
“All went well,” Angelucci recalled, “and one week’s coverage led to another.” The weeks turned into four years of service, she said.
After a long pause from teaching, Angelucci returned to serving her parish as a catechist in 2007.
“I met Mrs. Francis, received certification and 20 years later, the rest is history,” she said.
“I love my Catholic faith and I want to instill that same love of God in others,” Angelucci said, adding that the most important message she wants to the children she teaches to remember is that “we have a great and awesome God that loves them unconditionally.”
Mariyam Francis, parish catechetical leader in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, said that Catechetical Sunday serves as a beautiful opportunity for the Church to recognize and celebrate the important ministry of catechists.
The day “is also a reminder that catechists are more than teachers,” she said, acknowledging appreciation the parish’s 24 catechists and 10 volunteers “who generously share their time and faith throughout the year to help our children and families grow closer to Christ.”
“They are witnesses of faith,” she said. “Through their words, for example, prayer, and dedication, they help plant seeds of faith that can remain with a person for a lifetime.” Francis added.
