Some 70 catechists attended “The Art of Catechesis,” which was presented in three sessions of two hours each over the two days. About nine different parishes sent representatives to the training.

PHOTO GALLERY: Diocese's first 'Art of Catechesis'

Between the sessions of the course, teaching practices were discussed, such as catechists knowing their students, being well-prepared with their material and knowing the policies of the parish.

Team members organizing the event were Denise Contino, director of catechesis for the Diocese, and presenters Josue Arriola, director of Evangelization and Family Life, and Sandra Lopez, coordinator of Hispanic ministry initiatives.

Arriola commented that for many of the people who attend these courses, it is the first time that they teach catechism, and many are nervous. The information offered during these sessions is to give them the necessary tools.

“They have the desire, but perhaps they don't have the material,” Arriola expressed. “The purpose is to help the catechists to help their children to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and that as they grow … they come to understand the rules that come with that relationship.”

For her part, Lopez commented that she was very happy with the successful participation of the Hispanic community in this first Spanish-language session.

“Many were still calling to register, but there will be a next opportunity for those who could not attend,” she noted, adding that many of the participants have previous experience, but others are just starting out as helpers and will benefit from the training offered.
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Among the participants were Pilar Murillo de Carrillo and Nora Forero from the St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold. Murillo has taught catechism for 17 years and started as an assistant.

“It is good that now the course was given in Spanish because when I had the opportunity to come it was done in English and I do not speak English as well as Spanish,” Murillo de Carrillo pointed out, “but even so, thank God, I was able to reinforce many things and apply it to what I am teaching; then it was very fruitful. You always learn.”

Forero has just begun as a catechist’s assistant precisely because of the language problem.

“I am very motivated, I want to do the best for these children, and as soon as they told me that there was going to be this course, I immediately registered,” she said. “If it had been in English, I would have come but I don't know how much I would have connected.”

Among other parish representatives present were several from Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Beverly. Ana Reyes, Eneida Perez and Celia Pleitez expressed their desire to serve their community, who not only communicate in Spanish but also in English and Portuguese.

“These courses help us refresh our memories and recharge our batteries,” Perez commented, “[and] to learn new things with the hope of bringing them to young people from our parishes, and to continue raising our parishes and helping our pastors. Constantly new people are arriving in our community – immigrants, people who need the Sacraments ... We are always waiting for those people who bring that thirst and desire to learn, for us to teach them. That's why this never ends."

“Catechesis is something that you live and that you transmit because you have experienced it,” noted Pleitez. “During this first catechism course in Spanish, the commitment that the Diocese and its team have to prepare the community for this new catechetical year became evident. At the same time, the devotion and dedication of the community of Hispanic catechists who were present was manifested.”

To read this in Spanish, click HERE.