A Handbook for Catechists

Last summer seems a distant memory, but it was over those few months that I wrote A Handbook for Catechists. It is due to be published on 8 March by CTS. When a book is produced, there is so much that happens in between the writing stages and publication. Reading back over the proofs, it was humbling to see how that labour of love last summer had been produced so beautifully.

We all know to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing, right?! So when I came to write this book for catechists, I wanted to make 100% clear that the goal of catechesis is disciple-making, and then the deeper formation of disciples. I have framed the content of the book according to Sherry Weddell’s five thresholds of conversion (towards becoming a disciple) followed by FOCUS’s discipleship roadmap (from beginning disciple to spiritual multiplier). What I hope comes across really strongly is the need not just to teach people indiscriminately – without any knowledge of the people as persons, or of what stage they might be at on the road to discipleship. It places the priority of relationships foremost, and tailoring our content towards real spiritual growth, instead of imagined spiritual growth.

Here are a few features I hope you will love about this book:

• In the early chapters, I introduce four fictional characters who represent individuals we might meet in our parish. We track their spiritual journey through the twists and turns of life and consider how catechesis fits into this. This is an eminently practical (not merely theoretical) approach;
• I tried to make the focus on the discipleship journey of the catechist him- or herself as unavoidable as possible! We all know this is the heart of great catechesis – the catechist’s own living relationship with God. There are moments when the reader is prompted to reflect on their own relationship with God, jot down points of their own testimony, or make response to God in prayer.
• There are handy resources. In particular, I created a step-by-step guide for planning any catechetical session, as well as a methodology guide, or session template. This helps you think through where your audience might be in terms of thresholds of conversion / discipleship roadmap and therefore how to tailor your content.

Above all, I wanted this book to be an enjoyable and easy read. I know from over ten years of getting to know other catechists around the country that they are some of the busiest people in the Church. The book is jam packed with stories, testimonies and has a light approach – meaty, without being dry and theory-focussed.

Please tell me what you think – I’d love to hear from you!