Rely Upon the Holy Spirit

Conversion is the direct work of the Holy Spirit. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit on three different levels:

1. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit transforming our lives in order that we may be in deep communion with God. 
2. We must be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding us in our preparation, planning, and teaching.
3. We need pray for and teach our students to be open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. 

Conversion is both the aim of catechesis and the work of the Holy Spirit. Just as Christ is both the Catechist and the message of catechesis, the Holy Spirit is both the one who calls us to communion with God and who softens the heart to hear the message of Christ, the Catechist,  in order to bring forth this same inner conversion and communion.

This is in itself a beautiful mystery. It is also one with very practical application. As we recognize that catechesis and conversion are first and foremost the work of God, we are freed to properly order our efforts; pray more, worry less. The salvation of the souls entrusted to us is not so much dependent upon the tedious and stressful deadlines we have throughout the year, and, in reality, relies upon our working in union with the work that God is already doing.

This does not imply that we work any less hard during the year. Instead, it should reorient our thinking to know that we are only one part of God's plan. Additionally, we should be inspired to spend more time in prayer for our students, volunteers, catechists, our co-workers and programs.

Take Home:

Rely more fully on the Holy Spirit this year and to make a conscious decision to spend more time praying for

• our students
• volunteers or our DRE
• fellow catechists
• co-workers or parish priests and staff
• the parish catechesis as a whole

These seems so basic that it should not need saying, but I know from my own life that the more I learn and the more experience I gain, the more I need to be reminded that it doesn't all rely upon me. Conversion is the work of God, which He graciously and mercifully allows us to have a small part working in communion with Him.