Help for Catechists

As we begin this New Year we look, not so much at our classrooms nor our students, but at our own lives. As teachers of the Faith we recognize that who we are and the example we set will impact the lives of those entrusted to us more than any lesson we teach in the classroom. With this in mind, we review our own lives and seek ways to improve ourselves.

Lately, the question of virtues has come up in my own life again and again. At a mothers’ support group one woman sighed, “How do I increase in virtue? It seems so difficult.”

Through a major change in my own life, the Lord opened my eyes to some small insights into this question. My mother-in-law passed away in April, within a month my father-in-law had been diagnosed with lung cancer. This news hit our family very hard. More changes were in store when my father-in-law came to live with us for the remainder of his days.

I had been caught in a type of spiritual dryness at that time. I knew that I needed to spend more time in prayer. I had begun to recommit myself to this, but still felt that I was struggling. Each Rosary seemed difficult, my mind wandered during Mass, my soul felt restless and as if I would never make any progress. Then ‘Chief’ moved in.

My husband and his only brother had called their dad ‘Chief’ since they were young. I naturally followed suit, as did our children. Chief's needs were constant. He required physical care, emotional support and help in wrapping up the details of his incredible life. My time was no longer my own. 

As time went on I realized that God was working on me and I became grateful for it. All the things I struggled with spiritually were suddenly on the front burner.

I thought I should pray, but the work became my only constant prayer. I could have no preferences, because Chief’s preferences came before my own. I watched the television shows he wanted, cooked what he desired and cared for his personal needs with little thought to my own uncomfortable feelings. The phrase, “Less of me, more of He,” ran through my head constantly. I was starting to understand this concept in a new way.  In this way, I quietly learned meekness and patience rather than give in to my own tendency toward anger.  I grew in diligence and let go of the temptation toward laziness.  I moved from the sin of pride and slowly learned some humility. These were not willing moves, but ones that grew out of the mission that God had set before me.

I was blessed to watch my children grow in virtue too. They catered to their grandpa’s needs even when they were tired, cranky or had other things to do. They casually tossed off hurtful comments that the Chief might make out of his own frustration or pain. They put themselves and their own desires second to his.  I grew by watching their outstanding example.

So, to my friend’s question about how to increase in virtue; I think that if we simply pray for this, God will provide the opportunities in the most unlikely places. Maybe in the care of a sick relative, the daily work of parenthood or through the struggles of our careers. He will make sure that if our desire is true and our hearts are open, we will grow in virtue.  I still have a long, long way to go, but I trust that God isn't done with me yet.  God bless.