Help for Catechists: February 2008

Healing Our Own Hearts

By Mary Lou Rosien

Just because we are catechists doesn’t mean we are always whole or holy. Sometimes, we are just as broken or bruised as any of those in the flock. As catechists though, we can turn to our God and our faith to make us whole again.

1/ Evaluate: What has gone wrong? Is it an obvious hurt, such as a death or divorce? Perhaps a more subtle brokenness: low energy, loss of interest, or stress. Taking an inventory of what needs fixing is a good place to start. Consider keeping a quick log or diary of the things that make you unhappy during your day and what things bring you peace and joy.

2/ Education: Search out information that can help us. Is there a church lead grief support group? Look up Bible passages that address your difficulties. Investigate organizers in your area to clean the clutter in your home. All these can be important resources when we struggle.

A trip to confession and a consult with your parish priest can often start you onto the right path. Consider a retreat to get back perspective or bring some peace. Frequent Mass and Communion will give you spiritual strength and guidance. Visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at Adoration and pour out your troubles to Him. As the old joke goes, “Don’t stay up and worry about your problems. Give them to God, He’s up already!”

3/ Experience: Jump into life, take action and change your situation! One of the most stressful things about life is feeling like we can’t change it. Action, by it’s nature, helps us change. I recently spent a few days reorganizing some spaces in my house. Sounds like a little thing, but it was transforming! I felt productive, hopeful and energized just by taking action. Taking action in our spiritual lives can have the same effect.

Most importantly, remember that God is the only one who can make us whole. He often chooses our weakness moments, when we are finally open to His transforming love to do so. Opening our hearts and minds to His healing love can help us to have more experience, understanding and love to give to our students. God bless you.

“If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away, see everything has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 54:4,7

Mary Lou Rosien writes from N. Chili, NY. She is the author of Managing Stress with the Help of your Catholic Faith (OSV). Email her at mrosien@rochester.rr.com.