Thursday, 06 September 2012 08:45

The first Immaculate Heart of Mary Catechetical Institute, a collaboration between the diocesan Office of Faith Formation and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, attracted attendees from 10 parishes.
The institute, designed to help participants teach the faith and deepen their own faith, was held this past summer on four Saturdays at St. Joseph Parish, Wichita.
Sherry Talbot, a catechist from St. Anne Parish, Wichita, was enthusiastic about the content of the classes.
“The Sisters’ classes were very informative. I walked away with the deep thought that our goal is the passing of knowledge geared to the children so that their active participation in the sacraments will help them with their ultimate goal: getting to heaven.”
Talbot said she also learned that catechists must get their own prayer life on track before they try to teach others how to pray. “It is never about what’s most convenient for us, but what is best for the children.”
She said she appreciated Sr. Mary Clare’s class, in which she learned how to make easy, yet beautifully made, crafts with easily accessible resources.
The Catechetical Institute was held in the Parish Hall with classes on methodology in the morning and content in the afternoon. Sister Mary Ann Kirkland, taught the Creed in the afternoon session. The morning presenters for methodology were Sr. Mary Faustina Bean, Sr. Maria Jacinta Weide, Sr. Mary Clare Johnson, and Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding.
The philosophy of the Catechetical Institute is reflected by something the late Blessed John Paul II wrote: “The more the Church gives catechesis priority over other works, the more she finds a strengthening of her internal life as a community of believers and of her external activity as a missionary church.”
Mother Mary Magdalene, general superior of the IHM Sisters, concluded, “We want to do all we can to help catechists form Christ in those entrusted to them, as well as be able to instruct their students in authentic Church teachings.”