An Echo of Love

A Reflection on Catechesis

St. John Baptist de La Salle’s distinctive education engages students though their hearts,
establishes them in the faith, and equips them to face what lies ahead, allowing them to be
empowered to empower their own families, communities, nations, and world. It instills values of
faith, service, and communion in such a way that it allows students a platform in the process of
learning in terms of faith with action, such as catechesis based on catechism. Derived from the
Greek verb “to echo”, catechism has always revolved around people echoing the faith in their
own lives as they learn. As a student myself, I have been given opportunities for catechesis and
guidance throughout my stay in DLSU; the most recent one being part of my CL third trimester.
It was definitely a breath of fresh air each and every time: new challenges that always come with
new learnings which I wish to bring with me forever.

First, I learned more about being prepared at all times. This comes with great planning
and preparation mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Before stepping into the
classroom, I also learned to be prepared through lesson plans as guides. In catechesis, oral
teaching is the main focus. In addition to that, I learned to prepare for storytelling in my lesson
plan. A great storytelling is the most effective way to send a message since the ancient times.
The prizes and visual aids are just extra. A great storytelling is interactive and it engages the
mind creatively even in its simplest and purest form.

Furthermore, I learned that I should be prepared for impromptu just like in life. A million
things can happen as a catechist in a room filled with future leaders, also known as kids, so it is
important to know and be comfortable with that fact. I know that I can never be a hundred
percent prepared for life, but at least I have plans. I can apply that lesson as a catechist in terms
of my own life too, such as in education, career, business, and finances.

Second, I learned to be creative as a catechist. I learned to instill values through play and
interaction. During the catechesis, our team conducted games and activities. Through these, the
kids learned to say ‘thank you’, ‘please’, and ‘sorry’, because inevitable events happen all the
time. Some kids accidentally hurt each other among other things, so they learn to forgive, ask for
forgiveness, and the like. The kids mostly learned about dealing with people, which they will
need in life. In addition, it is amazing to see kids learn about respect. It is also amazing to see
kids build their confidence and express themselves creatively.

Furthermore, I learned to always find unique and unconventional ways to do things and
to act on those ideas. I found that I can learn in the process, even in “crazy” events just like in
my catechesis experience. Life is crazy as well, so I learned to just keep on growing and find
mentors who can also share their life and help me along the way.

Last, I learned more about connecting with the kids and building them up, which is the
goal of teaching. I learned to engage with them through and being in the moment with them:
laughing in fun times, asking them questions, and sharing stories. To be honest, there was the
feeling of nervousness as a catechist, because I understood the weight of standing in front of the
class. I am not talking about public speaking. I am speaking about the great responsibility of
sowing seeds into the lives of the kids that is why there is that burden. By God’s grace, our team
was able to engage with the kids in the process of catechesis though cut short by global events.

In the previous lessons I have learned, I talked more about applying lessons to the self.
My third point is about building people up. I learned about applying the things I’ve learned so
far. I learned more to connect and share. I know that it is the kids’ decision to take the values
presented to them, but what I can do is to sow seeds of love towards them. I learned more about
being an encouragement to people and being a light. It can be difficult especially in certain
situations, but it is possible through God’s wisdom and grace.

The goal of catechesis is always to point the children to Jesus in all the stories and games.
Let them forget all the games and prizes, but never about God’s love for them. God’s love is the
biggest takeaway the kids could ever have. The same applies for catechists. As a catechist, I also
grow and do the things I thought I could never by God’s grace. I do hope and pray that these
learnings will be in my heart and the kids’ hearts, so that the true meaning of catechism, “to
echo”, can resonate and impact lives one way or another.

April 04, 2020

Andrea Beverly I. Tan
ABM 12A