Catechists Equipped to Explain Reason for Their Hope at Convocation

In today's world, as people spread the Gospel message, people may rebuff them and demand to "show me the reason for your hope." Catechesis and evangelization require a knowledge and love of the Lord that speaks of a hope rooted in trust and confidence in God.

Catechists in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered in a convocation to be renewed in faith and hope as they prepared for a new year as missionary disciples. The event took place Aug. 23 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge. Its theme was “Always be Ready to Give an Explanation …  a Reason for Your Hope” (1 Pt 3:15).

The catechists expressed their eagerness to gather information to help them effectively minister to others.

The convocation is a "do not miss" gathering for Rita White, who teaches grades 5-6 at the parish school of religion of Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge. 
Top right photo: Catechists converged at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge for the convocation.
Above photo: Bishop Michael G. Duca was joined by clergy of the diocese in celebrating Mass at the Convocation of Catechists. Photos by Trey Weaver | Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Baton Rouge
"You should never stop learning and keep growing and strengthening your relationship with God," said White. "We always get new and innovative ideas when we come to these meetings. I will take home things that I will be able to use in my classroom with my children."

Angela Tovar, faith formation coordinator at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales, looked forward to beginning the year on a faith journey with other catechists.

"It's also a pleasure to be here with Father Josh (Johnson, pastor of Sacred Heart) and Bishop (Michael G.) Duca," Tovar added.

Following Mass celebrated by Bishop Duca, Dr. Christopher Ragusa, professor of moral theology at FranU, gave a presentation based on the convocation's theme. 

Ragusa began by defining the word logos. In Catholic theology, the concept of logos refers to Jesus Christ as the "Word" or "Reason" of God.
Dr. Christopher Ragusa talks about hope as a theological virtue.Father Josh Johnson answers questions during the "Ask Fr. Josh" session of the day.
Ragusa spotlighted the Gospel of John, which begins with, "In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God. Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him."

"St. John the Evangelist at the outset of his Gospel identifies God's eternal word, the logos, through which all things were made and revealed with Jesus," Ragusa said.

He emphasized that Jesus is the logos for evangelization and catechesis. All discussions, time, and activities must be devoted to helping others know Jesus.

Referring to the Directory for Catechesis (DC) Ragusa said evangelizing and catechizing others must include the proclamation of the kerygma. According to the DC, "The kerygma ... is an act of proclamation and the proclamation itself, which unveils the Gospel and makes it present." 
Dina Dow, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, welcomes attendees to the convocation.Just as it takes practice to excel in sports and music, it takes practice to be effective at proclaiming the kerygma.  It involves sharing life experiences and leading people in practicing their faith. It also involves teaching from the heart as well as the head.

"Then the Gospel is good, not only for those who have never heard it, but it's good for us to hear it again and again and proclaim it again and again," Ragusa said.

Ragusa’s statements resonated with Chad Nelson, OCIA volunteer at St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville.

"It's not just head knowledge, but it's something you live out in your life. You're teaching theology by head knowledge, but also heart knowledge, by example," said Nelson.

Ragusa further looked at what hope is and what it is not.  

Hope is not optimism based on present or future circumstances or human effort.

"Hope is a virtue. It's not an inborn personality and trait," said Dr. Ragusa ... "Virtues are not our personal temperament."
Bishop Michael G. Duca delivers the homily during the Mass.
Hope is cultivated and focused explicitly on God. People want to spend time with him, love the things that he loves, and love God in all things.

"Hope flows from this," Ragusa said.

This hope and love for the Lord will prompt people to spread the Gospel despite opposition, noted Ragusa.

In Jesus, people are called to live for the kingdom as priests, prophets, and kings, and share his vision, according to Ragusa. 

Through prayer, courage, and hope, God lives in people, and they are ready to give an explanation for their hope.
Attendees were attentive and taking notes during the presentations.
"Be a witness as somebody who is undaunted --- and smiling. Hope is, regardless of the passage of this world, in the love of Jesus Christ,” said Ragusa.

Father Johnson answered questions from attendees during an "Ask Fr. Josh" segment of the day. 

The convocation concluded with Bishop Duca blessing the catechists, who then went forth to their mission fields in the diocese.