Now, almost two months into The Basilica’s faith formation year, our preschool through high school-aged students have been led by a group of dedicated volunteer catechists who share their time every week to grow and develop the faith of our youngest parish members. At the Jubilee of Catechists Holy Mass in September 2025, Pope Leo XIV described catechists as “those disciples of Jesus who become his witnesses.” As such, a “catechist is a person of the word – a word that he or she pronounces with his or her own life.” He describes parents as the first catechists: “it happens where we live, above all in our homes, around the family table. When there is a voice, a gesture, a face that leads to Christ, the family experiences the beauty of the Gospel.”
Pope Leo says this is the work that involves the whole Church, and dedicated catechists fill a vital role helping families in the work of developing Christian disciples. “Catechists accompany us in our faith, sharing in this lifelong journey,” he says. “This is how catechists teach – literally in Italian, by ‘leaving a mark.’ When we teach the faith, we do not merely give instructions, but we place the word of life in hearts, so that it may bear the fruits of a good life.”
This year, there is a wonderful mix of both experienced catechists and new volunteers. Our cohort of experienced catechists includes current and retired teachers, a school principal, and volunteers with degrees in Catholic Studies or Religious Studies. Additionally, several new catechists have stepped up this year, bringing fresh energy to our faith formation program. One says, “I love the rich community and tradition I’ve found at The Basilica and am so happy to be able to give back by exploring our beautiful Catholic faith with your teens,” and another says, “I am excited and happy to see where this year will lead as I learn more about The Basilica, other catechists, and especially the kids.”
We are also blending our established curriculum, primarily from Loyola Press, with additional hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Many of the grades participated in lessons about icons, including special icon processions in the school, and celebrated Dia de los Muertos in conjunction with All Saints and All Souls’ Day. Dr. Johan van Parys brought volumes of the Saint John’s Bible for our fourth and fifth graders to view firsthand, and second graders practiced various prayers on a walkable rosary path. Plus, all preschool though fifth grade students continue to be enriched with excellent music and liturgical catechesis every week led by Mackenzie Kloempken. A fourth grader described reading the Gospel for his class directly from the Saint John’s Bible as a “once in a lifetime opportunity!” (He also remembered Johan’s comment that the calligraphers’ script is far better than Johan’s own handwriting.)
Families are supported with resources to incorporate catechesis at home. Our school resource room offers a lending library, holy water, rosaries, prayer guides, and other resources for use at home. A regular e-newsletter offers additional information and other tidbits about parish events, the liturgical year, papal quotes, and saints of the week that families can use in conversation and catechesis as busy schedules allow. “The newsletter is meaningful and engaging,” one parent commented, “helping busy, young families to make all of this work.”
Looking forward, we have family events in Teresa of Calcutta Hall with the full parish invited. This morning, November 9, at 11:00 am, is our inaugural Family Brunch, where families are invited for an extended time of fellowship and community. Our preschool through fifth graders will also share prelude music before the Noon Mass.
Please look further in the bulletin for information on our Advent Wreath Event on Sunday, November 30 (the First Sunday of Advent) at 11 am. This is a multi-generational event where guests of all ages are invited to gather together to make Advent wreaths, which will be blessed by Fr. Daniel at the end of the event. And on Sunday, December 21, at 11:00am, our preschool through fifth graders will share a Christmas Music Extravaganza in the lower level. Please join us for any of these events to share in the formation of our youngest parish members.
Pope Leo XIV shared with the catechists gathered in Rome, “To Deacon Deogratias, who asked him how to be a good catechist, Saint Augustine replied: ‘Explain everything in such a way that the one who listens to you, by listening may believe; by believing may hope; and by hoping may love.’” To our students, our families, our volunteer catechists, and the entire parish community: thank you for your involvement with The Basilica’s faith formation program. Thank you for ‘leaving a mark.’
Melissa Streit
Director of Engagement and Family Life