Am I unqualified to be a Catechist?

[WrestledwithGod]

Not sure if this is the right section but here it is.

I have been pushed into the role of catechist involuntarily. I have knowledge and experience that I am able to use to teach if needed, but I do not believe that I am qualified to be in this position because of one major struggle.

I have struggled with clinical depression for 13 years now, and still struggle with suicidual thoughts and thoughts of self harm—actual incidents of self harm are rare now.

But the struggle is… I know that I know more than most catechisms at our parish. So I am equipped to teach this class in that sense. But I don’t have the conviction to teach the faith to these kids with all that I struggle with. Furthermore, I got pushed into it because they couldn’t find anyone else to teach this class.

Thoughts and advice are sought and appreciated.

 

[LoyalViews]

OP, if you do not think you are qualified please tell your parish priest. But first stop and meditate on it. Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, urges us to forfeit our duties to those we know can do them better, in the instance that they are assigned to us. Only in the matter of urgency ought you consider continuing, according to him.

While this is good advice in the business or military world, even the political, you might have been given this duty from a power much higher than this world. It seems to have fallen in your lap, and you seem to know more than any other in the parish. Your depression is the cross you have to carry. Thus, you seem to have gained another kilo or three on the wood of your cross.

Pray to Our Lady, and ask for her help. Carry on your catechetical position, because this might be exactly where your gifts to the Church might magnify the glory of our Almighty God, whose ways are not ours. Remember that.

You have to consider the possibilities ahead. How many youngsters will attribute their faith to your education? The fact that you consulted us on a Catholic forum says a lot more about you than most catechists I know, who are still reading The Tablet from 1976 for catechetical advice.

I Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

Could it be that this is part of your race? God’s plan for you? Or perhaps it’s not - perhaps it is a test for you. Perhaps it will cause great suffering, which you can unite to Christ on the cross. Only you will know. I think that you’ll gain a great insight into your own suffering and into the weakness of young people. Because of you they will learn to be strong and to muster up the courage to stay free of sin, to frequent the sacraments, and to rely on the comfort and assistance of God’s grace.

Suicidal thoughts are a part of the situation. You are doing well now. Perhaps this is the medicine. Perhaps it’s not. However, keep your head up and pray and pray and pray. Even talk to your parish priest, and ask why he thinks you might be so qualified for this position. Ask him for your prayers, and let him know about your struggles. He will help you as well, I would hope.

 

[WrestledwithGod]

At our diocese, the pastor does not take reaponsibility of catechesis. A laity titled the Cathecism coordinator is in charge of faith formation. It was this person who sought my help.

 

[JanSobieskiIII]

But first stop and meditate on it. Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, urges us to forfeit our duties to those we know can do them better

This. If there is someone better for the job, insist they get it. Do not accept the position if there’s anyone better qualified.

If there’s not, accept your duty and do it.

 

[Jas31784]

The state of Catechis in the Church I don’t think it matters.
CCD was what drove me from the Church as a teenager.
I think kids are better off without it. Or at least a total reform in how it is done.
I can go on about this but I already made the sad truth.

As for your problems, so? The Apostles had issues. Saint Paul spoke of that thorn God wouldn’t take away. He didn’t just give up. Sometimes it’s our problems that make you more relatable to teenagers or kids. No-one wants some mister Rogers type that is unrelatable to them.