Approximately 600 catechists, master catechists and others who had participated in the Instituto Pastoral and formation in the Bible received archdiocesan certification at the annual Catechist Commissioning liturgy Sept. 11 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

"It is very exciting to see so many people willing to spend their time and their energy; it is very encouraging," said Religious Sister of Charity Edith Prendergast, director of the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. "It is in keeping with the archdiocesan Synod and the vision of the Synod in the area of evangelization, leadership formation and training."

With Catechetical Sunday scheduled Sept. 18 (see adjacent article), Sister Prendergast called this year's theme, "Life In Christ," most appropriate. "I think it is a wonderful theme, calling us to be rooted in Christ --- or, as Colossians talks about, 'built upright and held firm by the faith we have been taught and full of thanksgiving.'

"That could be our mantra for the year," she added, "that we be rooted in Christ and the faith, especially at a time in our world and the church and in the aftermath of Katrina which tells us how vulnerable we are."

Master catechists who took part in last Sunday's commissioning ceremony Sunday had all completed a three-year course of studies that included a full year of theology, a year of catechetics and another year of practicum. "It is pretty intensive training," said Father David Loftus, adult education coordinator in the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. "These are the folks who will wind up teaching the teachers. We try our best to prepare them according to the guidelines of the bishops."

In his reflection on St. Paul's letter to the Romans, Cardinal Roger Mahony emphasized the importance of the work done by catechists in today's world. St. Paul asked in his letter, "And how are they to believe in one of whom they never heard?"

"How are they going to hear the Good News unless someone proclaims it to them?" the cardinal asked the catechists. "And how is someone going to proclaim them unless they are called and sent forth? Today all of you are all being called and sent forth in this wonderful way to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to be an inspiration through your words, your lives and your actions."

Among those receiving certification master catechists Bobby Vidal from Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Church in Santa Clarita, and Carolyn James from St. Bernadette Church in Los Angeles, reflected the diversity of background of the catechists. Vidal --- DRE for his "vibrant" parish --- works with 400 volunteers and found the program vital to his ministry.

"I think the Master Catechist Program really helped me to minister to people, and look beyond numbers," he said. "It helped me see the importance of formation and that it is vital in bringing Christ to people, that I myself have to be formed as a person."

James, who leads Christian initiation and adult Bible study at St. Bernadette, already has a master's in religious studies, but she found that the master catechist program complements her degree and gave her something special. "It put everything I was doing into practice," she said. "It was practical and fulfilling. You can never get enough knowledge."