"It's been the most amazing faith journey I've ever taken. Absolutely incredible!"

The words of newly-commissioned master catechist Kathleen Flood from St. Bartholomew Church, Long Beach, reflected the enthusiasm and happiness felt by hundreds of their colleagues at having completed their formation program, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education.

On Sept. 9, the trio were among more than 1,000 catechists from across the Archdiocese gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the annual Service of Prayer and Commissioning. In addition to master catechists, those completing studies in basic catechism, Youth Ministry and programs in Spanish (in Advanced Bible Study, Animators of Biblical Studies and the Instituto Pastoral y Evangelizacion) received certificates.

"It is a wonderful moment for us to be able again to commission people to go forth and share the Good News," said Religious Sister of Charity Sister Edith Prendergast, ORE director, "especially at this time in our church and our world. I think we need good news. And this is all great news for us."

During his reflection in Spanish and English, Cardinal Roger Mahony noted that, with Catholics comprising almost one-half of greater Los Angeles population, catechizing is "a huge task."

"By receiving the gift of faith," he said, "we have the responsibility of proclaiming the word. It is by means of our baptism that we learn to live the life of Jesus Christ - for it is "un gran gracia [a great grace] to bring the word of Jesus and live it authentically." Like Sister Prendergast, the cardinal thanked the new catechists "for going forward to live out and proclaim the Good News."

Master catechists Kathleen and Ted Flood from St. Bartholomew, and Suzette Sornborger from St. Anastasia, Westchester, reflected the enthusiasm and happiness they felt at having completed their program. "You learn a lot about yourself in the process," said Sornberger.

They praised the program led by Father David Loftus --- "a great leader with a great vision for what this program should be" --- and the quality of presenters, which included Michael Horan, Father Richard Benson, Bishop Sylvester Ryan, Sister Rose Pacatte, Sister Gretchen Hailer and Tom Zanzig.

The Floods echoed words also expressed by Miguel Angel and Argie Ajcu of La Placita Church, Los Angeles: "We went through this as a couple and you can't believe how we grew as a couple."

A team of eight catechists from Assumption Church, Pasadena, excitedly described their "new" program in the parish, which emphasizes a team approach. "We are so full of the Spirit," said Mo Huckler, one of the eight commissioned. "We are so excited to be here. We have an awesome pastor who is totally supporting us. Our team motto is 'community in unity.'"

Assumption's religious education program includes at least two catechists in every class, from pre-school (ages 3, 4, 5) to eighth grade. "We have a vision, a mission statement," said Huckler. "We work with the parish, school and community. And we are just beginning."