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Greetings!
“In this regard, as catechists you are those disciples of Jesus who become his witnesses. The name of your ministry comes from the Greek verb katēchein, which means ‘to teach aloud, to make resound.’ This means that the catechist is a person of the word – a word that he or she pronounces with his or her own life” (Pope Leo XIV, 28 September 2025).
Having returned from our retreat a little more than a week ago, I found Pope Leo’s homily this past Sunday, preached on the Jubilee of Catechists, especially enlightening. Among the many responsibilities of Catholic school educators, at the heart of our vocation is the call to be catechists. In choosing this ministry, we embrace the task of witnessing to the Good News through the example of our lives.
In a troubled time, the catechist’s witness resounds, reminding those we accompany of the hope found in Jesus, alive and risen. As Pope Leo concluded, “[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.” Through our teaching and our presence, we leave a mark.
Why take time to grow in this role? Because it allows us to “[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” (St. Augustine, Instructing Beginners in Faith, 4, 8).
Thank you for all the many ways you leave a mark in the lives of our students.
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We have opened our registration for our annual meeting of principals and pastoral leadership. Our meeting this year will be held at St. Thomas in Tukwila, on Thursday, October 23. In addition to our outreach, please personally extend this invitation to your pastor.
In addition to the leadership pairing of the pastor and principal, if you would find it helpful, you may choose to extend the invitation to another member of the parish leadership, such as a parochial vicar, a DOO or PAA, or your School Commission Chair.
Please take a moment to register here.
With gratitude,
NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle
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