When catechists develop various creative ways of bringing alive the message of Jesus, more people are able to connect that message with their lived experiences. Catechists who enable others to connect faith with their life experiences have a clearer understanding of the social context in which they live. True catechesis leads people to intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and moves them to continuing conversion. While materials and methodology are important factors in catechesis, at times they are overemphasized. The General Directory for Catechesis reflects the important role of the catechist.
People seem to understand the role of the priest or religious in religious formation.
Yet all involved in catechesis have specific gifts that they bring to the task. Lay people bring to the ministry unique charisms. By virtue of their baptism, lay catechists have a right and responsibility to catechize. More emphasis should be placed on the skills of the catechist than on the texts, scheduling, and methodology. Some are innate, and some can be learned and developed.