Wes Stettner had a great experience with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults — so much so that, despite his busy life, he wanted to give back. He now serves as a catechist for seventh to ninth-grade Faith Formation. He teaches every other Wednesday evening because he works the other Wednesdays.
Although Wes is busy with family and his career, it’s important to him that he gives back to our parish. He can’t teach every week, but it’s worked well with a co-teacher arrangement — Asha Godfrey serves as his co-teacher. Wes advises his fellow parishioners to not let potential barriers stop them from getting involved in a ministry — it can be worked out.
“This is a great way to give back to the Church because there is a huge need for catechists,” Wes says. “Catechists are needed to help pass on the faith to the younger generations.”
Like all ministries, being involved is not always easy. But Wes feels it’s rewarding to pass on the faith to our youth. For him, it’s most gratifying to see the youth excited about learning the faith.
“I enjoy seeing their knowledge about Jesus and the Church grow throughout the year,” he says.
This year, Wes, Asha, and their classes went through particular formation programs. They spent five weeks studying Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed from Ascension Press. This study is meant to draw youth toward a deeper appreciation of the Mass.
“Altaration revealed the deeper meanings of the Mass and the ‘why’ behind the Mass and what is going on during the Mass,” Wes says.
The second program study was Echo, a 12-part program that emphasizes certain stories of the Bible starting at Genesis and ending with the Gospels and the start of the Church. Students learned Lectio Divina and would imagine themselves in the scene of a specific Bible verse. Then, they recreated the event in a drawing.
“Both of these programs were very informative and completely different,” Wes says.
Wes appreciates how the three parishes at Holy Family Area Catholic Community can work together to offer better programs than if one parish acted alone. He’s enjoyed having youth from other parishes join the St. Joseph program at times. As far as he’s concerned, the more the merrier.
In addition to his involvement as a catechist, Wes also serves on the Maintenance Committee.