The Installation 10 Years Ago

The Archdiocese of Chicago formally welcomed its new leader, Blase Cupich, when he was installed as Archbishop of Chicago 10 years ago today, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, succeeding Cardinal George.  His appointment had been announced about 2 months prior.

One specific line part of his homily stood out to me.  He described a story about an exchange he had with a teacher, and used that as context for how to respond to the need for evangelization.  In light of shifts in the church leading people to depart, then-Archbishop Cupich said the following:

"Jesus tells all of us today to go back to where our journey of faith began, to be in touch with the joyful experience of being transformed by the intimacy God offers us, to be willing to share it with the next generation. Young people have always been attracted to authenticity of life, where words match deeds. Let’s not be afraid to let our young people know about our life with God and how it began. Like Marie Walsh, let’s stay close to them, so close that we can hold them by the neck, and tell them what it means for us to believe, and share with them how the Gospel has brought joy and meaning to us and transformed our lives. Such witness of personal faith many times has made the skeptic take a second look, has inspired vocations, and in my experience, animates our advocacy on behalf of human dignity with joy and compassion, purifying it of anger, harshness, and fear."

I was in my second year of teaching Religious Education.  When I heard those words, I took it as a mandate to do my part in helping encourage the young people in my class to encounter God and to do so by sharing how God has worked in my life.  While class involves learning church doctrine and practices, I've come to realize that an integral part of what I do is testifying to how God has worked in my life, and offering such testimony makes a profound impact.  I wasn't that far removed from my college years, when God did extraordinary works in my life, especially through my participation in St. Teresa's.  It was only fitting that as I considered what to do with my life following college, I would become a catechist/teacher to channel my newfound zeal for faith, taking the gift of faith that had been shaped in so many ways and handing it on to the next generation.

Perhaps that's why, even though I never dreamed of becoming a catechist growing up, it feels like a dream job come true.  I've found such passion and purpose as I live God's dream for my life.