Catechist Stream is a new series devoted to catechists that addresses current catechetical issues, events, and strategies. Being a Catholic catechist is about being faithful disciples who often “swim upstream” in their efforts to share the countercultural message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Catechist Stream helps you to become more informed and prepared to swim upstream!
Catechist Stream is designed to support a community of practitioners through conversations that address current catechetical issues, events, and personalities.
The fish is an ancient symbol in Christianity, representing one’s affiliation as a disciple. Being a Catholic catechist is about being faithful disciples, often having to “swim upstream” in their efforts to share the countercultural message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, as the new Directory for Catechesis teaches, the gospel message must be an inculturated one; that is, shared in a way that reflects the values, modes, and customs of contemporary cultures. Catechist Stream is a contemporary and dynamic way to encounter culture, share the gospel message, and support catechists.
Steve Botsford is a convert to the Catholic faith tradition since 1992. He served as a parish youth minister and director of religious education for over 10 years. He holds a Master of Religious Education from Loyola University, a Church Management Certification from Villa Nova University, and is a certified Master Catechist in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Steve worked on the Digital Discipleship Network team developing the Digital Discipleship Competencies, or technology competency standards for Digital Discipleship. He runs a blog for integrating technology with catechesis at www.transformingcatechesis.com, and is the host of the Transforming Catechesis Podcast which is devoted to helping catechetical leaders by hearing from practitioners in the field who provide information, inspiration, and the motivation needed to transform catechesis. He also created FeastDay! The Liturgical Year Board Game, a teaching game for learning about Jesus and the Church year. Steve has been married for 22 years and is a parent of three. Steve’s hobbies include playing bass guitar at the teen mass and at local clubs.
Matt Halbach
Ordained in 2018 for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA, Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD is the Executive Director of Catechesis for William H. Sadlier, Inc. and a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis. Deacon Halbach is also a member of the USCCB National Advisory Council (2019-2023). He earned his Ph.D. in Catechetics from The Catholic University of America in 2014, and is a reviewer for the university’s International Journal of Evangelization and Catechesis. Deacon Halbach is a husband and father of six children.
The New Directory for Catechesis: Highlights for and Summaries for Catechists and Pastoral Leaders