Finding a Deeper Relationship with Christ

In celebration of Religious Education Month this November, the Diocese of Manchester is honoring those who have brought the Good News of Jesus Christ’s message to many new generations of Catholics. In a four-part series this month we will ask some of our Catechetical Leaders to talk about what their ministry means to them. Our series begins with Sister Lucie Ducas, CSC, Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education, St. Mary, Rochester

Sr. Lucie has spent more than 50 years as a woman religious. Part of her commitment to following in the path of Christ was to become involved in religious education. Sister Lucie has a Masters Degree in Education and diocesan certification as a Director of Religious Education. Her ministry currently includes involvement in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process, ministry with Catholics returning to the church, and various outreach programs in the community.

What brought about your long term commitment to parish catechetical ministry?

Two things led me to catechetical ministry. When I first entered religious life 53 years ago, sisters taught what we then called “CCD” on Saturday mornings. I particularly noticed that at First Eucharist time, children not attending parochial schools – that is, those who were in public schools – were just put at the end of the line and seemed to indicate a lower status. I resolved to not let that happen on my watch. I wanted each religious education student to fully appreciate the catechism. This led to my decision toward full-time catechetical ministry.

What is one of the most significant changes you have seen in religious education over the years?

The most significant changes have been changing from “Scope and Sequence” materials to programs including more Scripture and experience such as Lectionary Based Catechesis and even more recently Life Long Faith Formation. The latter has been a challenge to organize and implement but it comes with the promise of great rewards in community-building. It also can build a deeper relationship with Christ through "Breaking Open the Word," as an example.

How did you become involved in RCIA ministry and what do you value most about it?

Involvement in RCIA was a natural flow of my ministry. It is the most valuable process I have ever undertaken. Through it we see individuals – shy, fearful of expressing themselves, unsure of what being a Catholic is all about – blossom through a spiritual conversion that extends itself to team members and sponsors alike. Each year brings its challenges, but also a wonderful transformation that leads to a closer relationship to God, through Scripture, sacraments and service. What a joy and celebration at the Easter Vigil!

Evangelization is an important dimension of all that we do as church. How have you reached out to Catholics who may have left the church or do not participate in parish life?

Outreach is done through media sources, parish bulletins and word-of-mouth. The most important source has been through parents bringing children in for baptism who are either not married or one party is not baptized or has lapsed in church participation.

How do you think the church can best encourage or involve all members in the work of evangelization?

I believe very hopefully that evangelization will be increased as more and more parishes involve church members in Life Long Faith Formation. As one experiences a deeper relationship with the Lord through Scripture and faith encounters, there will be greater enthusiasm to involve others through evangelization.