The Outcome

The consulatation accomplished it's two objectives.

• First, it examined and emphasized the vocation and importance of catechists in the Church. This was done through the presentations of nationally renowned theologians and through the small group discussions that followed.
• Second, it surfaced different types of effective catechetical approaches being used in Latino communities in the United States. Thirteen catechists spoke about their ministry with adults, children, and families in a variety of cultures and the challenges they encounter. These presentations were also followed by small group discussions.

Soy catequista was designed to engage the wisdom of each person in attendance. This included the presenters or animadores—the animators of discussion, and the catechists who gave the brief testimonios about the effectiveness of their catechetical programs in Latino communities. But the consultation itself is just the first step. All who were present have been challenged to share the vision and the wisdom of the presentations with the people in their dioceses and parish communities.

Summarizing the proceedings, Father Virgilio Elizondo, Professor of Theology at Notre Dame, described it as "a pivotal event." The fifty-five participants left the meeting enlightened and impassioned about the potential to invigorate catechetical ministry in the United States.