Who is a Consecrated Marian Catechist?

A Consecrated Marian Catechist is a member of the National Marian Catechist Apostolate who is a firm believer in the Catholic Faith, has completed the required doctrinal and spiritual formation, and has made the Solemn Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with the approbation of the International Director.

As Cardinal Burke explains, “The Consecration made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, signifies our desire to love Christ more, and our dedication to bring Christ to others.

Consecration Requirements

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary is made in a spirit of love for God and for neighbor. It is a generous gift of self to the service of Christ and His Church. The consecration requirements are not arbitrary. They are planned and implemented according to the requirements of Church law, under the direction of His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal. Burke, the International Director and Episcopal Moderator of the Marian Catechist Apostolate. Requirements include:

  • The habitual exercise of the spiritual practices of the Marian Catechist, as described in the Marian Catechist Manual;
    1. Mass and Holy Communion - daily
    2. The Holy Rosary (five decades) - daily
    3. Morning Offering - daily
    4. Angelus - twice a day
    5. Way of the Cross (done in church, if possible) - daily
    6. Spiritual Reading - 15 minutes a day
    7. Meditation (may be on Scripture using lectio divina or prayerful reflection on the spiritual reading) - 15 minutes a day
    8. Examination of Conscience /Act of Contrition - each evening before retiring
    9. Sacrament of Confession - every two weeks
    10. Memorare for the intentions of our International Director - daily
  • Completion of the Basic and Advanced Catholic Catechism Courses;
  • Completion of the Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis along with the questions on the Commentary;
  • Completion of the Thirty-day At-home Ignatian Retreat through the National Office of the Marian Catechist Apostolate.
  • A letter requesting consecration sent to the Episcopal Moderator by May 1st of the year in which consecration or renewal of consecration is desired.

When should the Consecration be made?

According to our Statutes, the Solemn Consecration is to be made on the day chosen each year by the International Director. Those who are unable to make or renew their consecration on the specified day must request a dispensation as part of their annual letter requesting consecration.

Members of the Marian Catechist Apostolate may request Consecration after completing all of the requirements for doctrinal formation, after making the 30-Day Ignatian Retreat through the National Office of the Apostolate, and when faithfully observing all the spiritual practices of the Marian Catechist.

What is my commitment after Consecration?

The Consecration commitment is made for a one year period. It may be renewed annually and is not binding under penalty of sin. It does not possess the canonical status of a solemn vow.

A Consecrated Marian Catechist commits to:

  • leading an exemplary life.
  • carrying out all of the Spiritual Practices listed above to the best of his or her ability according to his or her state in life.
  • deepening his or her understanding of the Catholic Faith, as contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and as taught by the Church’s Magisterium under the Vicar of Christ.
  • an ongoing, individual, sharing of the true Faith with others.
  • devoting some time each week working in the apostolate of catechesis.
  • cooperating with other Marian Catechists in disseminating the revealed truths of the Catholic Faith to others, according to the catechetical and pedagogical principles and norms set forth in the General Directory for Catechesis.
  • following the directives of the International Director and his delegates.

How do I make or renew my Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

CONSECRATION CHECK LIST

  1. Are you a registered member of the Marian Catechist Apostolate?
  2. Are you a firm believer in the Catholic Faith?
  3. Do you habitually complete all of the Spiritual practices of the Marian Catechist?
  4. Are you engaged in some form of catechetical activity?
  5. Have you successfully completed the Ignatian 30-day at-home Retreat through the National Office, and according to the guidelines established by our International Director, His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke?
  6. Have you successfully completed Father John A. Hardon’s Basic and Advanced courses and sent copies of the certificates of completion to the National Office?
  7. Have you studied Cardinal Burke's Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis and submitted the answers to the study questions to the National Office for correction?

Upon completion of all of the above, you may request to make your Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

  • All persons desiring to make their Consecration must receive approval from Cardinal Burke.  To obtain his approval, a formal letter indicating your desire for consecration and describing your present or future work in catechesis must be submitted to the National Office of the Marian Catechist Apostolate on or before May 1st of the year in which Consecration or renewal of Consecration is desired.
  • Once approved, the Consecration is to be made in a solemn ceremony, ideally after the homily during Holy Mass, on the day chosen by the International Director. It is to be witnessed either by the International Director or by a priest approved by him.
  • Consecration certificates and pins will be distributed to those who make their First Consecration.
  • Any questions about Solemn Consecration can be directed to the National Office.

Sample letter requesting Consecration

Sample Letter—please type

Your name
Your address
Your phone number
Date

His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
International Director of the Marian Catechist Apostolate
1032 Caledonia Street
La Crosse, WI 54603

Your Eminence,

For First Consecration:

I am requesting your permission and blessing to be consecrated as (an active or a contemplative) Marian Catechist with you on (date) in La Crosse OR at (church name, priest’s name and address). I intend to continue to share and teach the Faith by (state catechetical work). (If needed, also include your request for a date change, the requested date and the reason for the change.)

For Consecration Renewal:

I am requesting your permission and blessing to renew my consecration as (an active or a contemplative) Marian Catechist on (date) in La Crosse OR at (church name, priest’s name and address). I intend to continue to share and teach the Faith by (state catechetical work). (If needed, also include your request for a date change, the requested date and the reason for the change.)

Offering a remembrance in your prayers would be a kind and thoughtful way to conclude your letter.

Yours in Christ,

Your signature

Your typed name

PLEASE NOTE: A change in the date of your consecration does not change the May 1st deadline for completing all the requirements and submitting your letter of request for consecration