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First Saturdays

Maintaining Communication Among Area Catechists
With Regular Monthly Meetings

by Theresa Ann Knothe
National Coordinator of the Marian Catechist Apostolate
Summer 2003

It is the desire of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke for Marian Catechists to meet on a regular basis, to be a source of unity, inspiration, and encouragement for each other. Monthly gatherings with Mass, the Holy Rosary, and Confession are the goal. An informal meeting would follow, with a discussion on a document of our Holy Father or his offices, a presentation of one of Father Hardon’s videos, a review of one of the Tilma articles, or whatever happens to be the current need for the area.

First Saturday meetings are the ideal, as they correspond with our Marian focus and Our Lady’s request at Fátima, to make the First Saturday Devotion. Understandably, this will not be possible for every area. Selection of an alternate day is acceptable. Days such as First Fridays (identified with the Sacred Heart Devotion); the Thursdays before First Fridays (identified with St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s preparation for First Fridays); and Wednesdays (identified with St. Joseph) are some alternate suggestions. However, any day can be a remembrance of Our Lord and His Holy Mother. The most important thing is to meet regularly.

These regular meetings would not require the mandatory attendance of every Marian Catechist in the area. They are meant to be a spiritual oasis for those who are able to fit it into their already busy schedules. Start small. Don’t worry if there are only a few people. Trust that those in attendance are meant to be there.

Do keep in mind, whenever Marian Catechists gather, there should be a unified attitude of gratitude, charity, humility, hope and joy. By the grace of Divine Providence, we have the gift of the Catholic faith, and the ability to share this faith with others. Our meetings should not become gripe sessions or opportunities to vent anger about the present problems in the Church. Our legitimate personal complaints should be brought up through the proper channels, discreetly, and always with charity. Marian Catechist meetings are not the time and place to solve the problems of the Church. People should be edified, not scandalized, if they attend a Marian Catechist meeting. Remember, your goal is to unify, and to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to fellow Marian Catechists.