As an author, lecturer, professor, scholar, and mentor, Gerard Sloyan, a priest of the diocese of Trenton, NJ, helped shape the fields of religious education, Scripture, liturgy, ecumenism, and interreligious dialogue. One of his most enduring gifts to catechesis was his conviction that authentic faith formation begins not with answers, but with the real questions people carry in their hearts.

At a time when religious instruction often relied heavily on memorization and question-and-answer formulas, Fr. Sloyan challenged catechists to think differently. He recognized that faith is not merely information to be transmitted; it is a living relationship with God that grows through reflection, dialogue, experience, and wonder. Rather than asking, "How can we get learners to remember the right answers?" he invited catechists to ask, "What questions are stirring within them?"

His insight is deeply relevant today. People of every age come to faith formation carrying questions:

• Where is God in my struggles?
• How do I find hope in uncertain times?
• What does it mean to follow Jesus today?
• How do I live my faith in a divided world?
• How can I pray when God feels distant?

Fr. Sloyan reminds catechists that these questions are not obstacles to faith; they are often the very doorway through which faith enters more deeply into a person's life.

His example is an invitation to us to become attentive listeners. Before we teach, we listen. Before we explain, we wonder alongside others. We create spaces where questions are welcomed, doubts are respected, and seekers are accompanied with patience and compassion. Like Jesus on the road to Emmaus, we begin by asking, "What are you discussing? What is on your heart?" before offering insight and guidance.

Perhaps his greatest lesson is that catechesis is not about having all the answers. It is about helping people encounter God who accompanies them through every question. Faith deepens when learners discover that God is already present in their searching, their wondering, and their longing.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• What questions are alive in the minds and hearts of the people I teach?

• Do I create an environment where questions and doubts are welcomed as part of faith growth?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/

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Blog thumbnail portrait photo sampled from: liturgicalleaders.blogspot.