The first time I became a catechumenate team leader was super stressful. It was more than 30 years ago, and I had just moved to San Jose, California. I went to an “information meeting” at my new parish to find out more about their catechumenate ministry.

I walked into the middle of an argument the team was having about a new directive from the pastor. Before I could introduce myself, three of the team members quit and walked out. There were two others left in the room besides me — another person who also thought she was coming to an “information meeting” and someone who had just joined the team three months previous.

I agreed to lead what was left of the team temporarily until a new leader could be found. And you know how that went. The stress of that first year was unbelievable. I was in a new city, a new home, a new job, and a new parish. I really didn’t need one more thing on my plate.

So why did I say yes? Catholic guilt or oldest-child-sense-of-duty, maybe. But I also know the profound joy that comes from walking alongside seekers on their faith journey. I wanted myself and my fellow team members to know and experience that joy.

Reconnecting with your “why”

Which leads me to ask, why did you say “yes” to this ministry? Was it a sense of guilt or duty? Was it a desire to share your faith? A sense of God’s call? A love for the church? If you’ve ever been stressed out by this very demanding ministry, reconnecting with that initial spark when you first said “yes” can reignite your passion. Take some time to reflect on and write down your “why.” Keep it somewhere you can see it regularly.

Building community

One thing that saved me in that new parish 30 years ago was the community. We’re not meant to do this work alone. That night when there were just the three of us newbies in the room, we all agreed to bring one other parishioner with us to the next meeting. And those parishioners told us about other parishioners who could provide hospitality, serve as sponsors, lead breaking open the word, and most importantly hold us in prayer.

Sharing and caring

Another way to keep your stress in check is to talk about it. Consider starting each team meeting with a brief check-in where everyone can share how they’re doing, both in the ministry and in their personal lives. Be sure to allow time for the negatives, but don’t let check in become only about the struggles. Also emphasize the positive and the joyful things that are going on in your lives.

Nurturing your spiritual life

Don’t forget that it is crucial to tend to your own spiritual life. As ministers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of always pouring out without taking time to be filled up. Make regular time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual reading. This isn’t selfish—it’s essential. You can’t give what you don’t have.

If you’ve ever been stressed out by this very demanding ministry, reconnecting with that initial spark when you first said “yes” can reignite your passion.

Preventing stress

Of course the most effective way to deal with stress is to stop it from happening in the first place. One common source of stress is feeling like you need to have all the answers. Remember, your role is not to be an encyclopedia of Catholic knowledge, but to be a compassionate guide on the journey of faith. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.”

Another way to reduce stress is to delegate and share responsibilities within your team. Play to each other’s strengths. This not only lightens your load but also allows everyone to contribute in meaningful ways.

Time management can be a significant source of stress in this ministry. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. It’s better to do less — and do it well — than to pile on more and more tasks just to check them off a list. Remember, the journey of faith is about formation, not information overload.

One big source of stress is continuing to see the catechumenate as a school or classroom. Instead, view the catechumenate as a gradual process of ongoing conversion. The timeline is up to the Holy Spirit, not us. This perspective allows for a more organic, personalized approach.

Another stress-reducer is to embrace flexibility. Life happens, and sometimes your careful, meticulous plans might need to change at the last minute. If something doesn’t go as planned, learn to turn to the Holy Spirit to ask what to do next.

Celebrating milestones

One gift my current parish has is the ability to celebrate. Actually, most Catholics are pretty good at celebrating. Lean into that, and take time to acknowledge and celebrate milestones in the lives of your seekers or your team members. Make use of the blessing prayers in the minor rites to give some ritual form to your celebration.

Self-care and boundaries

Self-care is crucial in managing stress. Find what rejuvenates you and make it a priority. You’ll be a more effective minister when you’re taking care of yourself.

Remember, too, that it’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t have to be available 24/7. This not only reduces your stress but also models healthy boundaries for others.

Also, don’t forget the power of humor in ministry. Laughter can diffuse tension, build connections, and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. A joyful, lighthearted spirit can be incredibly attractive to seekers and energizing for your team.

Finding joy in ministry

The last thing I want to say is to always remember that your worth as a minister isn’t determined by the “success” of your process. The joy in this ministry comes from faithful presence, walking alongside others, sharing your journey, and helping them encounter Christ’s love. You are doing holy, transformative work. And that should fill you with joy every day.