Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Marian Catechist?
We are in the “springtime of the new evangelization,” and every layperson is called to catechize in some way. The Marian Catechist Apostolate helps you develop a spiritual life that prepares you for your Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the same time, it assists you, doctrinally, in passing on this tremendous gift of the Faith confidently through the home-study courses.

There are three levels of membership in the Apostolate.

Associate Marian Catechist
Associate Marian Catechists are members of the apostolate who support us through daily prayer, volunteer work, and financial help to the best of their ability. Associates are not required to complete the courses and are not eligible to make a solemn consecration.

Active Marian Catechist
Active Marian Catechists are engaged in catechetical work, which means teaching and sharing the Faith. For example, some are parish faith formation leaders, adults, and young adults involved in catechesis, Bible studies, OCIA instructors, and leaders of children’s liturgy and catechesis. Others focus on the conversion of their own families, friends, and coworkers.

Contemplative Marian Catechist
Contemplative Marian Catechists are those who offer their prayers, sacrifices, sufferings, and self-surrender to God’s will for the extension of the Kingdom of God on earth, and most specifically for the fruitfulness of the work of the active members of the Apostolate. For those who are actively involved in catechesis, these are incredibly valuable.

Contemplative members are often homebound or have health limitations that impede active catechesis.
Do I need to be consecrated before joining the Marian Catechist Apostolate?
No, you do not need to be consecrated to become a member of the Apostolate. We have many individuals who join to be part of this incredible evangelization effort under the protection of our Holy Mother Mary, Star of the New Evangelization. Members gain access to special announcements, conferences, writings by Fr. John Hardon and Cardinal Burke, and our Marian Catechist Newsletter. They support those actively involved in catechesis through sacrifice, prayers, and financial support.

Many aspire to become consecrated by His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, receiving the particular and actual graces needed to evangelize in today’s world. In the words of Saint John Paul II, “Our first duty is to know the truth. Second, is to know how desperate the world needs Christ. Third, to proclaim the Gospel to the world, and fourth, to know there’s a cost to proclaim that message.”

Please consider joining our Lady of the Star of the New Evangelization, His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, and the Marian Catechist Apostolate in these efforts to evangelize.
How can I get the Marian Catechist Apostolate started in my area?
If you’re new to the Apostolate, inform your parish priest, religious education coordinator, relatives, and Catholic friends about it. Contact the International Office to request informational brochures. This material can be used to train Catechists, Parish Leaders, Adults of all ages, OCIA participants, Confirmation Students, Catholic School Teachers, Couples, and Parents Homeschooling Catechesis. If married, ask your spouse to take the Basic Course with you. If you are a catechist, parent, grandparent, neighbor, friend, or worker, you have many chances to share your faith with others as an active Marian Catechist. Please help dispel the myth that this Apostolate is only for those who teach in a classroom; we are ALL catechists.

If enough people in your area become involved, you could start First Saturday meetings and study groups for the courses. I urge you to study and pray and then “Do whatever He tells you”! (Marian Catechist motto).
What if there aren’t any Course Study Groups in my area? Can I take the courses independently?
This is a home study course. You are meant to study and research prayerfully, and to determine the answers to the questions on your own. Surround your study with prayer. Do not worry about how many answers you will get wrong; you might want to keep a log of questions missed for future in-depth study. Studying the faith is not about grades, but about growing deeper in your understanding of what the church teaches and increasing your love for Jesus Christ. Study groups or one-on-one sessions are meant to discuss answers after you have submitted your test for grading. You may also contact the MCA office with any questions or for clarification.

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND STUDY
The questions in these courses are both thought-provoking and challenging. Feel free to consult any reliable and orthodox sources. Especially helpful are the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Church’s magisterial documents, and any books or articles written by Servant of God Father John A. Hardon, SJ. The tests are open-book; however, this is a self-study program and should be completed independently. We learn and internalize what is studied most effectively through personal study and research. In other words, the process of independently studying the courses and researching the answers will most help us grow in our knowledge and love of the Catholic Faith. Little or no internalization will occur if someone else simply provides the answers.

However, the courses promote meaningful conversations between spouses and friends. There is no time limit for completing the courses; however, it is recommended to work steadily until each course is finished to maintain continuity. No extra tuition or fees are required for those who take an extended break from their studies.

GROUPS AND ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
After completing independent study and an open-book test, it can be helpful to join a study group or have a one-on-one discussion with a group leader. A group leader might be a priest, a deacon, or a consecrated Marian Catechist. The leader’s role is to explain questions that were answered incorrectly, helping to deepen your understanding of the Catholic Faith. To preserve the integrity of the home-study courses, answer sheets should be collected by the leader before class starts unless arrangements have been made to collect them earlier, so the leader can review and record your score. The duplicate answers in the workbooks are used during class, and notes can be taken to clarify answers. The leader should bring the “Course Explanation Book” to address any questions that were missed. Even if only one or two students miss a particular answer, everyone benefits from hearing the correct response. Participating in a study group also helps students stay on schedule when they feel tempted to slow down or take a break. Knowing they have a set schedule encourages them to keep going.
What if I don’t pass the Course?
A Certificate of Completion is awarded with the approval of the International Office of the Marian Catechist Apostolate to those who have finished a course according to the guidelines and achieved an overall average score of 75% or higher. The Certificate may be used for diocesan certification, pending approval by diocesan authorities. Some questions might seem too complicated or unclear, but persevere in prayer and continue searching for the answers. If you continue to experience difficulties, please contact the International Office for assistance. We will direct you to the resources you need. If a catechist does not meet the required grade, he or she is encouraged to repeat the study process.
What if I’m unable to do all of those spiritual practices?
Don’t let the devil tempt you into quitting before you even start! The list of spiritual practices might seem overwhelming to beginners, but every journey begins with one step. Practice makes perfect!

Assess the list and consider why some items might seem impossible. Can’t attend Mass more often? Are you sure? If someone told you Jesus was visiting your town every morning at 8:00, would you go? He is, and He does show up!

If your job or vocation (such as caring for several young children) prevents you from attending Mass more often, could you watch the Mass on EWTN and make a Spiritual Communion? Could you obtain the Magnificat prayer book, meditate on the day’s Mass readings, and then make a Spiritual Communion? Do your best, and when circumstances allow, attend the real Mass. Can’t say a complete Rosary? Start with one decade a day, then add another, then another. You may be surprised at how little time it actually takes if you dedicate time to God. Remember, Satan doesn’t want you praying this powerful prayer. Don’t listen to his lies! He’s afraid for a reason.

Don’t have time for spiritual reading? Put aside social media or the Internet for a few minutes and pick up your Bible, Catholic Catechism, or the Imitation of Christ. There are excellent Catholic devotional apps you can add to your phone for daily prayer reminders. Listen to the Liturgy of the Hours while you drive to and from work. Once you begin to experience the fruits of your spiritual growth, you will crave more.

Don’t know the Angelus? It’s never too late to learn! Spending a few moments twice a day to remember that God became Man in Mary’s womb so His merciful love could save us provides a spiritual boost to your day. It’s very uplifting to step away from your usual routine and briefly place yourself in God’s presence to thank Him for the gift of His Son. Download it onto your phone and set an alarm for noon and six. Who knows, maybe your co-workers will join in.

Even if you don’t start “formation” as a Marian Catechist right away, begin practicing some of the spiritual habits that were once part of every Catholic’s spiritual life and see where it takes you. That one step will get you going quickly. You’ll see!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Marian Catechist?

Do I need to be consecrated before joining the Marian Catechist Apostolate?

How can I get the Marian Catechist Apostolate started in my area?

What if there aren’t any Course Study Groups in my area? Can I take the courses independently?

What if I don’t pass the Course?

What if I’m unable to do all of those spiritual practices?

Contact Us

Quick links