From uncertainty to opportunity: embracing a new season in ministry
As one school or ministry year comes to a close and another begins, many teachers and catechists find themselves in a season of transition. Alongside new schedules and shifting roles come changes: people move on, new faces arrive, and familiar routines give way to uncertainty. It’s a time that can feel both hopeful and unsettling.
In this adapted reflection, author and teacher Brian Singer-Towns shares a moment when he was asked to step into an unexpected teaching role. His story offers honest, encouraging insight for anyone navigating change in a school or parish setting, inviting us to reflect on how openness, preparation, and trust can turn transition into an opportunity to grow and serve where God is calling us next.
Negotiating Change
by Brian Singer-Towns
Several years ago, I met with our parish director of religious education to discuss my catechetical assignment for the coming year. She started with: “I know you’ve been teaching a different grade and really enjoy it. But I’m having real trouble finding sixth-grade catechists. Would you consider switching? If so, I’ll pair you with a co-catechist.”
My thoughts raced in quick succession: What? I don’t know that age. Do I want to undertake all new lesson planning? I’m not sure I like the curriculum being used.
I ultimately said yes, but not without some negotiation. I wanted to keep the class small, I wanted to use a different, more active curriculum, and I wanted to make the Bible the primary text. The director thought these were great ideas, and we were off and running.
Fast forward, I had a fun year and learned a lot about sixth graders and how to teach them Scripture. Unfortunately, my co-catechist left after two months. We both started with some reluctance, so why was my experience positive and his negative? I can’t say with certainty, but I noticed my co-catechist didn’t have realistic expectations for sixth graders. And any “failed” learning activity was frustrating for him. On the other hand, I was willing to let the sixth graders be who they were, which often included being noisy and impulsive. And I looked at any failed activity as a chance to learn what does work with this age level.
A new school year brings transition at schools and parishes. Teachers and catechists leave. The curriculum might change. Gaps in teaching assignments emerge. You may well find yourself on the radar of a principal or director of religious education who wants you to teach a different grade level. If that happens, here are a few takeaways from my lived experience:
- Don’t immediately say no. Prayerfully discern. Consider if this could be a “God call.”
- Ask for what you need to be enthused and meet the challenge: coaching, supplies, new resources even a different text.
- Approach the transition with a learner’s mind. Assume that not everything you try will be successful but that you will learn as you go.
- Prepare! Learn everything you can about the children and the curriculum to set yourself up for success.
- Be realistic. If you absolutely know that a change isn’t going to work for you, politely decline and see if something might work out where you can stay with the same grade level.
Change isn’t easy, but with an open heart and mind, and persistence, we can grow into the roles in which our students—and God—need us to serve.
