I’ve had many years working as a freelance writer in the Catholic space. I’ve had many wonderful hours working for editors. Be it blogs, websites, magazines, pamphlets, broadcast, and books, I’ve been ever grateful for this meaningful work.
In a world that glorifies bylines—despite the amazing growth of self-publishing—it is still, largely, editors behind the scenes who bring writers’ voices to the public. I have enormous respect for the editors that have worked with me over the years. I owe my career to the ones who took a chance on me in the early days, and the publishers, large and small, who stood with them.
In the end, nobody publishes alone. It’s team effort.
Despite my inherent respect for editorial work, and the many hours I have mentored fellow writers in my off-hours, it is still a role I would not have chosen for myself… until now.
Bayard Inc., and a certain persistent publisher, made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, and here I am.
I accepted the job as editor of Catechist, for that is what I am… beside wife and mother, I’m a catechist to my core. It’s a happy coincidence that I also happen to know how to write. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I also have a theology degree and I’m not afraid to use it.
When you get right down to it, all its ever been has been trying to share the Catholic faith… to invite people into a better relationship with Jesus, and his Church. This editor role is another way to do that.
I love catechists. They are indispensable in the work of the Church and the great commission that our Lord gave to us.
If it wasn’t for another person handing on the faith to me, I would not be here.
…
To the those who wonder… what about all the Books? The Speaking? The Podcast? The spiritual direction training?
Sure, they’ll be there… they all contribute to my experience. They make me better at this work… but yes, I am scaling back. It’s the right thing for this time of my life.
Given my current pace of writing one manuscript every 4 years, I’m not worried. I’d rather be out there teaching the stuff I’m writing about anyway. I wrote one book in 2012 and spent the next three+ years teaching about it. I still am. So yes, I’ll continue to give talks and retreats, on as many weekends as feasible. And I’ll leave podcasting to my days off too.
…
So here I am. I’ve just finished my second full week on the job. 
The best part about it? The people. The worst? The commute is pretty far in crummy traffic. So I work both at an office and remotely from my home office as often as feasible. But enough about me.
Let’s talk about you.
If you are a catechist, a DRE, CRE, youth minister, a Catholic school religion teacher, or a trusted church volunteer teaching pre-K thru college, look us up and write to me at pat.gohn@bayard-inc.com. I’m looking for your stories of success, your best practices, and your real world experience in this adventure we call the new evangelization and the thrill of catechesis. Writers guidelines for Catechist are found here.
Write on.
15 comments on “What goes around comes around… I’m the new editor at Catechist magazine!”
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I’m so excited for you! Catechist is blessed to have you there.
Thanks so much, Barb! Help me spread the word to people in religious education — I want to meet catechist-writers!
Wow, congratulations! A great opportunity to a deserving, qualified woman of God! Our paths our tracking parallel in a funny way – I am now the coordinator of pk-6th grade faith formation at my parish, having been the 2nd grade catechist for five years. This is also a role I NEVER saw for myself, so I’m trusting God will equip me if he has called me! Looking forward to all the great resources and ideas you’ll be cultivating!
Hmmmm… could God also be calling you to write about these experiences??? Thanks for the note, Erin. Always a pleasure to hear from you!
Congrats, Pat!! You’ll do great! I’m not familiar with this magazine but maybe I need to be. I was actually debating getting my catechist certification through my diocese beginning this year. I don’t currently teach but will be teaching my own kids at home starting this year. Congrats again on your next adventure!!
Best wishes for your endeavors, Kerri! Subscribe here: https://secure.pflaum.com/sub_cat2/form1.php
So THRILLED to hear where God has led you now!!!!! 🙂 Enjoy every minute!!!
Thanks, good buddy.
Hooray! It’s a great match, Pat. Welcome to the dark side….muhawaha!
Hahahaha. I’m looking up to you, pal!
You will be wonderful as an editor. I’m so happy for you, except about the commute, but they’re lucky to have you. God bless!
Thanks! I feel like a grown-up or something.
Congratulations Pat! You will be such a blessing working with and among Catechists! What a perfect fit for you. It’s funny, our DRE told me today that he just ordered copies of the magazine for all of our parish catechists. Then I saw your announcement. As one of the parish catechists I am thrilled that I will be able to see your work first hand! Many blessings on your new work.
Wow, God bless your work and congratulations, Pat!
Congratulations Pat! So wonderful to have new blood! Looking forward to the direction you will bring to the Catechist!