Meet a Catechetical Leader: Jordan Tippett

Jordan Tippett knows what being terrified feels like: she teaches 6th–8th grade catechesis of human sexuality at St. John Parish in Westminster, Maryland.

“I was scared out of my mind,” she confessed, recalling when she was first approached to teach the family life course. “But the Director of Religious Education, Paul Gallagher, felt like I would be a good fit for the program.” She continued: “I was definitely nervous, but one of the first things I learned as a Catholic was ‘the truth will set you free.’ So that’s how I approached it. The truth is God knows all. He created our bodies, and as far as sex goes, he created that too, so he knows all about sex. So I taught the truth of what the Bible says about chastity.”

Tippett remembers when one of her students shared that her parents weren’t married when she was born. “So why should I be different from them?” the student asked. Tippett felt a flash of inspiration from the Holy Spirit. She said, “Well, God wants you to be holy. You are set apart from your parents’ decision. You are called to be holier and a beacon of light to them and all those around you.” Tippett felt satisfied with her answer, as did the child, but she was worried when the student’s mother called the next day. Expecting a scolding instead she heard support: “I wish someone had told me about how to be holy at 13. Now my daughter wants to be a saint. Thank you.”

Tippett has been a part of St. John Parish for about 10 years. She was a member of the Life Teen youth program and converted to Catholicism at age 15. She is now the Coordinator of Religious Education. One of the traits she finds most effective when teaching the family life program, and most programs through the parish, is the importance of being authentic. She feels students can sense when an adult is being honest with them and being honest with herself. She also regularly mentions the word love.

“Love the catechists; love the families; love the students. Love the trouble-making students; show you care.”

In fact, one of the ways Tippett helps improve retention of catechists is showing them her, well . . . love. “I affirm catechists almost every week.” In Tippett’s experience, “The more you communicate your appreciation for them, the more likely they will want to return year after year.”

St. John is one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese. With over 1,000 students, 170 religious education teachers, and religious education classes being held five days a week, things can get a little hectic. How does Tippett balance meeting the needs of her students, their families, and their teachers? She often relies on technology. She typically sends text messages of support to catechists; sends e-mail updates to parents; and encourages catechists to use supplemental material for their students, such as the online resources for Christ Our Life.

Tippett knows what it’s like to feel busy and to feel challenged, especially since she has stepped into a position that was formerly held by the same person for 30 years, while leaving her previous position unfilled. She makes an effort to make the position her own but is still cognizant and appreciative of everything her predecessor did. In addition to managing her workload, Tippett recognizes how important it is to work on her spirituality and takes time to herself to visit the church.

Even though being a Coordinator of Religious Education can have its hectic, challenging, (and terrifying!) moments; like so many other parish coordinators, Tippett finds it all worth it. “I serve the young people of our Church and their families to help them experience the fullness of our amazing Catholic faith. That often means doing many things that are not part of my job description, but ‘AMDG’!” (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—For the greater glory of God)