(Click here for a list of previous articles to read.) Celebrating, Affirming and Nurturing Catechists by Kate Ristow As the year draws to a close, we almost automatically go into “evaluation mode.” Catechists and catechetical leaders alike look back at the year and tend to group things into one of three categories: what went well, what we want to change, and what new elements we want to add to our classes or programs to make them more effective and engaging. Catechists are also in the process of deciding whether or not to continue teaching. Although this is a very personal choice, the decisions catechists make are like pebbles tossed in a river—they create ripples across the entire catechetical program. Catechists are the single most important part of every religious education program. Their individual and corporate contributions cannot be overstated. The end of the year is the perfect time to celebrate and affirm them for giving their time and treasure so generously throughout the year. Parishes do this in countless creative ways. Catering all-staff parties, organizing a square dance with a “down-home” feel, dedicating a Sunday Mass to publicly acknowledge the catechetical staff, organizing a letter-writing campaign to give parents and students an opportunity to thank catechists, or presenting each catechist with a carefully selected gift are just a few of the things we can do to express gratitude to those who have shared their faith with others this year. As grand as these end-of-the-year festivities are, it is important to nurture and affirm the catechetical staff and each individual catechist throughout the year. Here are a few ideas for catechetical leaders to plan for the coming year that will help catechists know that they are valued and that the sacrifices they make to share the Good News with their students are appreciated. • Run a “Catechist of the Week” feature in the parish bulletin. Include a thumbnail biography of the catechist and make parishioners aware of the grade level he or she teaches and how long the catechist has taught. • During Advent or Lent, invite catechists to attend an evening of reflection that focuses on their personal spirituality. Arrange for a committee of parents to provide a simple meal to begin the evening. • Notice and acknowledge the creative activities and prayers catechists plan for their classes. • No matter how hectic the religious education center may be, take time to greet each catechist by name as he or she arrives for class. • Be available to catechists after class and ask how their session went. Help them celebrate their successes and commiserate with them when a session has not gone as well as they expected. • Write personal notes of appreciation to catechists throughout the year and place them in their supply boxes before class. • Find funds in your budget for small seasonal surprises—a Saint Francis of Assisi prayer card in October, a book on the lives of the saints in November, a purple votive candle in December, and so forth. • Take pictures of classes at work during sessions. Post the photos on a bulletin board or poster in the church vestibule and change the display frequently. Be sure to include the grade level, catechist’s name, and a blurb about the activity in a caption below the picture. • E-mail a seasonal prayer or inspirational story to catechists—for their own motivation or to share with their students. • Remember that as long as you are sincere, you cannot possibly “overthank” your catechists!	Adult Formation The Faith Connection® Whole Community Catechesis Online Resource Sacrament Preparation Eucharist and Reconciliation If you would like to receive this newsletter through email, click here.
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Who We Are | Catechetical Newsletter | Sales Team | Review Materials
How to Order | Contact Us | Site Map
Home | Shop Online | www.FaithFirst.com | Whole Community Catechesis

Please read the legal restrictions and terms of use applicable to this site.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of use.
©2007 RCL Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.