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Forming Catechists: Ideas for DREs
by Jo Rotunno
In a perfect world, after you identified potential catechists for your parish program, you’d send them for solid catechist formation and, when they were adequately prepared, you’d launch their catechetical careers. However, most of us know that is not the norm. Most catechists receive on-the-job training for their roles. Since they are already donating time to the class they are teaching, your task is to find imaginative ways to increase their competency, confidence, and commitment to their ministry. Here are some ideas for you.
1. Catechist guides. Today, most catechist guides are designed for the reality that many of you face. Every session offers catechist background, teaching tips throughout the plan, and optional activities to hold children’s interest. Make sure that your catechists know what a wealth of resources they can find in their guides and encourage them to use them regularly.
2. Spiritual formation. As all our current catechetical documents remind us, the aim of all catechesis is deeper conversion to Jesus Christ and his way of life. If catechists are not growing in their own Christian commitment as well, they won’t be very successful in assisting the formation of their learners. Try to gather them for prayer or reflection on the Sunday readings for a few minutes before or after their classes. Make sure to hold a day or evening of prayer for them during Advent or Lent.
3. Enrichment opportunities. Opportunities for training enrichment abound in many dioceses. But as I recall my own formation as a catechist, I know that it took a few years of parish-based opportunities that did not require a big expenditure of time to move me to the level of commitment to attend diocesan level workshops. Entice your catechists into a desire for lengthier formation by creating shorter formation experiences that incorporate learning, faith sharing, and prayer. They’ll soon be coming back for more.
4. Apprenticeship. Catechists learn best through the example of others. Apprentice your new catechists to the more seasoned ones on your staff. Provide a substitute for them from time to time if necessary so that they can observe good catechists in action in another classroom. Find experienced catechists who are willing to “sponsor” new catechists and to meet with them periodically to discuss successful strategies and fresh ideas. Catechists who feel part of a supportive community will be more likely to stay with your program.
5. Periodic assessment. Helping catechists to assess their growth at the beginning and end of the teaching year can actually be formational for them. At the beginning of the year, set up an interview with each catechist and help them to assess their own strengths and weaknesses in light of your diocese’s guidelines. Help them to develop a growth plan for the coming year that they think is achievable. At the end of the year, meet with them again to discuss their progress in meeting their formation goals.
I strongly believe that we have a right to ask our catechists to make a commitment to their formation as catechists. I believe just as strongly that if we set a standard of excellence that our catechists will do their best to live up to it.
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