LAY CATECHISTS

HOW CAN THIS MINSITRY BENEFIT MY PARISH?

WHAT IS A LAY CATECHIST?

Catechumen – one preparing for Baptism / Chrismation

Catechesis – instruction Catechist – teaches adults Catechist – teaches adults

preparing for reception into the preparing for reception into the Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church

THE EARLY CHURCH

Catechumenate took yearsAfter dismissal of catechumens,

catechist instructed themCatechists a minor order along

with doorkeepers, exorcists, readers, cantors

LATER HISTORY

Christianity established– Adult catechumens fewer– Clergy took over role

New need arises in periods of missionary activity

WHY TODAY?

Many adult convertsNeed for lengthy instructionDuty to evangelize our societyWe have educated laity capable of

assisting in the task

BECOMING A LAY CATECHIST

May be a graduate of a formal educational program

May have demonstrated capabilities in other ways

May serve apprenticeship to pastorBlessing of your priest

BENEFITS

For the priestFor the catechumens

For the parishFor the whole Church

1. ASSISTS PRIEST

Frees his timeFrees his energiesCatechist may have more

flexibilityKeeps priest informed of progress,

problems

2. PROVIDES LAY PERSPECTIVE

Catechumens may– Feel freer to ask questions– Find answers more palatable– Identify with catechist’s experience

3. INTEGRATES CATECHUMENS INTO PARISH LIFE

“Pre-sponsor”Model / advisorIntroduce to othersEncourage participation

4. MAY SERVE IN OTHER ADULT EDUCATION ROLES

Inquirer classesBible study/adult classesGive talksWrite articlesResource person

– a specialist in elementary questions – a first contact for inquirers

5. ENHANCES LAITY’S SENSE OF VOCATION

Example of “equipping the saints”– Harnessing talents of laity– Lay leadership in intellectual/spiritual

sphere– Duty of all to spread faith– Commitment to ongoing ministry

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

QUALITIES OF A LAY CATECHIST

1. KNOWLEDGE

Sound knowledge of the faith – Well read in faith; knows Bible– Late vocations program may be

helpfulExperience living the faith

– Liturgical, parish life– Spiritual, emotional maturity

2. COMMUNICATION

Expression– Can articulate faith on various levels– Explain, don’t argue– Discernment, moderation in expressing

oneself People skills

– Personable, approachable– Sensitivity, tact

3. COMMITMENT

Time commitment (6-12 months per class)

Stability in parish communityPersistence, dedication

4. EXAMPLE

Church attendance, sacramentsDeepen spiritual life as well as

knowledgeChristian conduct

5. PASTORAL APPROACH

Concern for individual soulsPray for themListen, perceive problemsAbility to keep confidencesKnow when to refer difficulties or

questions to the priest

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

DUTIES OF A LAY CATECHIST

1. Instruction

Curriculum, resourcesFormat – lecture, discussion, visual

aidsWhen and where – at church,

other, how often

2. Working with Priest

Initiating the processEncouraging catechumens’

relationship to priestReporting on progressAssessment of readiness

3. Stick With It

Be ready for long haulYou represent the ChurchSame dedication as clergyBuild relationshipContinue your own education

4. Listen

Draw them outBe alert for problems

– Unrealistic expectations– Family conflict– Peer pressure

Gauge readiness

5. Warn

Admit we have problems, tooStress commitment involvedPrepare for diverse practicesConvert pitfalls

– Being scandalized by others– Extremism– Judgment of non-Orthodox– Premature responsibility– Waning of initial enthusiasm

6. Encourage

Consistency/persistence– Attending services– Personal prayer– Repentance

Involvement in community– Finding sponsor– Building social network

Okay to have some doubts

FIVE CHALLENGES

1. Time

Find suitable scheduleLong processMay be open-endedAllow for individual differences in

readiness

2. Designing Instruction

Books, other resourcesAddressing individual differencesBalanceStaying freshSpeaking for the Church

3. Understanding Each

Where are they coming from?Don’t make assumptionsBe alert for misconceptions

– The Orthodox are perfect– Nothing ever changes– Orthodoxy has a rule for everything– Orthodoxy is less demanding

4. Staying Fresh

It’s repetitiveTired of hearing yourselfBeing thoroughKeep finding new ways to explain

5. Carrying Their Burdens

Tough questionsThey will confide in youFamily, personal difficultiesYou worryYou lose some

FIVE JOYS

1. Putting Talents to Use

Writing, speaking, etc.Working with peopleExperience

– Education – Choir, reader, altar server– Other parishes/jurisdictions– Faith background

2. Building the Church

Leading new members into ChurchSupporting local parishPromoting Orthodoxy in America Spreading God’s Kingdom

3. A Captive Audience!

Sharing– Love – Interest– Enthusiasm

4. Spur to Spiritual Life

Deep sense of responsibilityHanding on Holy TraditionContinual preparationReliance on God

5. Spiritual Relationship

Guiding their first stepsSharing joys and troublesSeeing them flower in the faith