Recruiti ng and Forming Catechists

JOE PAPROCKI, DMINNational Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press in Chicago

www.catechistsjourney.com

CALLING

The Vocati on of the Catechist

“Indeed, efforts must be made

to encourage in parishes and

Christian communities

vocations for catechesis.”

- General Directory for

Catechesis #23

The Vocati on of the Catechist

Becoming a catechist is an opportunity to deepen their own

relationship with Jesus, to live out their baptismal calling, and

experience conversion. We make a mistake when we present as

primarily about working with kids.

Catechist Role Descripti on

I’m sorry…you’re just not qualified.

Catechist Role Descripti on Qualities:• a desire to grow in and share the Catholic faith• an awareness of God’s grace and the desire to respond to that grace• a commitment to the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life and

moral teachings• a strength of character built on patience, responsibility, confidence,

and creativity• a generosity of spirit, respect for diversity, and a habit of hospitality

and inclusion

Knowledge and Skills:• a basic understanding of Catholic teaching, Scripture, and Catholic

Tradition• honest and caring relationships with the age group being served• effective teaching techniques and strategies

Responsibilities• (Adapt to local circumstances: sessions, meetings, formation)

Strategies for CallingWhy People Volunteer

Achievement

Challenge

Creativity

Independence

Leadership

Recognition

Self-Expression

Service

Socialization

People 35 to 44 years old are most likely to volunteer, followed by people age 45 to 54.

Strategies for Calling Catechists

When calling forth vocations as catechists, the “all-call” or “sign-up” model can be counterproductive.

When a volunteer with specific skills is needed, it’s best to offer personal invitations to selected individuals.

Strategies for Calling CatechistsThe Pool of Candidates

• Catechist aides

• Parents of participants in RE

• Retired parishioners

• RCIA neophytes *

• Actively engaged parishioners

• Lay Ministry participants

• PPC (Education commission) members

• Professional teachers

• Former catechists

• Referrals from staff

• Recommendations from current catechists

Strategies for Calling Catechists

Take a Positive Approach

• Refine your program’s image

• Avoid guilt or desperation

• Honor the potential catechist

• Invite them to join a catechetical

community of faith

Strategies for Calling Catechists

APPROACHES

• Witness talks from current catechists

• Profiles of current catechists in Church bulletin, local paper

• Facebook page for catechists

• Invitation to “no obligation” dinner for potential catechists

• Personal appearances at parish organizations

• Visibility at Sunday Masses (Observe)

• Printed materials for support and to build image

Calling MEN to Serve as Catechists

The Coach Approach

• Setting Goals

• Motivating

• Teaching skills

• Communicating Ideas

• Drilling

• Building team

• Teaching behaviors and attitudes

• Accomplishing tasks

High Expectati ons

Avoid the temptation of making the

role of catechist so easy that any

one could do it!

Formation is non-negotiable for one

reason: WE OWE IT TO THEM!

Formati on Imagine if these young ladies responded to the call to the vocation of religious life and then were told by the community, “good luck!”

The community OWES them formation!

Formati on

You MUST begin to think of yourself, not as an administrator of a program but as a spiritual leader.

The General Directory for Catechesis tells us that

“diocesan pastoral programs must give absolute priority

to the formation of lay catechists” (234) and that

such formation must include three dimensions: “being, knowing, and savoir-faire

[doing].” (238)

BEINGFormation that helps catechists to discover their vocation and

to mature as a person, a believer, and an apostle.

KNOWINGFormation that helps catechists to embrace their faith, acquiring sufficient knowledge of the faith

they are called to transmit.

DOINGFormation that helps catechists to more

effectively proclaim the message of the Gospel.

www.catechistsjourney.com