I realize that a lot of DREs regularly visit Catechist’s Journey, so I thought I would ask for some help.
I’m piecing together a chart of what a DRE is thinking about/doing at various times throughout the year in a traditional religious education program (realizing that today there are numerous catechetical models being employed throughout our parishes).
Please note that I am NOT including seasonal liturgical celebrations such as Advent prayer service, Lenten Stations of the Cross, etc.) That’s a separate chart!
I would love some feedback on the chart below. What have I missed? What suggestions would you make?
I’m not trying to be scientifically accurate…just looking for “generalities” (i.e. I list First Reconciliation as taking place in January…it could be any number of other months)
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JANUARY
· Evaluate & research catechetical textbook materials · Celebrate First Reconciliation · Ongoing catechist formation
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FEBRUARY
· Begin recruitment of catechists for next year · Host parent meeting for First Communion · Celebrate Confirmation · Celebrate Rite of Election with RCIA · Ongoing catechist formation
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MARCH
· Interview/evaluate existing catechists · Continue recruitment of catechists for next year · Celebrate sacraments with RCIA · Ongoing catechist formation
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APRIL
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year · Ongoing catechist formation · Pre-registration for next year
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MAY
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year · Celebrate First Communion |
JUNE
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year · Vacation Bible School
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JULY
· Order Bibles for classrooms · Order classroom materials · Continue recruitment of catechists for next year · Vacation? Time for renewal |
AUGUST
· Host new catechist meeting · New catechist training · Host returning catechists · Plan for Catechetical Sunday · Send letter to parents about RE program dates, etc. · Registration of students
· |
SEPTEMBER
· Catechetical Sunday (3rd Sunday) · Host parent meeting for all parents · Registration of students |
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OCTOBER
· Host confirmation parents meeting · Ongoing catechist formation |
NOVEMBER
· Host parent meeting for First Reconciliation · Celebrate Rite of Welcoming with RCIA · Ongoing catechist formation |
DECEMBER
· Host Christmas celebration/appreciation party for catechists · Ongoing catechist formation
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Maura Sweeney 03.24.09 at 5:57 am
Joe
A few things I things I would add.
January (at least in my diocese) compile program statistics for Kennedy and Diocesan reports
March /April Sacramental Prep Retreats for Confirmation and 1st Eucharist
In March/April we are seeking evaluations of the program from parents and high school Students to plan inporvements for next year.
April/ May we are preparing for the Charter for Protection Audit
At the end of the Religious Ed year we also host a dessert buffet in appreciation of the Catechists hard work combined with a debriefing session on the year.
November Catechist Appreication Week in the New England Region. Our Parish does a ministry retreat for all those involved in catechisis and evangelization. ( we include the mappiage prep, baptism prep, RCIA and Mass ministry members with our catechists.)
October – March are Sacramental prep meetings ( We don’t just do one) for Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist.
I noticed that recruitment was an almost year round task. Another thing I would add as year round would be taking time to nurture ourselves spiritually or intellectually.
[Reply]
Joe Reply:
March 24th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Maura, as always, you are extremely knowledgeable and helpful! Thanks so much!
[Reply]
Jessica 03.24.09 at 8:49 am
In the Catholic Diocese of Wichita we have our Annual Report due in October so it just depends on the diocese.
[Reply]
Joe Reply:
March 24th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Right, Jessica…there’s no way to put together a list that is iron-clad for all DREs. There are many local variances.
[Reply]
Victor Valdez 03.26.09 at 11:56 am
I also added the Confirmation Retreat and catechetical reporting to the (Arch) Diocese.
Our parent meetings are done in the context of a family potluck supper on Sundays, one prior to First Rec. and the second before First Eucharist, with an opportunity for a little whole community catechesis. We also make it fun: “Can you find the DRE or catechists in these First Communion group pictures?” Did I say black and white?
In the fall there is an evening gathering for Candidates, parents and sponsors, in the area, for a Confirmation covenant signing. This has really helped to get everyone on the same page.
In the past couple of years, the parishes in our Deanery have joined to offer catechist formation workshops in August. Our Archdiocese also sponsors a regional conference every year with neighboring dioceses.
Also an essential task that wasn’t listed is a calendar planning meeting with the Pastoral Staff to plan for the coming year. Of course, if we were all mind readers, this task would be alleviated.
Thanks, Joe, for asking.
Vic
[Reply]
Joe Reply:
March 26th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Victor, thanks so much for your suggestions. It’s amazing how diverse the role of DRE/CRE really is, and yet, we all share so many commonalities! Love your “find the DRE/catechists” activity!
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Shirley 04.16.09 at 8:40 am
Sorry to chime in so late…
I’m glad Victor mentioned meeting with the Pastoral staff… communication between DRE and Pastor is critical… the DRE is after all implementing the Pastor’s vision for religious education of his ‘flock’. (I believe that communication is so critical it should be at least weekly and therefore shouldn’t even need to be mentioned… yet it is often overlooked).
Question – is it typical in parishes with schools to have the DRE responsible for the RE program/curriculum in the school as well as the parish? If so, maybe the chart needs some school-specific activities identified. If not, then at minimum some activities for the coordination with the school for selection of curriculum and planning of sacrament prep should be included.
Shirley
[Reply]
Joe Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Thanks, Shirley…better late than never. My experience is that most DREs in parishes with schools serve as a resource to the school religion program, not necessarily responsible for the curriculum in the school but deeply involved. Thanks for your suggestions.
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