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
|
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
|
MARCH
· Interview/evaluate existing catechists
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year
· Celebrate sacraments with RCIA
· Ongoing catechist formation
|
|
APRIL
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year
· Ongoing catechist formation
· Pre-registration for next year
|
MAY
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year
· Celebrate First Communion
|
JUNE
· Continue recruitment of catechists for next year
· Vacation Bible School
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
by Joe on February 14, 2009
“Our sense of excitement and anticipation [about Lent] will grow more easily if we begin to imagine what God want to give us. Something is coming that we can truly look forward to. If we focus too much on what we are going to do or not do, we risk missing out on the gift God wants to give us. Lent is about God’s great desire to bless us. What we want s to receive what God wants to give us.” (Andy Alexander, SJ; Maureen McCann Waldron, Praying Lent: Renewing Our Lives on the Lenten Journey)
by Joe on February 4, 2009
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to fellow author and blogger, the highly respected Amy Welborn, on the sudden and tragic death of her husband Michael.
http://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/michael-dubruiel/
Please join me in praying for and with Amy at this very difficult time.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael,O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon him.
May his soul
And the souls of all the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest in peace.
Amen.
by Joe on January 29, 2009
Today is Fr. George Lane’
s 40th anniversary at Loyola Press, the Jesuit ministry in Chicago where I humbly and proudly serve. Fr. Lane, who has served as President of Loyola Press since 1989, is a true legend in Chicago (and in the publishing business) and especially in the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus. In addition to his amazing tenure at Loyola Press, Fr. Lane is also responsible for coordinating the efforts that saved and led to the renovation of historic Holy Family parish on Roosevelt Rd. in Chicago…one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The restoration is referred to as the “miracle on Roosevelt Rd.”
Fr. Lane began his career as a teacher, teaching at St. Ignatius College Prep (where I later graduated from). He had some hesitations when asked to move into the publishing business but quickly realized that he wasn’t giving up teaching…he was just going to be teaching in a different way – and reaching LOTS more people!
I won’t go on with numerous details about his life and accomplishment, many (and very interesting) as they may be. I do however want to tell you that each and every day, Fr. George walks through the entire company and greets/chats with every employee, some 80+. What a great role model! When asked if he plans to retire, he always responds by saying, “Why should I? I’m having more fun than most kids my age!” And, whenever he’s told of or refers to some good news about the Press, he always responds or concludes by saying, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Thank you, Jesus, for Fr. George Lane, SJ!!!
by Joe on December 19, 2008
The following message is from Cláudio Cardinal Hummes, Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo, and the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, which oversees the Church’s catechetical efforts. It is a heartfelt Christmas message to all of us catechists. I pass it along to you with wishes for a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with abundant graces. I’ll “see” you back here on the other side of Christmas/New Years Day!
Christmas Message 2008
To all the dear Priests, Deacons and Catechists of the Entire World
I extend my joyous and fraternal wishes for a holy and festive Christmas, and that the year 2009 be enlightened, grace filled a full of accomplishments in the service of Jesus Christ and of our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor or suffering. Christmas does not confine us to a commemoration of an extraordinary event in the past, recalled with gratitude and love, but it is also an event which is actualised in the present day, in our midst.
Jesus Christ comes because he loves us and wants to save us from evil: from every evil, and even from death. He comes to welcome us, to make us experience his love, to transform us into his disciples, true sons of the heavenly Father, to invite us to proclaim in the entire world that God is Love, and that he loves us unconditionally, without measure. Jesus comes! He becomes our companion on the journey of life. Let us be gathered to him. Let us allow him to overcome us and to make his dwelling within us. He will eat with us in an unimaginable communion, in which he will have us experience the mysterious and efficacious depth of his friendship and his salvation. Enlightened and transformed by this encounter with Him we will be able to proclaim him to every man and woman of our time. Behold, such is Christmas!
Cláudio Cardinal Hummes
Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo
Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy
