Here are a couple of pics from my visit to Newark, NJ, last week, spending a couple of days with about 65 parish catechetical leaders reflecting on the 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. Thanks, folks, for a great experience!
Here I am, back to the camera, participating in one of the beautiful prayer experiences they put together.
And, here I am, participating in one of the many table discussions we enjoyed.
During my years at Loyola Press, I have had the joy of working with and reporting to a number of directors who can vouch for the fact that one of the first things I ask from them is a regular meeting (weekly or bi-weekly) to ensure that we have open and ongoing communication. Without such communication, any relationship suffers. So when it comes to catechists and catechetical leaders, I must ask the question: how often […]
When it comes to supervising catechists, it helps to make a clear distinction between managing them and leading them. Managing what your catechists do and how they perform their duties is important. To help them flourish, an effective catechetical leader helps them understand why they serve as catechists: to help bring about the Kingdom of God. To be honest, learning to balance management and leadership took years for me to figure out. But I am […]
The overarching goal of catechesis is to “encourage a living, explicit and fruitful faith.” (General Directory of Catechesis #66) We strive to achieve this goal through instruction and experience. In my experience, most of our efforts in parish catechetical work tend to focus on doctrinal instruction. I can still hear my grandmother’s voice in my head, saying, “if only they knew their commandments.” She was convinced that “doctrinal instruction” alone could resolve all our difficulties […]
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Joe! We had a tremendous time! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts! We always look forward to your presentations! God bless!
Thanks Geri!
I was a former head catechist in our parish of St. Michael,Matanao, Davao del Sur. Recently I was requested to give formation to the catechists. What i really need now are some topics to consider for Catechists Formation. Could I solicit some of your insights in giving Catechists Formation? I am anticipating for your immediate reply. Thank you very much!
Hi Elena. The first place to check would be with your own diocese to see if they have guidelines for catechist formation. Typically, you would want to cover the 4 pillars of the Catechism: Creed, Sacraments/Liturgy, Morality, and Prayer along with Scripture and catechetical skills. A good resource to begin with is A Well-Built Faith which covers the 4 pillars. Let me know if I can be of more help.
Hi Joe – I am the Coordinator of Faith Formation & our Parish is looking at doing a “book club” on “The Bible Blueprint” in the fall. I downloaded the leaders guide & it shows 9 sessions. What do you recommend as a time frame for each session 90 minutes? Also is it possible to condense it into 8 sessions? If so what would be the best to do, Session 1 & 2 together? Any comments would be greatly appreciated! We did the “Days of Faith” program earlier this year & from that everyone wanted to go further with “The Bible Blueprint” so we are.
Hi Debbie and thanks for using The Bible Blueprint. Yes, I think 90 minutes is a good time frame and combining sessions 1 & 2 should work fine to meet your scheduling needs. Be flexible and adapt as needed! Thanks and good luck!