Catechist Initial Formation Days 2012
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Catechist Initial Formation Days 2012
- 1. Catechist Initial Formation Day Religious Education Office of the Diocese of Joliet
- 2. Welcome …and thank you for answering the call to join the apostolic mission of the Church! Bishop R. Daniel Conlon
- 4. Who Am I ? A little about me, your presenter, and why I am dedicated the ministry of forming catechists…
- 5. Overview of the Day Today is an opportunity to: •Discover who you are as a catechist. •Understand your role in relationship to Christ, the Church and your learners. •Observe catechetical methods you can actually take home and use. •Continue your own lifelong faith formation - your best qualification for sharing faith with others.
- 6. How will we do this? Presentation Reflection Discussion
- 8. Whom do YOU teach?
- 9. Jesus calls the first disciples Luke 5: 1-11; 8: 1-3 • How did Jesus get the attention of the disciples? • What allowed the disciples to hear and respond to Jesus’ call?
- 10. “ Called…” Your story: How were YOU called to serve as a catechist?
- 11. Called by our baptism… • We participate in the life of Christ, connected to the community of believers in all times and places. • We have the privilege of serving others by sharing our faith. • This is how the Church continues from age to age.
- 12. “ Called to Proclaim”
- 13. A CATECHIST IS…
- 14. Catechesis is… ECHOING THE FAITH
- 15. Authenticity & the Catechist • You cannot give what you do not have! You must attend to your own spirituality! • Openness to God, the Church & the World • Your life should be an example of faith in ALL things.
- 16. The New Evangelization Term originated with Pope John Paul II . It refers to the need to preach the Gospel in a new way, especially to those who live in a traditionally Christian country and think of themselves as Christians, but who in reality have a secular humanist outlook.
- 17. Where do we get guidance today to form people in faith? General Directory for Catechesis (1997) – for the world (from Rome) National Directory for Catechesis (2005) – for the United States (from the US Catholic Bishops)
- 18. The Goal of all Catechesis: "The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ". (GDC #80)
- 19. The Six Tasks of Catechesis From the NDC: 1.Promoting knowledge of the faith 2.Liturgical formation 3.Moral formation 4.Teaching to pray 5.Education for community life 6.Missionary initiation
- 20. The GDC & the NDC call catechists to… • RECEIVE our learners “They are special gifts given to us” – we walk with them. • PROCLAIM just like Jesus “that God is alive and active in the world • ALLOW the person to encounter God - we are the facilitators: the Holy Spirit is responsible. We do not make faith happen.
- 21. The catechetical times have been a-changing… Home made Just the facts Experience God is love! Curriculum Curriculu m& Experienc e 196 197 198 199 200 TODAY 0 0 0 0 0 CCD Religious Education Faith Formation
- 22. Why is Catechesis more difficult today? In the past, our work at the parish with children & youth was supported by: 1. Family 2. Community 3. Culture That support is virtually gone today !
- 23. The Challenge of Culture USE ANY MEANS FROM THE CULTURE to reach those you catechize: Use “media, audio, video, the printed word, computers all the gifts of technology” and any other resource or means of communication (NDC) … from the culture of the learners – not just from your own comfort zone!
- 24. A Word about Methodology What do people remember the most? Lecture (5%) Reading (10%) Audiovisual (20%) Demonstration (30%) Discussion Groups (50%) Practice by Doing (75%) Teaching Others & Immediate Use of Learning (90%) (Joseph White, PhD)
- 25. Where do we get the content of what we teach? Scripture, Tradition, Church teaching – interpreted in: • Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1997. • Approved textbooks – in Conformity with the Catechism – USCCB list. • Diocese of Joliet Faith Formation Curriculum & Standards - 2005
- 26. NEXT: ROLES OF TODAY’s CATECHIST • Teacher-Companion • Leader of Prayer • Storyteller • Witness for Catholic Social Justice
- 27. BREAK
- 29. Journal Activity What did YOU hear? How did YOU respond to Jesus?
- 30. CATECHIST AS LEADER OF PRAYER
- 31. Prayer Table or “Focus”
- 32. What NOT to do with a Prayer Space….
- 33. Use Different Types of Prayer Prayer may be Vocal Meditative Contemplative It may consist of Blessing /Adoration Petition /Intercession Praise Thanksgiving It may use Scripture, music, gesture, ritual, symbol and silence
- 34. A note on prayer with children & youth Pray at their appropriate level of understanding Involve the students in planning prayer experiences When possible, use experiences that speak to the culture of the students
- 35. Peace Prayer Peace before us Peace behind us Peace under our feet Peace within us Peace over us Let all around us be peace (additional verses: Love… Christ…)
- 37. Jesus was a storyteller
- 38. Using Your Own Stories Stories from real life can always be used to illustrate a faith concept. These witness to how God is active in everyday things.
- 39. Scripture: Story of God’s Love Don’t be afraid of Scripture. The Bible is quite simply the story of how God loved his people from Creation until the time the Bible was assembled into the version we have today.
- 40. Yes, Virginia, there is a CATHOLIC Bible! Catholic Bibles have more books than a Protestant Bible. We include the “Apocryphal” books, removed by Martin Luther. Best Bible to use in faith formation class is the New American Bible (NAB), the one we hear at Mass, or if the reading level is too difficult, be sure the title page says it is a Catholic version. For younger students, a good Bible storybook is appropriate.
- 41. How Scripture was Written God is the AUTHOR of all Scripture, but there were human writers, who lived in a culture at a particular time and place and were talking to a particular audience in a context that is helpful to understand.
- 42. Catholic Interpretation of Scripture Catholics are NOT “fundamentalists” – the Bible text is never the only place to look for help in understanding it. A good Catholic Bible has FOOTNOTES that refer to other places besides the Bible itself. Catholics use history, scientific & archaeological evidence, culture studies, studies of literary form and a variety of interpretative techniques. We also look at how the scripture has been used in the Church for clues to a passage’s meaning.
- 43. Context for Catholic Social Justice • The Beatitudes • The Ten Commandments • The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
- 44. The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-10
- 46. The Works of Mercy • Feed the hungry • Admonish the sinner • Give drink to the thirsty Instruct the ignorant • • Clothe the naked • Counsel the doubtful • Visit the imprisoned • Comfort the sorrowful • Shelter the homeless • Bear wrongs patiently • Visit the sick • Forgive all injuries • Bury the dead “ Corporal Works of Mercy” • Pray for the living & the
- 47. What We Learned: A Catechist is… A teacher, a companion – like Jesus during his ministry on earth. A leader of prayer who helps others connect with God through good leadership and meaningful ritual. A storyteller, able to recognize where God acts in his/her life and tell others so they can look for signs of God in their own lives… who understands how to read Scripture in a Catholic way. Always, a witness of justice, peace & mercy in our world.
- 48. A Catechist I will Always Remember….
- 49. You are not ALONE…
- 50. How you can allow the Spirit to work in your classroom… Ask questions that invite reflection Tell Lots of faith stories, use images, examples and creative activities Encourage learners to “look and see” for themselves Invite learners to make decisions to live their faith
- 51. In Your Folder . . . • Resources & small gifts • Catechist formation & certification • Evaluation – please complete! • Pick up your Catechist’s Record of Formation • Create your online portfolio; enter 4 hours under Ongoing Formation (only 2 more hours needed this year!)
- 52. Questions?
- 53. Closing Prayer
- 54. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
Notas do Editor
- 1. Put this slide up as people gather… 2. During gathering time: secure 2 scripture readers play soft music 3. When ready to begin: GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Your parish and the diocese are grateful that you have answered the call to share faith as a catechist. Thank you. You are now one who serves the apostolic mission of the Church to teach people about the Good News of Jesus Christ and to bring them into relationship with Him.
- Table Introductions Introduce yourself to the people at your table. Share your name, parish and grade/age level that you will be working with this year.
- Presenter introduces self (briefly – with props if desired): Where you are from What you do Family, pets, favorite things, etc. Experience as catechist Why the ministry of catechist is important to you
- Put this up and read through it… and wait gently for the inevitable few who will write it down. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Hit ENTER get each descriptive word. (3 times) Mention that we will be using adult learning methodology. Adult learn best from each other…etc.
- Direct them to page 2 of the Catechists Journal Lord God, you are the source of all love, truth, and goodness. You are the source of my being, true path for my journey. Grant to me the courage to live according to your Word. Instill in me, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, the desire and the wisdom to share your love, your truth, your goodness with my students. Help me to use my time to better prepare myself for this sacred responsibility. For I so need to offer myself in your service with all of the patience, perseverance, and love that you have first shown to me. I ask no more than this, Lord, in the name of your Son, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Large Group Introductions : Ask people to raise their hands in response to the following questions (or any other grouping/identity questions), WHO: Will be working with pre-school or kindergarten children? Will be working with 1st or 2nd grade? Will be working with 3rd, 4th or 5th grade” Will be working with 6, 7th or 8th grade” Will be working with high school age teens Will be working with adults (usually no one raises hand… tell them the answer is ALL OF THEM – will work with Parents) Anyone work with persons with Special Needs? OTHER?
- Hit enter once.. Scripture reference appears. Hold screen there. Next, we are going to listen to a scripture reading from the Gospel of Luke. Quiet the group & ready them to listen to scripture Reader 1: Luke 5: 1-11 Reader 2: Luke 8: 1-3 Moment of silence after is helpful. 2. Hit ENTER and read: How did Jesus get the attention of the disciples? 3 . Hit ENTER and read: What allowed the disciples to hear and respond to Jesus’ call? 4. Ask for people to share at their tables on the 2 questions ( 5 mins.) 5. Share with large group – lead them to understand this was in the middle of daily life & work – not when the fishermen and the others were praying for a sign, or doing anything “churchy” or “religious” GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- ENTER TWO TIMES AND the words will appear… 2. ENTER 3 RD TIME AND “CALLED” APPEARS 3. ENTER AND READ: How were you called to become a catechist? 4. ENTER AND READ: What made you recognize the call? 5. ACTIVITY Invite participants to write their responses to the 2 questions in their journal on pg. 4. (7 min approx.) Explain that each table will be asked to share their thoughts. (7 min approx.) Explain that you will then bring them back and open up the time for large group discussion. They may want to appoint someone a spokesperson for their table. (7 min approx.) Large group discussion (7 min. approx.)
- ENTER AND READ: It is our baptism that calls us to this vocation of catechist. We are part of this Church, present, past and future. And it is because of this sacramental call that we participate in bringing others to faith in Christ. Being a catechist is an awesome responsibility!
- Have them read aloud “Called to Proclaim” on page 4 of the Catechist’s journal. You read the voice of God. And they respond NOTE: The prayer is in the Catechist Journal. Also, on the next page See inserted page with text of prayer
- ENTER TWO TIMES AND READ: What is a catechist? 2. ENTER AND READ : This image gives us a clue. As the “Sower” goes into the fields to plant the seeds, so to the catechist shares our faith – plants seeds, in hope that the faith – seed, will grow and become strong. The work of the catechist is focused on introducing people into a Catholic way of living.
- ENTER TWO TIMES AND READ: Catechesis comes from the Greek word, meaning “to echo” the faith” “ Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adult, which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine …..” NDC, pg.6 2. ENTER AND READ : Jesus was and is the master catechist. He taught us about God and how great is God’s love, He provided us with an example of how to teach others about God. In the early church, people learned about faith from others who had already encountered Christ. They echoed what they had learned and experienced, so that others would come to believe. This has not changed. We “catch” faith from others. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- “ Catechists must have a deep spirituality, i.e. they must live in the Spirit, who will help them to renew themselves continually in their specific identity. The need for a spirituality proper to catechists springs from their vocation and mission. …” ( Guide for Catechists , Vatican, 1993, #6) This includes essential attitudes of openness to: God: rooted in the living Word of God, sharing in the love of the Father, seeking communion with Christ, allowing one’s self to molded by the Spirit into a courageous witness for Christ. The Church: striving to build it up, having a sense of belonging and responsibility, loving our neighbor, dedicated to service and obedience to the Pope, willing to suffer for the faith. The World: attentive to needs of the world, involved in the life of the society, but with a spiritual outlook and willingness to trust God. Coherence and Authenticity: A life of prayer, fidelity and missionary zeal. Pope Benedict has said in reference to the way we conduct ourselves in public (on the internet, for example), that Catholics should not have separate lives, one spiritual and one public, but should live what we believe at all times in all our actions. Example, a catechist who is running for political office should not espouse political agendas counter to the teachings of the Church, such as abortion, or same-sex marriage.
- Secular humanism is the majority view in our American culture today… and it is reflected in most of the media that our children and youth consume. Wikipedia defines Secular Humanism as “a philosophy that espouses human reason, ethics and justice, and the search for human fulfillment. It specifically rejects religious dogma… as the basis of morality and decision-making. Fundamental to the concept of Secular Humanism is the strongly held viewpoint that ideology — be it religious or political — must be thoroughly examined by each individual and not simply accepted or rejected on faith.” It is the opposite of the description in RCIA (75) which says that one of the aims of catechesis for the sacraments of initiation is to help create people who “look to supernatural inspiration in all their actions.” We must find new ways to reach people, but first we ourselves have to know the morality and ethics of Christ. REFLECTION: Are there areas of Church moral teaching that you find difficult and prefer to decide for yourself? (A common area where many Catholics have secular humanist views would be teachings on sexuality: birth control, abortion, and same sex-marriage.) Are you open to the possibility of working to accept Church teaching?
- The Church continues to guide catechesis. It produces documents that help us understand how we should teach : The General Directory for Catechesis ( hold up a copy ) – guides the Catholics of the world The National directory for Catechesis ( hold up a copy ) – specific to the United States Your parish should have a copy of each of these documents; hopefully several. Ask to see them and take some time to read them. To get you started, in your folder you will find the Catechist’s Guide to the National Directory of Catechesis . This is yours to keep. Please take some time to read it. NOTE: Pass the books around if possible 3. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Catechesis is a “Ministry of the Word” – it is at the service of Conversion – and is part of the process we call Evangelization… which is why it is much more than just teaching “faith facts” or “religion”. It is fundamentally Christo-centric, not Church centered. One popular presenter tells the story of when his father finally made a Cursillo retreat – when he was in his 70’s. His dad came back transformed – so much so that the family was taken aback. When asked, the only way he could explain it was to say: “All my life I believed in the Church. Now I believe in Jesus” That being said, there are certain things we want to accomplish to enhance and support a young person’s relationship with Jesus. GO TO NEXT SLIDE.
- We think we are pretty good at giving kids head-knowledge. However, if the goal is to put them in touch with Christ, we have to read their hearts. Knowledge of Church teaching is nothing if it is not lived through engaged, full participation in liturgy through living a moral life through frequent prayer through a willingness to love and be involved deeply in the lives of other Christians through a zeal to spread the Gospel That is why the Diocese of Joliet Faith Formation Curriculum has goals and standards that engage the whole person in knowing, skills and actions in all these areas.
- ENTER TWO TIMES AND READ: Both the General Directory and the National Directory address what catechists should do. These documents call us to…. 2. ENTER AND READ: As catechists we ‘receive’ our learners, they don’t receive US – they are the gift we are given. Receive them with joy and gratitude. WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM! (So be open to what they bring.) 3. ENTER AND READ: Like Jesus, we spread the good news that God is alive and active in the world - by showing that we believe and live that and by helping others to locate that in their own life experience. DOES YOUR FACE REFLECT THAT GOOD NEWS? 4. ENTER And READ: All learning takes place through the agency of the Spirit. We are only facilitators -- never make the mistake of thinking you have something to GIVE them they need and that the resulting faith will be just like yours. Go to NEX SLIDE FOR THIRD BULLET
- In response to the changes in culture and to the growing realization that our teaching methods need to change too, the Church has adjusted a number of times since Vatican II. Ask for show of hands – who remembers when religious education was… Just the facts (Baltimore Catechism) God is Love (the Burlap and Butterflies backlash/let’s do crafts) Home Made (Curriculums varied – were created by parishes) Back to Curriculum (hit the books – they aren’t learning anything!) Experience (Moving Toward Experiential Learning – faith and life – making the connections) Curriculum & Experience – a blend! In the 2010’s Experience, faith sharing, creativity, AND curriculum standards. What’s next? Some experts believe we should be transitioning to a methodology that meets people where they are and provides a customized experience, just as the technological world does…. What do YOU think?
- Read through the slide: explain the analogy : The top of the stool isFaith Formation. One leg is family. One leg is community. One leg is culture. Family – no longer is it guaranteed that they pray at home, talk about faith or attend Mass regularly… or even live Church teachings. Community – years ago, the entire community supported Christian faith. Local schools had Christmas programs , nativity scenes were public, stores were closed on Sunday so families could honor the Sabbath… and families saw other families going to church and living Christian teaching. (Go to a sports event to see the way parents behave to get a clue as to what behavior is now acceptable!) Culture – in the US because we fear offending anyone, we no longer can speak publicly of faith. Also, in a post-modern world, people no longer accept “absolute truth”, but accept what reflects their own experiences only. (Example: what we put in a profile on a social network constructs the image we want to be seen, and is based on what we do and what we like, but seldom on what we believe.) These are great reasons to tell parents their role now is more important than ever in keeping their children Catholic. A national study found that the most important factor in whether a person remains Catholic as a young adult is whether he or she regularly attended Mass as a child and youth .
- We must use any means possible – the media – audio, video, the printed word, computers, and all the gifts of technology. These are part of the culture of the learners – the so-called “Digital Natives” and we are expected as catechists to be familiar enough with their culture to reach them through it. Catechesis coming only from the culture of the catechist, not relevant to the culture of the learner, has much less of a chance of truly reaching them. IF WE ARE OUT OF TOUCH WITH THEIR LIVES, THEY WILL PERCEIVE THE FAITH AS OUT OF TOUCH WITH THEIR LIVES. Find out who your learners are by: Sampling the TV program & movies they watch Sampling their music Being familiar with the technology they use; i.e., computers, iPods, cell phones (text messaging, etc.) and using it in your faith formation session when possible and appropriate. (See handout for suggestions)
- And what do most Religious Education classrooms consist of? Lecture and reading the book, with a small amount of discussion and audiovisual. Find ways to increase interactive learning whenever possible!
- Show and tell these items… Explain that Divine Revelation is from Scripture, Tradition (with capital T) and the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church. In the United States, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is the duly appointed representative of the Magisterium . The Bishops have guidelines for many areas of Catholic belief – and have interpreted how citizens of the United States may live out their faith in this political-social system. Their website www usccb.org has many statements and resources about every area of Catholic belief.
- 1. ENTER AND READ teacher and companion 2. ENTER AND READ leader of prayer 3. ENTER AND READ storyteller 4. ENTER AND READ witness for Catholic Social Justice 5 . In a few minutes, we will encounter Jesus in his role as the teacher and companion through a guided meditation. We will reflect on how we, like Jesus, can become storytellers for the Kingdom. We will help you to understand the role of prayer leadership. And we will reflect briefly on how catechists are called to be witnesses for the Gospel and its message of justice in the world. 6. GO TO NEXT SLIDE – for the first break – put Jesus slide (27) up near end of break so it is there when they return
- 1. Announce a 10- minute break 2. Put on some music (of your choice) 3. AFTER about 7 MINUTES OF BREAK - GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- ENTER THREE TIMES Leave this slide on the screen as you facilitate the guided meditation 2. Play quiet instrumental music 3. GO TO NEXT PAGE FOR SCRIPT READ SLOWLY AND WITH FEELING . ALLOW SILENCE WHERE INDICATED. When finished GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- 1. ENTER THREE TIMES AND READ Direct them to their journal pg. 8 and ask them to respond to these 2 questions. Have them date the page in their journal Explain, that while journaling you do not have to worry about proper grammar or sentence structure. You need only to write what comes to mind – You can even draw pictures or just doodle. Explain that they will have 10-15 for reflection Play instrumental music Ask if anyone would like to share their thoughts on the experience. Invite them to consider further prayer and reflection at home on anything about this experience that seemed particularly reassuring, unsettling, or surprising . 4. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Announce topic of Catechist as leader of prayer. Go to next slide
- 1. ENTER AND Direct participants to the paon creating a Prayer Space Summarize the information: Every space for faith formation, whether in a classroom, home or other area, needs a prayer table – as a point of focus during prayer, and to signify that this is NOT a classroom, but a sacred space, where faith is shared. Make references to the prayer table you have set up. 3. When finished GO TO NEXT SLIDE to see some examples Of what NOT to do. (add your own examples if you have them)
- Point out that the color red symbolizes Pentecost or Good Friday – and no one has faith formation sessions on those days! It is a Passion symbol or a Holy Spirit symbol. The butterfly is specifically Easter. Multiple Mary statues, and a closed Bible are no-no’s. Rosaries are for prayer, not decoration – though we often see them hanging from statues! * Always use the color of the liturgical season. (Check to see what color the priest is wearing if you have questions!) * Always have the Bible open – the Word of God is alive and active, not a closed book! (the student artwork here is good in concept, as is the age-appropriate children’s Bible storybook.)
- We are experiencing a number of these prayer forms today in our presentation. Look in your folder later to find a discussion of prayer traditions for catechists. Go to next slide
- 1. ENTER TWO TIMES 2. ENTER 3 RD TIME AND READ Prayer IS developmental… Young children can be shown how to have a simple conversation with Jesus, the Blessed Mother or a favorite saint. They need to learn the simple memorized prayer of our tradition, such as the Hail Mary and Our Father. Older students should be able to recite the Creed and be taught to pray and journal using scripture. Check with your DRE/CRE/YM for your parish RE program requirements 3. ENTER AND READ Whenever possible, involve the children in planning and executing prayer services. This helps them “own” the experience. 4. ENTER AND READ Vary the prayer experiences; Use vocal prayer, meditation, spontaneous or traditional prayer. Try prayers using scripture, music, art, or other media… 5. QUESTIONS??? 6. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Explain – We have already modeled several kinds of prayer today that you can adapt and use with students of all ages: 1. Our opening prayer – (refer to either the spontaneous invocation prayer or to the one you read together) 2. Praying with Scripture – the meditation on the call of the disciples - based on Dominican traditional prayer 3. The Guided Meditation and journaling – based on Ignatian traditional prayer ALL of these methods can be used with your students. We will explore more methods of prayer throughout our time together today. You can learn more about prayer traditions by looking at the appendix to the Faith Formation Curriculum on prayer which is on the DOJ/REO website. 4. Now, let us use yet another type – prayer using movement and music – the text here is a Native American Prayer, adapted for liturgical use by David Haas, Notice that the last verse about Christ is similar to the Breastplate of St. Patrick from our Irish Catholic tradition. Have them stand and do the Peace Prayer – (music is from the Gather Hymnal if you need it) Movements – with each line: Peace before us –hands out in front, palms up Peace behind us – hands move to sides, then rear, palms still up Peace under our feet – hands gesture down toward feet, palms up Peace within us – cross hands over chest Peace over us – hands over head, fingers of each hand touch Let all around us be peace - right, then left arm gestures down and outward to waist level, palms up
- 1. ENTER TWO TIMES AND READ We all have stories. But as catechists we need to talk about our stories of God and how we have cooperated with God’s plan for us. How do we get in touch with our own stories? We need to learn to reflect on where God has been and who God has been for us at different times in our lives. The following exercise will help us do just that Our Story and God’s Story 2. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Jesus used many stories about daily life to reach his audience with a teaching. Look at the pictures: The Good Shepherd The Good Samaritan The Prodigal Son The Woman and the Yeast The Mustard Seed These are so familiar we almost don’t need more than to mention the symbol to bring the story to mind. READ ALOUD the parable of the Mustard Seed: Matthew 13: 31-32 . Ask catechists about what he is saying about the Kingdom of Heaven. Then do the Yeast, Matthew 13: 33 and see what it adds. When subject is exhausted, move on to next slide.
- Your faith formation text often uses stories. If you have a story that seems to fit and is age-appropriate, go ahead and share! Tell of a time when you experienced the presence of God, the support of the faith community, or whatever the topic is. Just be sure to use child-friendly concepts and language appropriate to the age of your learners. A great book to learn this technique from is “ To Dance with God” by Gertrude Mueller Nelson – she writes about how family life intersects with faith and ritual.
- Although God’s love and action in history does not end, the Bible is the guide to how God works among, with and in spite of humans to build His kingdom of love and salvation. It is a rich source of stories. You might use the story of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the concept of caring for our neighbor today… and tie it in to a news story about how someone stepped forward to help someone in need. Almost every First Reconciliation program at some point makes use the Prodigal Son parable to help kids understand that God loves us enough to forgive us. There are many other choices…. Presenter may add favorites
- Hold up a NAB – and if possible, a Bible storybook. Mention that they should always check a Bible they bring in, if it is not the NAB, with their parish Director of Religious Education. Most parish programs provide Bibles for students in the classrooms.
- That’s why we can study the background of the human writers and learn something. For example, it explains a lot about the Gospel of Mark to know that Mark was writing for Roman soldiers. His Gospel is short, to the point, and concerns Jesus as a man of action, always on the move and encountering people along the way. It helps to know that the Book of Revelation was addressed to Christians living in a time of dangerous persecution – and therefore was written in a kind of code – called Apocalyptic literature, to reassure the suffering that God will win and the persecutors (the Romans) will ultimately lose. The Bible is not one book. It is a collection of different books written by individual authors at different times, in different situations.
- It has sometimes been said that the sciences are the product of the God-given human mind – and therefore a gift from God… we were made intelligent in order to be able to interpret God’s world… and His word. Understanding literary forms used in the Bible helps us a lot. You do not read a book of poetry the same way you read a history book, for example. You read a novel differently than you read a newspaper. Each literary genre has conventions about the use of language and symbol --- and knowing that means we read different kinds of books in different ways. Now that you know that, what do you think you need to know to be able to help your students understand Scripture? BREAK if needed, here.
- SHARE: He was the fulfillment of God’s plan of justice and peace. (Luke 4:16-22) His life witnessed mercy and love. All who met him felt it immediately. No one was too low or too elevated to share in his love and mercy. A Catechist is also a witness for justice, like Jesus, who sat in the synagogue at Nazareth and read from the scroll of Isaiah – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. I have come to bring good news to the poor…”
- Our Context for Catholic Social Justice The Beatitudes (8) Ask the participants to name as many of them as they can. Then, go to the next page for a discussion of how Jesus himself lived the Beatitudes.
- … .The Ten Commandments Bring to their attention that the first three commandments are about our relationship to God and the last seven are about our relationship to each other. Refer to Catechism of Catholic Church section… give examples of some acts considered violations of commandments that may not be thought of immediately … (number 5 has some good ones!
- And The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy The Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments and the Works of Mercy are our guides to live this call. Together, these add up to the COMPLETE Catholic Christian life. We cannot do one without the other. They are in Part 3 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Life in Christ.” Notice that the Church has placed the “Be-Attitudes” -- Beatitudes before the “rules” of the Commandments – does that surprise you? Each of us is invited to live the gospel call to justice and mercy according to our gifts, personalities, energies – and according to the demands of the times in which we live. As catechists, we are not only called to live for justice, mercy and peace in our families, in our communities and in our world – but we should model justice in our behavior in the catechetical classroom and encourage those we catechize to live the beatitudes and commandments. Refer them to page 12 in the Catechists Journal… the dialog between the nervous mom and God
- ENTER TWO TIMES AND READ: Let’s summarize the 4 roles of a catechist 2. ENTER AND READ A teacher-companion, like Jesus during his ministry on earth 3. ENTER AND READ A storyteller, able to recognize where God acts in his/her life and to tell others so they can learn to look for signs of God in their own lives. 4. ENTER AND READ A leader of prayer who helps others connect with God through good leadership & meaningful ritual . 5. ENTER AND READ Always, a witness of justice, peace and mercy in our world. 6. QUESTIONS???
- Have them, in table groups, develop a “mental video” of the person they regard as their most memorable catechist. (What did this person say? Do? What really stands out as a great experience of this person?) Each member of the group should share who this person is and what makes hi/her “memorable” . Have someone record the basic ideas and report to the large group. The young people with whom you will work will remember you first and what you taught second. Who you are IS what you are teaching. The quality of the relationship between the catechist and young people is critical.
- ENTER THREE TIMES AND SUMMARIZE: As Catholic Christians we believe the Holy Spirit guides the Church. Each Christian has the Spirit within. The Spirit within is always our primary teacher. So as catechists we must trust the Holy Spirit, who is our guide along this journey. 2. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- ENTER AND READ As catechists we must find ways that allow for the Holy Spirit to touch the lives of our learners: 2. ENTER AND READ Find ways to engage learners souls (not just the mind) 3. ENTER AND READ Ask questions that invite reflection 4. ENTER AND READ Tell lots of faith stories, use images, examples and creative activities 5. ENTER AND READ Encourage students to “look and see” for themselves. 6. ENTER AND READ Invite students to make decisions to live their faith. 7. GO TO NEXT SLIDE
- Identify contents of Catechist Folder: Catechist Journal –Please take notes as you are so moved. When You Are A Catechist by Judith Dunlap—this is a gift to you from the REO Please review the contents of the rest of the folder with them NOTE: Please tell them the following: You will need to complete the Evaluation Form at the end of our day. You will hand this in to me and I will give you a Catechist Record of Formation form which you will complete and hand in to your DRE/YM. This begins your process toward Catechist Certification in the Diocese of Joliet. Please review the information in your folder regarding the DOJ Catechist Certification Program and ask your DRE/YM for more information.
- ENTER AND LEAVE SLIDE BLANK Direct participants to back cover of the journal for the closing prayer. The Prayer of Oscar Romero: … This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.
- FACILITATOR: COLLECT THE EVALUATIONS! THEY GIVE YOU THE COMPLETED EVALUATION AND YOU GIVE THEM THE CATECHIST RECORD OF FORMATION FORM Pack up equipment and bring back to the REO YOU are done for today -- be safe as you go home! Many thanks for all your hard work God’s Blessings and Peace to you and your family See you on Monday