May 2005 - CL Magazine by National Conference for Catechetical Leadership

May 2005 | Volume 16, Number 3

C AT E C H E T I C A L LEADER

Catechesis As a

Transformative Process I N T HIS I SSUE : Bishop Wuerl on Culture and Transformation Book: Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John Conference 2005: The Power of a Preposition

CATECHETICAL UPDATE: Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CATECHETICAL LEADERSHIP (NCCL)

C AT E C H E T I C A L L E A D E R

Table of Contents

May 2005

In Every Issue 2 From the President 3 13

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Anne Comeaux We Are Transformers From the Executive Director Neil A. Parent Lessons from the Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wheel Books in the News Reviewed by Robert Jones Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John Tech Center April Dietrich Staying Connected, Learning New Tricks People in the News Crossword Puzzle Megan Anechiarico Transform Me

Features

Catechesis As a Transformative Process page 4

Realizing the Power of a Preposition page 7

Catechesis As a Transformative Process 4 Catechesis As a Bishop Donald W. Wuerl Transformative Process 7 Realizing the Power Jim Tucker of a Preposition

Catechetical Update Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis u1 Recruiting Volunteer Catechists Jeanne Brady Attitude Adjustments Will Help u3 Three Keys to Forming Great Christopher Weber Catechists (courtesy of the RCIA) u6 Finding and Forming Catechists James Schellman for Adult Initiation

Recruiting Volunteer Catechists Attitude Adjustments Will Help Udpate page U1

NCCL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ms. Anne Comeaux President Diocese of Galveston-Houston Rev. Anthony J. Salim Vice President Maronite Eparchy of Los Angeles Ms. Mary Ann Ronan Treasurer St. Paul Parish, Phoenix, AZ

Mr. David J. Florian Secretary Diocese of Kalamazoo Most Rev. Richard Malone Episcopal Advisor Diocese of Portland, ME Mr. Neil A. Parent Executive Director Washington, DC

C AT E C H E T I C A L L E A D E R

Mr. Harry Dudley At-large Archdiocese of Indianapolis Sr. Mary Caroline Marchal At-Large Archdiocese of Louisville Ms. Cathy Shannon At-large Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Mr. Joseph Swiss At-Large Archdiocese of Baltimore Mr. James E. Tucker At-large Diocese of Helena, MT Dr. Michael Steier Ex-officio USCC Department of Education

NCCL STAFF Mr. Neil A. Parent Executive Director Ms. Joyce A. Crider Sr. Katherine J. Kandefer, BVM Associate Directors Ms. Patricia Vrabel Office Manager

www.nccl.org

FROM THE PRESIDENT ❚

WE ARE TRANSFORMERS by Anne Comeaux

Having just returned from our Annual NCCL Conference in Louisville, I can tell you that there were many opportunities for transformation. I listened to Bishop Morneau on Sunday night and then wondered where to go from there regarding the connection of leadership and spirituality. Peter Steinfels certainly got my attention with the statistics about Catholic young people and made me question what I needed to do to change those scary numbers. Tuesday morning’s address on dialogue made me evaluate my own openness and readiness to change the way I lead in ministry. Cathy Carotta made me want to spend more time thinking about the spirituality of the processes with which I am involved on a day-

To have a deeper knowledge of Jesus and to have a systematic understanding of the Scriptures are what we have been challenged to do. To know Jesus and to be more like him: this is what discipleship is all about. And it is what we are all about. We need to see that our catechesis, whether with adults, young people or children, is truly transformational through a systematic presentation of our faith and its teachings. The General Directory for Catechesis tells us that “Faith involves a change of life, a ‘metanoia,’ that is a profound transformation of mind and heart; it causes the believer to live that conversion” (GDC, No. 55). Because of the work that we do as catechetical leaders, the people we touch should never be the same. The changes in them should be visible by the way they profess their faith in words and deeds.

Because of the work that we do as catechetical leaders, the people we touch should never be the same.

to-day basis. And then there was Joyce Rupp! The reflections she asked us to share at our tables made me think beyond what I usually would in that circumstance. I came away with a real sense of having been transformed. Those were wonderful and fulfilling as well as challenging catechetical experiences for me.

Of course there are times when we wonder just how effective we have been in bringing about this transformation and it is good for us to wonder. Perhaps that is the stimulus which we need to keep us meeting the demands of a profound calling which we have embraced.

As we look to making the world a more “heavenly” place, we are reminded that as catechetical leaders we must be true to the specific character of our ministry. We are not only to proclaim the Good News but we are to see that transformation of the world comes through the making of disciples who will make the proclamation become real to all. Pope John Paul II, in one of the early writings of his pontificate, told us, “The specific character of catechesis, as distinct from the initial conversion-bringing proclamation of the Gospel, has the twofold objective of maturing the initial faith and of educating the true disciple of Christ by means of a deeper and more systematic knowledge of the person and the message of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Catechesi Tradendae, No. 19).

A few years back there were children’s Saturday morning programs that featured “The Transformers.” When I asked my grandson what was the most important idea about Transformers, he told me that people were changed into cars or trucks. To quote Aaron, “They became something totally different from what they had been.” That should be our goal: to make the world totally different from what it has been before we brought the words and deeds of Jesus Christ to that world through the catechetical ministry. ❙

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Volume 16, Number 3

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ❚

LESSONS FROM THE POTTER’S WHEEL by Neil A. Parent This issue’s cover shows a potter’s hands shaping wet clay into a container. Most of us are only familiar with this craft through photographs or film. What was once a work of necessity has now become mainly an artistic endeavor. For ancient peoples, however, this was not the case. Potters transformed clay into essential household items for storing liquids or foods. With their handiwork virtually omnipresent, it is no wonder that the potters’ craft served as a powerful teaching metaphor for many Old Testament writers.

interaction, fueled by God’s grace, between the catechetical message and the inquisitive, pondering mind. That is why St. Augustine, in his treatise on catechesis, encouraged catechists to adapt their message to the lives of their learners and to actively elicit questions and opinions from them. This dialogic process is crucial for helping learners continue their ongoing process of transformation in Christ.

Isaiah writes movingly of our reliance on God in terms of the clay’s dependence on the potter: “O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you the potter. We are all the work of your hands” (64:7). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah assigns God the role of potter: “Behold, like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O House of Israel” (18:6).

In formal catechetical settings, the dialogue process takes place with the catechist and other learners. In essence, the group becomes a transforming community. But dialogue also includes the kind of interactive reflection that goes on in a variety of other situations such as liturgy and social outreach. Not to be discounted, too, is the internal dialog one does with the gentle whispers of God’s voice, always present and teaching. The importance of this private, quiet reflection is underscored by one of the axioms of the early desert fathers: “Go to your cell; it will teach you everything.” It is in the quiet of one’s own heart that one can often discern deeper truth.

The potter’s craft also serves as a good metaphor for catechesis. Taking clay and shaping it into pottery is a transforming process. The clay gets changed from a formless, soft mass into an object that has shape and purpose. Indeed, the writer of Genesis has God transforming clay into the first human being by shaping a body and then blowing the breath of life into his nostrils (2:7).

As catechists, we cannot, and should not, seek to mold learners according to our own design, however noble it might be.

What makes catechesis a transformative process as well is that its purpose, as identified by Pope John Paul II in Catechesi Tradendae, is to put the learner in communion with Christ (No. 15). For St. Paul, when we come into communion with Christ, we are in essence becoming a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). Transformed in Christ with the help of catechesis, we experience a different way of being in relation to God and to the world. Like clay, we are transformed into something new. Yet we know that any metaphor ultimately limps. While it may convey an important message, it can be applied only so far. This is certainly true of the potter’s wheel. While forming clay and catechizing are both transforming processes, learners are not passive objects like clay. As catechists, we cannot, and should not, seek to mold learners according to our own design, however noble it might be. In the transformative process that is catechesis, the learner plays an active role in becoming a new creation in Christ. The catechetical process is not one of simply imparting information, although that is certainly an important part of it. Information alone is rarely, if ever, the catalyst for transformation. Rather, the catalyst is the creative C AT E C H E T I C A L L E A D E R

Whether in a teaching situation, private reflection, a liturgy, or social outreach, transformational catechesis best occurs when information or an experience is pried open and actively examined and the insights then applied to one’s current situation in life. In all these situations, the learner is not only the clay but also, in some wonderfully mysterious way, part of the hands that shape the clay.

As this issue goes to press, shortly after the formal installation of Benedict XVI, we at NCCL extend our prayers, blessings, and good wishes to the Holy Father as he begins his papacy. The challenges he faces are enormous, as he himself has acknowledged. He has presented himself as only able to accomplish good things with the support of the entire church. This is not only a praiseworthy way to see his role; it is also a very realistic one. It is also a clear plea for all of us as church members to stand ready to assist him to the best of our ability. It is a request that we as catechetical leaders cannot ignore. May God bless Benedict XVI and the entire church as we begin this new chapter together. ❙ www.nccl.org

Catechesis As

a Transformative Process Bishop Donald W. Wuerl sees in the secular culture opportunities to invite and engage young people and in the sacraments a way to transformation in community

There is a refrain that runs like a leit-motif through conversations I have had on topics catechetical, educational and formational: “Many of those whom we catechize are of great good will. They simply do not know much about their faith and do not see it as a force for change in their life.” Catechesis is an integral dimension of the life of the church. It is certainly a significant part of mine as a bishop. What we also recognize is the evangelization context of all good catechesis. Whether it is in meetings with parish catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, religious educators engaged in classroom instruction, sacramental preparation, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or any of the many diocesan, deanery or parish adult faith formation classes, there is the realization that catechesis is an aspect of evangelization. This appreciation of faith formation determines how we approach catechesis. In 1997, when the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) was published by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, the relationship of evangelization and catechesis was affirmed. It places the entire catechetical enterprise under the wide concept of evangelization.

SEEKERS PRESENT FRESH OPPORTUNITIES We see presented in the GDC what most of us have experienced in our pastoral ministry. There is the mingling of both initial proclamation and ongoing catechesis, with the blurring of lines that would clearly identify stages of development in the appropriation of the faith. Too often the people we are dealing with catechetically, while perhaps sacramentally initiated into the church, are entering for the first time any serious mystagogy.

While the temptation of many is to say what the church offers are “hard sayings,” the NDC encourages us to envision catechesis as the presentation of an invitation.

In pastoral experience we often encounter young parents, those who are called to be the first teachers of their children in the ways

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of the faith, who encounter their first serious personal catechesis when they themselves are invited to share in the catechetical programs for their children. As lamentable as this situation may be, it also presents an extraordinary opportunity. This is a second chance for both them and us. I would submit that the intuition of the General Directory for Catechesis and the pastoral experience in our country are identical. On the one hand there is a recognition that our catechesis is, in many instances, experienced as a first time invitation to accept and live the faith. On the other hand, there is the realization that many, many young people are eagerly searching for some spiritual meaning and value in their lives. They are open to an introduction to Christ, his church and his teaching in a way that perhaps we have not seen in recent years. In presenting its vision, the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) highlights the renewal of catechesis called for by the Second Vatican Council and its relationship to evangelization. “In his apostolic exhortation ‘On Evangelization in the Modern World’ (Evangelii Nuntiandi), Pope Paul VI stated an important principle for the renewal of catechesis when he described catechesis as a work of evangelization in the content of the mission of the Church. Pope John Paul II further developed this concept in his apostolic exhortation ‘On Catechesis in Our Time’ (Catechesi Tradendae), in which he described catechesis as a very remarkable moment ‘in the whole process of evangelization.’ Throughout his pontificate, Pope John Paul II has vigorously contributed to the worldwide renewal of catechesis through his many encyclical letters, apostolic exhortations and discourses” (pp. 6–7).

CHALLENGE—ENGAGE THAN CONFRONT

AND INVITE

RATHER

What the NDC affirms, and what the new evangelization recognizes, is that there are multiple secular options, drawing their inspiration from a variety of sources, presenting other visions, lifestyles and opinions in direct challenge to the vision and life offered by Jesus and his church. The temptation of many is to say what the church offers are “hard sayings,” and “who can bear them?” The NDC encourages us to envision catechesis as the presentation of an invitation to a whole new order of life and way of being and thinking. It also recognizes that in the new evangelization the “Word” must be presented as transformative. The faith must engage both the person and the culture, bringing both to a new level of life in Christ.

Those at the January 2005 meeting in Baltimore of catechetical leadership from around the country to discuss the NDC heard much from all the presenters and participants on the need to capture the spirit of the new evangelization in meaningful and practical ways. At that meeting there seemed to be a general consensus that a significant challenge we all face as catechists is the impact of the increasing secular context on our efforts. The powerful influence of a moral framework and set of values, or lack of them, generated by what is described as the influence of the entertainment and information media, creates a worldview that is not only different but actually inimical to the understanding of life based on Gospel values. We need to recognize, as does the NDC, the many national and ethnic cultures and heritages that are part of the church in the United States and the Gospel values enshrined in so many of those cultures. At the same time we must distinguish these cultures from the pervasively secular culture that dominates our country and impacts at times so negatively on the efforts to spread the faith. The discussion in the preparation of the draft for the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults also reflected the need for an acute awareness of the circumstances in which we exercise our catechetical

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ministry. The draft spoke of “a generation of seekers.” It pointed out that religious seekers in the United States live within a culture that in important ways provides support for belief in God, but at the same time discourages and corrodes the faith in practice. Yet many are finding the move to secularism to be an unsatisfactory approach and continue to search for a deeper meaning in life. This “search” provides us entree as we proclaim the person of Christ, an encounter with him that gives focus, direction, and meaning to our lives.

CONVERSION LEADS

...many are finding the move to secularism to be an unsatisfactory approach and continue to search for a deeper meaning in life. This “search” provides us entree...

PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

The task of catechesis today against the backdrop of our culture must be transformative. We are a people, God’s people. We are Christ’s church, his new body. As such we have a life force—the Holy Spirit. We have a vision—the Gospel. We also have a way to transform ourselves in oneness with Christ and therefore with one another—the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. As the NDC, quoting the apostolic exhortation “The Church in America” (Ecclesia in America), instructs us, “The new evangelization is primarily the ‘clear and unequivocal proclamation of continued on page 18

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Volume 16, Number 3

Realizing the Power

of a Preposition by Jim Tucker Yesterday, in Louisville, at the corner of 4th and Walnut, suddenly realized that I loved all the people and that none of them were or could be totally alien to me. As if waking from a dream—the dream of my separateness—of the ‘special’ vocation to be different. —Thomas Merton The Seven Storey Mountain

ouisville in early spring is especially alive. The Derby is but weeks away, apple blossoms and dogwood are freshly opened—and yes, Kentucky bourbon still warms what the sun does not. Here to this city on the Ohio River, a few blocks from 4th and Walnut (now Muhammad Ali Boulevard) where Merton awoke from the “dream” of his own “separateness”—here to Louisville NCCL returned after fourteen years. Itself a new creation since that last meeting, NCCL has in recent years blossomed with a developing awareness of the same reality Merton grasped: that no people on earth are or can be totally alien to us. Arguably, the work of faith formation began in dialogue among three travelers on a dusty road to a village whose actual location remains unknown even today. The road to Emmaus—now a proverbial metaphor in Christian spirituality for the journey of faith and the ministry of catechesis—is leading away from Jerusalem and everything associated with it, leading to some perhaps undeterminable yet no less purposeful destination. On Sunday, April 10, with echoes of that account from Luke’s gospel fresh in their hearing, more than 800 members of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership gathered at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, for its 69th Annual Conference and Exposition. Together, the people and purpose of NCCL gave witness to the week-long theme of this year’s gathering: “For Every Season: Leaders Formed in Dialogue.” On the Emmaus road, we walk with others, with Christ.

Fourteen years earlier, in 1991, we had come to a much differentlooking Galt House Hotel (renovation can do marvels for commercial establishments too!), but not as NCCL. Back then, we were NCDD—the National Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious Education—with a long history and tradition of catechetical leadership in the United States. But we had been walking the Emmaus road ourselves as a national organization for

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Claiming oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity, individually or as an organization, requires both time and dialogue.

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several years at that point; and before that week had ended, the road had its way with us. We were no longer NCDD. In Louisville in the spring of 1991, we became NCCL: the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership. Please note the emphasis on the preposition, for it is significant. We revised our bylaws and broadened our membership, streamlined our board of directors and initiated a representative council. In the process of selecting our new name, someone suggested “for” rather than “of.” It didn’t pass, for it simply wasn’t who we were or how we saw ourselves at the time. Claiming one’s identity, individually or as an organization, requires both time and dialogue: time to walk further along the Emmaus road, and dialogue on that road with the Risen Christ and one another. As a result, still newer bylaws approved in 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida, gave expression to a deeper consciousness of our identity and purpose. Seeing ourselves more as disciples traveling together in mission, we remain NCCL, but have now become the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. What can develop with time...dialogue...and the power of a preposition! This year’s gathering in Louisville summoned energies of our past to address the needs of our present and the hopes of our future. The sense of mission now inherent in our name, only hinted at in 1991, has come to the fore—and just in time. With a new Holy Father to shepherd the church throughout the world, and a new National Directory for Catechesis to inform further our efforts here in the United States, NCCL has much to do. The annual meeting provided not only an opportunity to engender or renew friendships among diocesan and parish catechetical leaders, NCCL Board of Directors, publishers, and our many other colleagues, but a significant opportunity to channel that energy into critically constructive ventures both locally and nationally. Louisville—for NCCL, as for Merton, a place of awakening, where leaders continue to be formed in dialogue for every season. And yes, a place to discover the power of a preposition! ❙ Jim Tucker is director of Catholic formation for the Diocese of Helena

and a member of the NCCL Board of Directors. He can be reached at jtucker@diocesehelena.org.

We are most grateful to those present at the celebration of the liturgy on Wednesday of the conference for the generous offertory collection of $2,400. St. John’s Shelter and the House of Ruth in Louisville will each receive $1,200. May God bless the ministries of these organizations.

10 May 2005

Volume 16, Number 3

NCCL 69th Annual Meeting April 9-14, 2005

Order Cassettes and CDs KEYNOTE ADDRESSES: CD Cassette ❏

❏ Sunday: Personal Leadership: Spiritual Cornerstones – Bishop Morneau

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❏ Monday: Leadership for Discipleship and Mission – Peter Steinfels

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❏ Tuesday: The Scriptural Call for Dialogue – Adelinde Fehribach, Amina Bejos

CD Cassette ❏

❏ Tuesday Keynote: PowerPoint ($5.00)

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❏ Wednesday: Renewing the Spiritual Dimensions of the Educational Process – Catherine Carotta

PRESENTATIONS: CD Cassette

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❏ M2: (Diocesan) USCCB/CCA Certification and Accreditation – Jean Marie Weber

❏ T2: (Diocesan) Assessing & Growing: Using Indicators & the Common Competencies for Professional Development – Joe Swiss

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❏ M3: (Diocesan) Catholic Social Teaching — Faithful Citizenship – Mark Bouchard

❏ T4: (General) Retreat Ideas for Youth – Dr. Carole Goodwin (Repeat of M11)

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❏ T5: (General) Tapping into the Wisdom of the Spirit: Dialogue Across Boundaries – Part 2 – Dr. Matt Hayes

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❏ PowerPoint for all of Dr. Hayes sessions ($5.00)

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❏ M1: (Diocesan) A Conversation with Peter Steinfels – Peter Steinfels

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CD Cassette

NA ❏ M4: (General) Tapping into the Wisdom of the Spirit: Dialogue Across Boundaries-Part 1 – Dr. Matt Hayes ❏

❏ M5: (General) Catechumenate and Children – Rita Burns Senseman

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❏ T6: (General) Oh Just Grow Up: Making Adult Formation a Parish Priority –Timothy Mullner

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❏ M6: (General) Effective Practices in Catholic Youth Ministry – Tom East

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❏ T7: (General) Using Your Brain to Catechize Effectively – Leland Nagel

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❏ M7: (General) Apprenticeship: Model for Christian Initiation and Formation – Dr. Jerry Galipeau

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❏ T8: (General) ADHD and the Realities of the Catechetical Setting – Sr. Sharon Sullivan

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❏ M8: (Spanish) Liderazgo cristiano en la iglesia del siglo 21– Dr. Fanny Pedraza

NA ❏ (Spanish) Creating an Organic Catechetical Ministry – Carmen Cervantes

NA ❏ M9: (Spanish) Understanding Young Hispanics – Carmen Cervantes

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❏ T10: (Spanish) Cultural and Communications Programs – Martha Choroco

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❏ M11: (Parish) Retreat Ideas for Youth – Dr. Carole Goodwin

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❏ M12: (Parish) Re-Imagining Prayer with Children – Jeanette Graham

❏ T11: (Parish) Partnering with Parents in Catechetical Ministry – Kathy Hendricks

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❏ M13: (Tech) Adult Faith Formation Online – Angela Ann Zukowski

❏ T12: (Parish) Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation – Jack McBride, David Riley

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❏ T13: (Tech) Methodological Considerations of e-learning for Catechetical Training and Adult Faith Formation – Richard Drabik

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❏ W1: (Diocesan) Catholic Interreligious Relations: Promoting & Understanding Values Through Dialogue – Rev. William Hammer

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❏ M14: (Youth) Catechesis in this Millennium: Developing a New Map for a Changing Territory – Robert McCarty

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❏ M15: (Tech) Using the NCCL Homepage – Sr. Kathy Kandefer

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❏ T1: (Diocesan) The National Directory for Catechesis – Dr. Michael Steier

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Order Cassettes and CDs Continued

CD Cassette

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❏ W2: (Diocesan) Changing the “Bored” to the “Effective Board” – Leland Nagel

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❏ TH1: (Diocesan) Multicultural Catechesis – Sr. Patsy Guyton, SFCC

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❏ W3: (Diocesan) Assessing & Growing: Using Indicators & the Common Competencies for Professional Development – Joe Swiss (Repeat of T2)

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❏ TH2: (Diocesan) Emotional Intelligences and Heresies of the Heart – Dr. Ryan LaMothe

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❏ W4: (Diocesan) An Historical Perspective on Some of Our Catechetical Documents – Maureen Shaughnessy

❏ TH3: (General) Understanding the Sacraments Today – Joseph Martos

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❏ W5: (General) Tapping into the Wisdom of the Spirit: Dialogue Across Boundaries – Part 3 – Matt Hayes

❏ TH4: (General) Tapping into the Wisdom of the Spirit: Dialogue Across Boundaries – Part 4 – Matt Hayes

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❏ W6: (General) Learning About God Through Multiple Intelligences– Bernadette Stankard

❏ TH5: (General) Nourished and Ruled by Scripture: The Catholic Approach of the Bible – Margaret Ralph

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❏ TH6: (General) An Overview of the National Directory of Catechesis – Dr. Michael Steier

NA ❏ W7: (Spanish) Developing Leadership Among Hispanics – Carmen Cervantes

NA ❏ TH7: (Spanish) Creating a Biblical Catechetical Ministry Among Young Hispanics – Carmen Cervantes

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❏ W8: (Spanish) El Puente: Es bastante largo para alcanzar – S. Lopez

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❏ W13: Catholic and Proud of It – Joe Martos

NA ❏ TH8: (Spanish) If You Build it, They Will Come – Chela Gonzalez

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❏ W9: (Parish) Spirituality of Parenting – Dr. Kathleen Chesto

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❏ W10: (Parish) Re-Imagining Prayer with Children – Jeanette Graham (Repeat of M12)

❏ TH9: (Parish) Spirituality of Catechists (Catholic Schools) – Catherine Carotta

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❏ TH10: (Parish) Whole Parish Catechesis – Jo Rotuno

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❏ TH11: (Parish) A Look to the Future: Today’s Seminarians and the Catechetical Mission –Tom Walters

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❏ W11: (Parish) Empowering the Catholic School Catechist – Dr. JoAnn Paradise

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❏ W12: (Tech) Stewardship of Information —Better Communication for Increased Participation –Vicki Wells Bedard

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12 May 2005

Volume 16, Number 3

Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis | Volume 16, May 05

CATECHETICAL UPDATE A publication of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership

RECRUITING VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS WILL HELP by Jeanne Brady

t our parish’s annual ‘50s–’60s Dance last winter, Maureen, a lady I hadn’t seen for a long time, stopped me and said, “I’m going to call you; I really need to talk to you!” And, when she did, this was her important message: She and her husband were getting ready to move to a retirement home in another state, but she wanted first to tell me what an effect I had had on her life. I was touched, but not very surprised. Through the years, I have had several people make it a point to express their appreciation for my influence in their lives. What had I done for each of them? I’d recruited them to become a volunteer catechist, and then worked with them as supervisor and mentor for some part of the twelve years I served as DRE at a suburban parish in Kansas City, Kansas. Some I had kept in personal social contact with when I moved on to twelve years in the diocesan religious education office; some, I had not. A few came to introduce children and grandchildren who had also served as catechists.

ATTITUDE IS KEY Do you know any greater joy than finding a talent or skill, and then being able to use that quality in order to do something that you think is important, and will help other people? I don’t; that is my personal definition of happiness. That is why I say that the attitude of a recruiter needs to be one of offering a great opportunity. The tasks should be presented to the potential catechist so that the person can clearly answer the question (usually unspoken), “What’s in it for me?” This assumes in the recruiter an attitude of exuberance, passion, and joy, rather than one of desperation and neediness.

TWO HARD FACTS It’s helpful to keep two hard facts in mind. The first is that ‘volunteer catechist’ is often an entry-level ecclesial ministry. Whether they are vacation Bible school aides in junior high school or parents and grandparents of children involved in a religious education process, it is likely to be the volunteers’ first experience of organized ministry, This being true, recruiting is not the end of the DRE’s job, but the beginning of the training, nurturing, mentoring and supervision the DRE will need to provide for these beginners.

Volunteer catechists need not only training in presenting the content of the lessons and in managing a group session, but also guidance in the ministry to persons and families that comes with the job. A catechist, even one with some years of experience, will need someone to go to with these questions and others like them: “I can’t believe my second grade student was killed this summer. Did I give him enough in religion class?” “ I know this student’s behavior is disrupting the learning of the rest of the class, but in the church, isn’t it those who are troubled who need us the most?” “What should my response be when I realize that my co-teacher is living in a lesbian relationship?” The second hard fact is that these beginning ministers may well move on after a year or two. Often, they will go to a new ministry in the parish or the wider community, which we have helped prepare them for. This is cause for celebrating—and for realizing that our recruiting task in continuous. We are always working with people of varying C AT E C H E T I C A L U P D A T E

levels of knowledge, commitment, and experience. This is good for peer enrichment, but certainly makes our job of training, mentoring, and planning more complex.

RECRUITING WITH

THE

SEASONS

Let us now go on to the practical questions: When, where, and how do we recruit volunteer catechists? In a way, recruiting is less a task than a perspective or state of mind, since it is continuous, ubiquitous.

RECRUITING TIPS ■

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We must keep our eyes and our hearts open throughout the year and in all our encounters with parishioners. In the spring, when asking current catechists about their intention to return the following fall, we can also ask who they know that would make a good catechist—and why. On pre-registration forms, we can remind families of the many categories of volunteer help needed to provide a quality experience for all, and ask them to consider helping out. During whatever summer activities are happening, from VBS to sports and youth activities, we can watch for that person who brings groups and seems to enjoy being with them, or who brings a joy or a passion to these events. In late summer or fall, as we meet new families and greet returning ones, then encounter parents at meetings for sacramental preparation, PTA meetings, etc., we can be on the lookout for potential catechists. And so, recruiting happens wherever we go. Sitting in the stands at a ball game or at the doctor’s office, waiting in line to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, conferring with a parent about a student’s progress or answering their questions about the latest news from the diocese, we must be alert to the possibilities of each encounter.

CREATING A PROFILE Whom do we approach? Each parish, DRE, or religious education board should have an explicit profile of the characteristics and qualifications they expect in a catechist. People who fit some of that profile—and all of the “required” items—are those we look for. For me, they must be people whose faith means something to them, and who exhibit some joy and passion as they practice it. Concern for and interest in people in general or those of a specific age group is sometimes readily evident. Concern for and interest in education, in its broadest sense—the process of changing, growing, coming to a deeper understanding in any field or method—is also desirable. Such a person might not be an “educator” in a narrow sense. I have found that health care workers are often excellent catechists, and former scout leaders and coaches bring valuable experience. A natural storyteller often is a great fit as a catechist, as are people who seem comfortable with diversity.

BY INVITATION How do we recruit these wonderful people? By personal invitation, bolstering the request with specific observations (our own or someone else’s) about why we believe this would be a great opportunity U2

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Identify what brings you joy in your own ministry. Describe to recruits what opportunities they will find in catechetical ministry. Draw up a profile of qualities and characteristics sought in a catechist. Review it periodically. Keep a “tickler file” of people you plan to approach or re-invite. Consider delegating some of the task of recruiting. Reflect on your successes in recruiting and learn from them. Think of the best recruiters you know. Ask them to share some of their wisdom.

for them to put their baptismal promises into action, as well as how they could benefit the parish community. In addition, we offer them a clear explanation of the task they’re being asked to undertake—its timing and duration, and its training or preparation requirements as well. We should be prepared to offer a second and a third invitation, later, if they have indicated possible future interest, and agreed that we may contact them again.

CASTING A WIDE NET The recruiter should have a wide variety of possible tasks listed, so that many people who are not able to commit to teaching every week for nine months may still be involved in the catechetical ministry. There are clerical tasks. Child care workers are needed. “Bouncer” or security person, craft or song leader, storyteller or choral reader, pageant director, photographer and news reporter, website manager and Bible study or prayer leader are categories we can consider listing. Even when seeking full time catechists, flexibility often makes recruitment easier. Might we have co-teachers or teams, so that one person need not be present at every lesson? Might some catechists prepare one quarter’s or semester’s content or “mini-course” and have older students rotate, so each catechist has only one basic body of content to prepare? Is there a contingent in the parish that would be more available to teach and to attend classes if classes were offered for several intensive weeks in the summer, or in an intergenerational format?

Recruiting volunteers is time—and energy—intensive. It is also one of our most basic and ongoing tasks in catechetical ministry. The results of these labors make them a worthwhile and even a joyful endeavor for us. ❙ Jeanne Brady does religious education consulting and teaches for the Benedictine College Institute for Religious Studies. She retired this year from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS. You may contact her at jazzbrady@aol.com.

Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis | Volume 16, May 05

THREE KEYS TO FORMING GREAT CATECHISTS

(COURTESY OF THE RCIA) by Christopher Weber

True Story: A seventh grade group was discussing sin, and, in particular, the biblical account of sins against the Holy Spirit (Luke 12), while the DRE was observing. The catechist enlightened both the seventh graders and the DRE with the comment that “the one unforgivable sin, that sin which can never, ever be forgiven, was the sin committed by Peter, who denied Christ, not once, but three times.” I bet that every catechetical leader has had a moment like the one described above—or worse. Most catechetical leaders have either “fired” a catechist, or wished they could fire a catechist. At their best, inappropriate statements by catechists evoke amusement or frustration. At their worst, they cause heartbreak and even scandal. We second guess ourselves, and ask, “Could I have prevented this mishap by forming my volunteers better?” All too often the rueful answer to that question is yes. We need to do better. How can we make sure that catechists are equipped to share the Good News? In 1997, the General Directory for Catechesis provided a glimpse at the answer. In its section on the nature of catechesis, the GDC asserted that the baptismal catechumenate is the inspiration for catechesis in the church: Post-baptismal catechesis, without slavishly imitating the structure of the baptismal catechumenate...does well, however, to draw inspiration from “this preparatory school for the Christian life,” and to allow itself to be enriched by those principal elements which characterize the catechumenate. (GDC 91) Catechetical leaders around the country have pondered what the catechumenate might offer as a model for the way we catechize. My work in catechist formation led me to turn the question another way: How might the catechumenate inspire a better way to form catechists? My experience of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults points to at least three keys for the effective initiation of catechists. There may be more—but I believe these three are essential.

FIRST KEY: TAKE YOUR

TIME!

Catechumens do not become Christians overnight. Many of us who have worked with the RCIA know that they don’t automatically

C AT E C H E T I C A L U P D A T E

become Christians within any fixed time—say, eight months or a year—either. The successful catechumenate meets each person where he or she is, and moves that person to a deeper stage when the person is ready. Ideally, catechumens and members of the parish team together discern readiness at each step along the way of conversion.

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Nor do catechists come ready-made. We must form them, gradually and comprehensively. We must allow time for prospective catechists to discern whether they are ready and willing to teach as Jesus did, in the name of the church. Does your recruitment of catechists have a “pre-catechumenate,” or time of initial evangelization? Do you allow potential catechists time to hear stories of faith from other catechists, to get an initial taste for the ministry? Before they make the choice to become an active minister, do you give them a fair sense of all that the ministry demands? Some leaders fear telling volunteers the “whole truth” of the work involved, because it will scare potential catechists away. Isn’t this just like the RCIA coordinator who offers the “short course in Catholicism” rather than a deeply spiritual path to lifelong conversion? More often than not, people who rush through on the fast track will wither, for lack of roots (Mt. 13:6). Most parishes do not give their catechists enough time for formation before teaching. Here’s an examination of conscience to bring this point home: 1. Write out a list of catechists who were new this past year. 2. Note next to each catechist the number of months that passed between the time you made initial contact with that person and the time he or she starting teaching with the full responsibility of a catechist. 3. What is the average interval? Did your catechists have enough time of preparation? How much formation did he or she have before beginning to teach?

Place all new recruits in apprenticeships, coupling them with veterans. At the end of the year, discern whether to offer these catechists-in-training their own groups. Throughout the year, form and train your apprentices. Take time to interview each potential catechist. Tell recruits up front that this is going to be a substantial growth opportunity for them, and that ongoing formation is required.

SECOND KEY: GO FOR CONVERSION! After a beautiful Easter Vigil experience, neophytes typically gather excitedly to share what their baptism means to them. In the weeks following Easter, they reflect upon the gift of their new life in Christ, and the challenge to live as disciples. The team and new Christians are energized and on fire with faith. Five months later, the team often notices that a couple of the neophytes have disappeared off the face of the earth. They seem to have left the church! I led a parish team in which this happened. I felt the deep disappointment of losing these people, knowing that the process I established did not do enough. They did not experience a profound and lasting conversion to Christ. The baptismal catechumenate reminds us that there is a marked difference between training and formation. RCIA teams do not just provide facts about faith. We form disciples to live it, to put faith into action. Likewise, the catechist is not a vending machine dispensing Catholic doctrine, but a living witness to faith. To effectively convey the Gospel of Jesus, the catechist must be in love with Jesus. He or she must be on fire with faith. Shouldn’t our catechist formation programs place ongoing conversion and Christian discipleship front-and-center? How do we move beyond training to meaningful formation? What can we do to ensure that catechists not only have skills to teach, but faith to share? Turn the conversion key in the lock: Take seriously the church’s teaching that the work of a catechist is a vocation (GDC 231). Build discernment components into your formation strategy: retreats, witnesses, evenings of discernment, readiness interviews.

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Turn the time key in the lock: Never accept a catechist automatically or instantly; take the time to screen.

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You Can Purchase Copies of Catechetical Update As in the past you can order additional copies of Catechetical Update. Many of our membership find it a valuable resource for use in their ministry. To order call the NCCL office (202-636-3826) or email Sr. Kathy Kandefer, BVM at kkandefer@nccl.org. Catechetical Update reprint costs: 1–49 copies $1.29 each, 50 or more $0.79 each (plus shipping).

Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis | Volume 16, May 05

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Focus questions about readiness this way: Does this person have the ability to be the face, hands, and voice of Jesus Christ for those whom he or she will catechize? Encourage all catechists to find a spiritual director to assist them on their journey of faith.

THIRD KEY: MAKE A PLAN! This past year at the Easter Vigil, our parish baptized eight teenagers. Their joy was obvious as they affirmed their baptismal promises, stepped one by one into the baptismal pool, and welcomed the threefold cascade of water over their heads, their shoulders. No matter how many times I see it, I am deeply moved by this celebration. I stand in awe of those who embrace teachings, prayers and practices that I have at times taken for granted. There is so much to accept—so much to discover! The vocation of the catechist demands that he or she embrace the entire gift of our faith. When you invite people to be catechists, do they embark upon an expedition of lifelong learning? Do you structure their formation in a way that makes this obvious? Do you provide learning experiences and resources to stimulate their intellect and enkindle their spirits? There is a jarring inconsistency here: When we bring new Christians to the faith, we pull out all the stops, and walk them systematically through the breadth of Catholic life and mission. When we bring new catechists on board—those who are charged with leading others to conversion—we hand them a catechist manual, a copy of the Catechism (if they are lucky) and a Bible. We say, “Go for it! Teach in the name of Jesus!” And then we cut them loose.

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LOSE SOME KEYS

Turn the plan key in the lock: Take steps now to build formation experiences for both new and experienced catechists into your calendar year. Start by adding one or two sessions to your schedule this year. Adding these components to your schedule will force you to make this a priority. Map out topics for formation and training for the next three years. Integrate them into your program schedule. If there is another parish nearby, coordinate your schedules and offer complementary topics at each site. ■

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TO TAKE UP NEW ONES

Many busy ministers will argue that the three keys noted above are terrific—meaningful, useful, even essential—and too demanding. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to develop a system of formation for catechists that contains such luxuries of time, conversion and planning. To this argument I would respond: You are right. Catechetical leaders today do not have the time or energy to do these things. However, I do not think this has to remain the case. We could put these three keys to use if we let go of some of the keys to which we are desperately clinging: ■

■

Can we do better here? Can we map out a systematic, step-by-step plan for each catechist’s formation? I am certain that we can—that we must. If you feel that this task is too burdensome, consider: Setting up a detailed plan and curriculum for forming catechists fulfills another part of your mission—the formation of adults. None of the parish’s resources will be wasted on catechist formation, because you will be investing in the development of committed adult disciples.

Provide both training in skills and formation for ministry. Refer to your diocesan catechist certification guidelines for topics areas. Invite other adults in your parish to catechist formation offerings. This is particularly easy to do with spirituality and doctrine topics.

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The Deadline Key: Let go of the deadlines you impose for filling open catechist positions. You don’t have to start all of your sessions and programs at the same time—you just want to! Another way to get rid of this key is to start new catechists, particularly apprentices, year round. The Fear Key: Let go of the fear that there are too few people to do the work, or that setting the bar too high will scare volunteers away. This only leads to settling on mediocre volunteers. Isn’t this God’s work? Won’t God provide? The Convenience Key: Do what you can to accommodate the schedules of volunteers and households, and then let it go. Faith is not convenient! Conversion is not convenient, either. The Busy Key: Accept the fact: everybody is busy, and probably will get busier. Then, let it go! Being busy has never stopped the Reign of God! If you don’t let go of this key, you may also get stuck with... The Nobody Cares Key: ...and feeling sorry for yourself will make your job more impossible than it seems already.

Keep the three important keys and they will unlock a whole new way for your catechists. Unlock the treasure chest of God’s time. Swing wide the door to ongoing conversion. Yank the rusty padlock off the gate and open it to lifelong learning! ❙ Christopher Weber writes from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he is director of the Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland. He is a frequent contributor to Catechist Magazine, serves as assistant general editor for the USCCB’s Catechetical Sunday Resource, and publishes regular columns on his web site, http://centralmdcatholic.org.

C AT E C H E T I C A L U P D A T E

FINDING AND FORMING CATECHISTS FOR

ADULT INITIATION by James Schellman

The contemporary renewal of adult initiation in the Catholic tradition is now in its second generation. In North America it began in earnest in many places in the 1970s with the study edition of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In others it began to take hold after the publication of the second edition in the mid 1980s. More than almost any other element of post-Vatican II renewal, the church’s experience with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has resulted in some hard-won pastoral wisdom. The purpose of this article is to share some of that wisdom as widely as possible. The recruitment of catechists for the process of adult initiation is a critical and ongoing task of our parishes. It is of a piece with the faith community’s overall vocation of forming others in their way of life rooted in Christ. The catechist has an indispensable role in our parishes, and nowhere more so than in the community’s process of teaching and mentoring our precious newcomers to faith.

QUALITIES

LOOK FOR

The Rite is clear that all formation happens within the context of the believing community: “The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful” (RCIA, No. 4). The Rite underlines the central importance of the role of catechists in this context and evokes a broad sense of their ministry: When they are teaching, catechists should see that their instruction is filled with the spirit of the Gospel, adapted to the liturgical signs and the cycle of the Church’s year, suited to the needs of the catechumens, and as afar as possible enriched by local traditions. (RCIA, No. 16) This single paragraph suggests some of the essential ingredients in the recipe that makes a good catechist. Such persons are imbued with a Gospel vision of things; that is, they see and understand the world and human relationships through the lens of the Gospel. They live their lives within the cycle of the liturgical year. In this they have an appreciation for the sacramental nature of things and so for the signs and symbols that permeate the liturgy. They have an

ability to enter into the lives of others, to experience empathy for their experience, life stories, and needs. Finally, they know their community, its local ways and traditions.

CATECHISTS FOR ADULT INITIATION All this is not to say that in searching out prospective catechists, these ingredients must all be fully in place or developed. This was reflected in the comments of a number of seasoned catechetical leaders on the team of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate (Forum) whom I consulted for this article. In words that parallel the Rite, they named some of the qualities that they look for when recruiting catechists for adult initiation, including the initiation of children of catechetical age. These qualities include, for example: A love of Scripture and evidence of a living faith and prayer life A willingness or desire to share one’s faith experience and a disposition to do so with respect for the concerns of others Involvement in the church community Familiarity with the church’s traditions and teachings and a desire to continue to be formed more deeply by them A love for people and respect, even reverence, for their life stories An ease with group dynamics, adult learning, and teamwork A level of personal maturity and comfort coupled with an ability to express one’s positions clearly and non-defensively ■

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Some of these qualities may be evident in observing a prospective catechist in settings that are not explicitly catechetical. Other qualities may be intuited by an experienced pastoral leader who comes to know the person over time. Experience indicates that those who make good catechists during the period of the catechumenate do not always make good catechists for the period of evangelization and precatechumenate. The ability to listen well to the promptings of the Spirit in the inquirer and to foster that “first faith” and “initial conversion” (see RCIA, No. 42) are critical for catechists during the time of the precatechumenate. They must be at home with the church’s tradition and teachings and be easily able to go in conversation wherever the Spirit is leading the inquirers, helping them make the connections between their stories and the Gospel story of redemption in Christ.

Volunteer Management for Effective Catechesis | Volume 16, May 05

WHERE AND HOW

LOOK

Knowing the most promising places to look for prospective catechists can make the discernment process easier. The Forum team members consulted for this article suggested a number of settings in which they have had good success in discerning of catechists for the adult initiation process. Some of these would be obvious to most of us: for example, settings in which catechists are already functioning in adult formation or in the parish catechetical program, or among those who are working toward catechist certification through the diocese or other recognized institution. Equally, those who have been functioning in various ministries in the parish for at least several years should be considered. It is important, however, to ensure that these persons have some grasp of the dynamics of catechetical instruction as it supports the personal conversion being nurtured in those coming to faith through the initiation process. Other settings or persons to look to for initiation catechists include: Sponsors or others assisting in the adult initiation process Small Christian communities within the parish Bible study groups Well-prepared lectors Previous catechumens or candidates with at least several years of full involvement in parish life since initiation or reception ■

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INVITATION It is, of course, wonderful when people present themselves for the role of catechist. In these instances, discernment is still important. In practice, the approach of offering a personal invitation seems to work best. In this way preliminary discernment can be done and there is less possibility of disappointment and misunderstanding. Observers can ascertain whether the potential catechist has certain basic qualities and reach a sense of what the person still needs to prepare for the full role.

two or three years. This experience includes especially the catechesis that follows immediately upon the dismissal from the assembly on Sunday and any subsequent catechesis during the week. In these contexts prospective catechists can gradually learn how the process works and gain ease with the leadership and facilitation skills they presumably have but may yet be incipient. As their abilities grow, they may be invited to assist as prayer leaders, facilitators of small group conversation, as presenters of scriptural exegesis and doctrinal reflection out of the Scriptures, the Sunday’s liturgy, and the liturgical season.

One Forum leader has had great success with a particular process of invitation. At the end of Mass on a particular Sunday, the pastor asks the members of the assembly to think of two or three people they would recommend for this ministry. He mentions some of the qualities needed and invites them to fill out a card before they leave church on which they put not only names, but also the reasons why they are recommending these people. Parish leaders can then use this information for further discernment followed by personal invitations. It is more difficult for those then invited to decline since they know that this “call” comes from a number of their fellow parishioners.

It can be very helpful to pair the new person with a seasoned catechist on the team. Together they can reflect, over the course of those couple of years of “apprenticeship,” on the process and on what the new catechist is learning. In this way too the experienced catechist can discern how progressively to draw the learner out and where to send her or him for further learning in Scripture or liturgy and other needed knowledge or skills. (The three- and five-day institutes of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate have been an indispensable part of such ongoing formation for many initiation leaders throughout the United States and Canada.) This relationship between the prospective and experienced catechists also builds confidence for the moments of stretch and challenge that are an inevitable part of such development.

FORMING PROSPECTIVE INITIATION CATECHISTS

LIMITING

In the experience of a number of Forum’s catechetical leaders, it is a good idea to have those who will exercise the ministry of catechist in initiation experience the immediate process for a minimum of

Even after the new catechists become proficient members of the parish initiation team, they should not be asked to bear too great a burden. All should share this team effort so that no one person must

THE

COMMITMENT

C AT E C H E T I C A L U P D A T E

“Those who make good catechists for the catechumenate do not always make good catechists for evangelization and the precatechumenate.” lead catechesis every week. Another way to help the team is to draw in other parishioners with backgrounds that can make concrete some particular issues or concerns likely to come up. Such involvement can also, of course, be an indirect way of discovering new team members! Above all, no one should feel as if becoming a catechist in the initiation process is a lifetime commitment. This can dissuade some and burn out others. It is good to have an understanding that this service is for a two- or three-year period, but that it can be renewed. Of course, there are always those for whom the experience is like oxygen to the bloodstream. They cannot get enough and will want to stay involved for years. But this should not be presumed and is not always healthy for most or for the community as a whole. There is a wealth of life experience and faith reflection in every community. We should always be trying to find and cultivate it for the community’s ministries, of which the initiation catechist is of the greatest importance.

After all is said and done, we must remember that this and all particular initiation ministries are for one purpose—to enable the community to mentor these newcomers in its way of life rooted in Christ. And after we have discerned, identified, recruited, formed, encouraged, and commissioned anyone assisting the community in its mission of making new members of the Body of Christ, we must relax, let go, and recognize the One whose work this really is. As Paul says well, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth! (1 Cor 3: 6–7) ❙ James Schellman is executive director of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate (visit www.naforum.org). He and his wife live in Arlington, Virginia. Jim thanks the catechists on the team of Forum who helped with this article.

BOOKS IN THE NEWS ❚

FOLLOW THE LEADER Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John by Jean Vanier. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2004. 368 pages, $18.95. Reviewed by Robert Jones

or pastoral and catechetical leaders, these are changing and uncertain times. Any glance at reality—or our favorite media—will confirm this. Often the words that continue to echo in our thoughts, whether in reference to business or church, are “crisis,” and “scandal.” Often people express to us: “We need good leadership.” Where do we turn? Where do we look to find models and practices to form good leaders? Although it is not principally a book about leadership, it is in that context that I picked up and read Jean Vanier’s latest book, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Vanier is the founder of L’Arche and co-founder of Faith and Light, two communities with and for people with disabilities. This book is a selection of meditations and commentary by Vanier, who has been an influence upon other spiritual writers, in particular, the late Henri Nouwen. In its twenty-six chapters, Vanier takes us on a privileged tour into the Gospel, offers simple insights on the behavior of Jesus, and tells how it has impacted his vision of life and community in L’Arche. He proceeds through each chapter stopping here and there to dwell on a word, scene, or gesture of Jesus. A quick or casual read would fault the book for being repetitive. However, this book should be read slowly, taking a chapter or subsection of a chapter a day at most. Vanier says that the Gospel “warmed and stirred my heart, opened up my intelligence, and gave hope, meaning and orientation to my life, with all that is beautiful and all that is broken within me.” Allow the book to unfold prayerfully, and you may begin to feel some of the wonder that animated Vanier. Vanier has a keen awareness of the humanity of Jesus and others that is always instructive. There are many passages worth noting in this book, but I want to elucidate just a few clustered around the notion of leadership: the proclamation of John the Baptizer, the encounter of Jesus with his disciples, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Good Shepherd, and Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. The Gospel of John, along with Vanier, reminds us in many ways that we are called first to be disciples, followers of Jesus. It is Jesus, who leads us in friendship, communion and unity, who is our leadership model.

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www.nccl.org

JOHN

THE

BAPTIZER: WITNESS AS LEADER

Early in the Gospel we are introduced to John the Baptizer (Jn 1:19–34). Here Vanier comments on the importance of witness: Those who are witnesses to Jesus do not give out ideas, ideologies or even doctrines. They do not seek followers for themselves and their own glory. Rather, they seek to lead people to Jesus. They do not manipulate people or impose their ideas or way of life on others. They believe in the compelling power of the truth and the freedom of people to welcome the truth or not. They speak of what they have lived, experienced, seen and heard in their hearts. And later Vanier emphasizes John the Baptizer’s humility: “If he attracted people...it was not to satisfy his own spiritual ego, but to bring people to Jesus. It was Jesus who was important; he was nothing compared with Jesus.” Catechetical leaders need to be credible and humble witnesses. We need to be “men and women with a living faith, bearing witness to the presence of God”—by our lives, our growing compassion and our dynamic love.

GATHERING

THE

DISCIPLES: LEADING

WITH

TRUST

In the encounter of the first five disciples (Jn 1:35–51), Jesus gathers around him a core group of people. Vanier notices that Jesus asks Andrew and “the beloved” disciple a simple, direct question: “What are you looking for?” In this way he enters into a relationship and dialogue with these two. “It all begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.” He gently invites them, “Come and see.” Later, these first disciples, through friendship, will attract and call others to Jesus. They will eventually have a special role, a role of leadership, but now they are attracted by an ideal: “They do not know where he is leading them, but they trust him,” observes Vanier.

relationship. It is people who are important—you, me, each person whatever our origins or culture.” Catechetical leaders need to break down walls of division that separate people, build bridges of personal dialogue and equality, and affirm people in all their brokenness and beauty. It implies being open and vulnerable to the other.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD: LEADING

GIVING

Reading chapter ten of the Gospel, Vanier meditates on the qualities of the Good Shepherd [Wonderful Leader]. He says, “Shepherding is about caring for those who are weak, lost and in need. It is about presence, love and support.” He continues: “[Good-Wonderful] Shepherds are the ones who lead those who have been entrusted to them to inner freedom—the freedom to make good choices, to take initiative, and to grow to greater maturity and love.... it is being humble and open, recognizing one’s faults and compulsions and asking for forgiveness when one has not acted justly.” In contrast, Vanier writes: “False shepherds are more concerned about their salary, their reputation, about structures, administration and the success of the group than about people and their inner growth and freedom. They use people because of their need to have power and control over them, and to prove that they are superior. They seem frightened of personal contact and hide behind rules and regulations. They prevent others from growing to freedom and from taking initiatives. They are hard on weaker people and lack compassion. They do not seek to understand people, but tend to judge and condemn others. In the face of conflict they leave people lost and alone, not knowing what to do. They are closed up in their own needs.”

Catechetical leaders need to be invitational and gather just a few people into personal relationship, into friendship and trust. Vanier writes that “trust is a dynamic relationship that grows and evolves. It is openness to another. It is a gift of self.” And later he says, “Trust is the basis for all shepherding and all education.” We need to begin to see people as Jesus sees them.

Catechetical leaders need to be able to give of their life—the life which is Christ. We need to show that we care and are able to be present and support those in need and communicate to them through risk and love.

WASHING FEET: LEADER AS SERVANT

THE

WELL: LEADING

WITH

AFFIRMATION

Furthermore, Vanier says that “shepherding has its source and goal in communion.” It’s about giving one’s life to others.

In the meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:1–42), Vanier tenderly observes that Jesus is showing us how to approach those who are broken:

Perhaps the section that most significantly demonstrates Jesus’ example of leadership is the one in which he washes the feet of his disciples (Jn 13:1–17). Vanier writes:

He knows the depth of her negative self-image. He does not judge or condemn her. He does not condescend or give her any moral lessons. He approaches her like a tired, thirsty beggar, asking her to do something for him. He begins to dialogue with her and creates a relationship with her. She who has lost all trust in her own goodness is trusted by Jesus. In trusting her, he uplifts her and gives her back her self-esteem.

All groups, all societies, are built on the model of a pyramid: at the top are the powerful, the rich, and the intelligent. They are called to govern and guide. At the bottom are the immigrants, the slaves, the servants, people who are out of work, or who have a mental illness or different forms of disabilities. They are excluded, marginalized. Here, Jesus is taking the place of a person at the bottom, the last place, the place of a slave...Jesus came to transform the model of society from a pyramid to a body where each and every person has a place.

Vanier sees that “Jesus is truly a man for others. Knowledge, competence, things are not important in themselves; they are for

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Later on he says, “He [Jesus] wants to reveal a new way of exercising authority through humility, service and love, through a communion of hearts, in a manner that implies closeness, friendliness, openness and a desire to bridge the gap that so often exists between those ‘in’ leadership and those ‘under’ their leadership...We all have to avoid getting caught up in the power game. In order to exercise authority humbly, in a spirit of service as Jesus did, we need the humble loving force of the Holy Spirit. Catechetical leaders need to be servant-leaders in truth. We need to be vulnerable, to serve and honor the other members of the Body of Christ and to lead others to Jesus through it. This commentary by Vanier is like a mine of precious stones. I have extracted only a few choice nuggets. If you let yourself be drawn into the mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John, you will discover much more. ❙

2005 President’s Appeal The donations at the NCCL Conference in Louisville amounted to $1,100. You may make your donation by mailing your check to NCCL or you may make it by using your credit card at www.nccl.org.

Robert Jones is the director of adult faith formation for the Diocese

of Raleigh. Contact him at Rob.jones@raldioc.org.

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TECH CENTER ❚

STAYING CONNECTED, LEARNING NEW TRICKS by April Dietrich

his year’s Annual Meeting in Louisville sported a Tech Center with fourteen computers available much of the conference for checking email and websites. Who would have thunk ten years ago that staying connected to home and work via the Internet would become a staple of the conference? Some of us are so wired in that we can’t go a day without checking email, using our pocket PC or laptop when away to stay connected. I was happy to be able to use the web to stay connected to life at home while still participating fully in the conference experience. How did this happen?

A good friend of mine was generous enough to lend me her web cam for the week, supplementing the web cam my family had set up at home. Beyond being able to email updates to my family using the tech center or my laptop, I was able, with the borrowed web cam, to web conference with my family a number of times. My five year old was thrilled to be able to see mommy’s room and mommy herself at the conference! And I was able to get a glimpse of the surprise baby chinchilla we were blessed with while I was away. Of course, I could have done without the comments from child and father about the circles under my eyes and “are you really going out with your hair like that?” Work-wise, our parish’s Dinner with the Pastor was that week. I left this event, attended on the average by more than eighty-five people, in the capable hands of volunteer ministers. The readily available email connections hooked me into my office email so I could assist them when the inevitable questions arose: “Where are the extension cords?” “How much bottled water do we need?” (The event went off without a hitch!) I was also able to continue the planning of other events in the works and maintain the flow while 750 miles away! There are many who don’t want that connectivity when they’re away, and to them, I say: “I’m glad for you. How you must enjoy the peace and quiet.” For me, uncertainty prevents me from concentrating on the present “here” without knowing what’s going on in the present “there”. While it may seem like I’ve become a slave to the Internet by not allowing myself time away, the reality for me is that by staying connected I am better able to enjoy the moment, knowing that emergencies and questions can be handled seamlessly

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Email is a valuable asset and its use should be encouraged and expanded.

National Profile of Catechetical Ministry Our Goal:

with minimum fuss. It also helps cut down on those cell phone calls right in the middle of the best keynote all week! The Tech Center at the Annual Conference not only was used for “connectivity” purposes. A number of publishers demonstrated their products. Catechetical leaders could see and hear publishers explain their “tech stuff ” and then clarify any questions. There were also a number of technology workshops aimed at assisting catechetical leaders to ease into the technology age and use available technology to further their ministry. For example, Richard Drabick hosted a workshop on Methodological Considerations of E-learning for Catechetical Training and Adult Faith Formation. “After centering the group’s attention of the importance of the theological underpinnings of communication I raised awareness of the importance of consistency when devising any on line program for catechesis,” Drabick said. (For those who were unable to attend the Annual Meeting or the tech workshops, some of the presentations are available on tape. The order form can be found in this issue and on the NCCL web page.)

To provide dioceses with the most efficient and cost-effective way possible to gather vital information on their parishes’ catechetical programs.

What is the National Profile? The National Profile of Catechetical Ministry is an annual diocesan data-gathering process, offered through the Internet. This unique tool saves mailing, printing, and collection costs by compiling all data online. Dioceses and participating parishes can instantly view vital data about catechetical ministry from individual parishes, the entire diocese, or the nation. Go to our website www.nccl.org and click on the National Profile logo for more information and to sign up online.

At the Geek Meet about ten participants (and several eavesdroppers checking email and chiming in) met to share their tech discoveries that make ministry easier or better. Much of the talk centered on what people were doing in their school, parish, or diocese to make work easier. One point that came to light was that email is a valuable asset and its use should be encouraged and expanded. Once thought to be a novelty or luxury, the Tech Center has become a hub for catechetical ministers relying on technology to assist them in their lives and ministries. “Kudos to Don Kurre and the rest of the Tech Committee for working to ensure that all NCCL members would have a positive experience of technology at the conference,” said Drabick. “Many who had questions were able to get answers that helped them along the way to integrating technology in their ministry and even in their lives.” ❙

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A TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS continued from page 6

the person of Jesus Christ, that is, the preaching of his name, his teaching, his life, his promises and the kingdom which he has gained for us by his paschal mystery.’ It involves the active participation of every Christian in the proclamation and demonstration that the Christian faith is the only full and valid response to the problems and hopes that life poses to every person and society” (p. 60). The purpose of this evangelization is to bring about faith and conversion to Christ. Faith involves a profound change of mind and heart, a change of life. Such a change can only arise from deep within the interior of one’s being, where one faces the truly important questions about human life. Such a change, engendered by the action of the Holy Spirit, shows itself in the transformation of one’s life. One begins to live “in Christ” and is able to confess with St. Paul, “Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” Conversion begins with the familiar theme taken from the Gospels and repeated in the Acts of the Apostles “Repent therefore and be converted” (Acts 3.19). All conversion is a turning from what would lead us away from Christ. The New Testament uses the word “metanoia” which can mean a change in mentality. Today, we might be more comfortable speaking of a change in attitude or vision. In either case, the intention is the same—to change our way of thinking and acting. This conversion is a lifelong task. We are caught up in it at every stage of our lives. It is also totally dependent on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that prayer plays such an important part in personal conversion. Prayer brings in its wake a change of lifestyle and a commitment to Christ that overflows into all of our daily actions. Thus we need to recognize the place of prayer in our catechesis and incorporate it into our process.

SACRAMENTS—TRANSFORMATION

COMMUNITY

Ecclesia in America calls for personal spiritual renewal rooted in prayer that is both private and liturgical. It also calls for awareness that the universal call to holiness extended by God to every person involves us together as we make our pilgrimage through this life. The NDC devotes an entire chapter to “Catechesis in a Worshiping Community” highlighting for us the relationship between catechesis and liturgy and the evangelizing opportunities we have when we prepare people to receive the sacraments. Catechesis that has the power to transform is deeply rooted in the sacramental life of the church, recognizing that the

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liturgical life of the church revolves around the seven sacraments with special emphasis on the Eucharist. Our Holy Father’s encyclical on the Eucharist, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, offers rich material for meditation on our Eucharistic identity and the essential relationship of the Eucharist to the building up of the church. We are reminded that “incorporation into Christ, which is brought about by Baptism is constantly renewed and consolidated by sharing in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, especially by that full sharing which takes place in sacramental communion” (22). There is a sense in which all catechetical effort is directed to bringing us to the Eucharistic liturgy and then flows from that sacred mystery. This is so because it is in the celebration of the Eucharist that we encounter and are incorporated into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection that dramatically, inexorably, and essentially changes us. “When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, the memorial of her Lord’s death and resurrection, this central event of salvation becomes really present and ‘the work of our redemption is carried out’” (11). Another striking aspect of the transformative power of catechesis is the introduction of the catechized to the call to penance and

reconciliation. Again we can find in Ecclesia in America an indication of how transformative correct catechesis can be when it deals with something as essential as reconciliation. “The present crisis of the Sacrament of Penance, from which the Church in America is not exempt and about which I have voiced my concern from the beginning of my Pontificate, will be overcome by resolute and patient pastoral efforts” (32).

Conversion is not simply individual reconciliation with God.

The conversion that the pope speaks about so forcefully and that catechesis should have as its goal “leads to an acceptance and appropriation of the new vision which the Gospel proposes” (32). Thus we are called in our journey to turn continuously toward God to make a place in our life for the ascetical practices, which

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have always been a part of the church’s life and culminate in the sacrament of forgiveness. “Only those reconciled with God can be prime agents of true reconciliation with and among their brothers and sisters” (32). In the climate of renewal and new evangelization, the place of the sacrament of penance/reconciliation/confession must receive due recognition. If there is clearly a spiritual casualty in the struggle of Catholic pastoral practice in recent decades it is the sacrament of reconciliation. While we witness many, many people who come forward to receive Holy Communion Sunday after Sunday, we have recognized a proportionate decrease in the lines waiting for confession weekdays and weekends. Renewal of our society and renewal of the church itself must include the recognition of the need for sacramental reconciliation as an integral part of the spiritual life of all of the faithful—priests, religious and laity. Finally, as a part of this transformation that is inspired and in part accomplished through catechesis, is the experience of communion. “As you Father are in me and I in you, may they also be one in us” (Jn. 17.21). Communion should be seen in the widest and deepest theological terms. It is the life of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Spirit—shared with us through an outpouring of God’s grace in the sacraments of initiation and renewed every day in the Eucharist.

CONVERSION LEADS

SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Conversion, however, is not simply individual reconciliation with God. The great commandment is to love the Lord God, Jesus tells us, and then to love our neighbor. In his exhortation the pope reminds us of the social dimension of conversion. “Conversion is incomplete if we are not aware of the demands of the Christian life and if we do not strive to meet them” (27). Citing the reflections of the synodal fathers the pope notes that “at both the personal and communal level there are great shortcomings in relation to a more profound conversion and with regard to relationships between sectors, institutions and groups within the Church” (27). It is here that the pope quotes from the first letter of John: “He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (27). The NDC devotes an entire chapter to this aspect of the transformative power of catechesis when it speaks of catechesis for life in Christ. Here it is highlighted that our catechetical effort should be to inspire individuals and communities in such a way that life in Christ becomes the vital principle of all their activities. Catechesis as a transforming force sees the action of God’s Spirit at work at a number of levels simultaneously. First is the grafting of the person into the life of the vine that is Christ while at the same time seeing the branch bear good fruit in a lively discipleship reflective of the Gospels and rich in the works of justice and charity.

Catechesis that has the power to transform is deeply rooted in the sacramental life of the church.

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“Faced with a divided world which is in search of unity, we must proclaim with joy and firm faith that God is communion, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, unity in distinction, and that he calls all people to share in the same Trinitarian communion...We must proclaim that the Church is the sign and instrument of the communion willed by God, begun in time and destined for completion in the fullness of the kingdom” (33). The pope’s vision of our communion—our being together in Christ—that follows on our conversion is one that is made visible in concrete signs, such as communal prayer, the close ties among Catholics in their parishes, unity with their bishop and, through him, with the Vicar of Christ. At the heart of this concept of communion is our faith and our commitment to know it and accept it as God’s great gift. “Communion requires that the deposit of faith be preserved in its purity and integrity...” (33). On this level we find the spiritual force that holds us together as God’s people. We are not a social, political, cultural or economic community. We are a faith com-

munity. We have been anointed in the Holy Spirit in baptism and confirmation and renewed in the gift of the Eucharist.

TRUTH LEADS

LIFE

In concluding these reflections I want to return to the Baltimore Catechetical Symposium and end with words from my presentation there: “We turn to Jesus and therefore to his Church today in order that we might hear, accept and live the words of spirit and truth—the words of everlasting life. Catechesis is all about introducing people into a higher level of life and a new way of living.” We live in the transforming power of the Spirit, and we are enabled to do so because we walk in the truth of God’s revelation. The truth and the life are intimately related because entrance into new life, a supernatural reality that transcends the parameters of this human life, takes place precisely to the extent that we hear and receive the truth that opens us to this spiritual transformation. ❙ Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, STD, bishop of Pittsburgh since

1988, is chairman-elect of the USCCB Committee on Catechesis.

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Advertisers’ Directory Be sure to visit these exhibitors at the Annual Conference.

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C AT E C H E T I C A L L E A D E R EDITOR: Joyce A. Crider EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: Mary Kay Schoen DESIGN: Rings Leighton Design Group PUBLISHER: Neil A. Parent Catechetical Leader (ISSN: 1547-7908) is published six times a year by the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL), 3021 Fourth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1102. Authors’ views do not necessarily reflect those of NCCL. Letters to the editor and submissions of news items are encouraged. Send to Catechetical Leader at the address above or email nccl@nccl.org. Phone: (202) 636-3826/Fax: (202) 832-2712. Contact NCCL for reprints. Copyright © 2004 by NCCL Subscription rates: (U.S. addresses): One year $24; two years, $42; three years, $54. NCCL members receive Catechetical Leader as a part of membership. To subscribe, send name and address with check or credit card number to NCCL at address above. Bulk rate subscriptions: 2–5 subscriptions, $22 each; 6–10 subscriptions, $20; 11–20, $18; 21 or more, $16. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NCCL, 3021 Fourth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1102.

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS ❚

NEW NCCL BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED RETIREMENTS ANNOUNCED The following NCCL members announced their retirement at our conference. We wish to extend to these and all our retirees our deep appreciation and gratitude for their many years of service as catechetical leaders. We ask God to bless their well-deserved retirements.

Newly elected board members receiving a blessing at the celebration of the Eucharist at the NCCL Conference 2005 are (l. to r.) Dr. Harry Dudley (re-elected); Sister Mary Carolyn Marchal, SC; and Mr. Joseph Swiss.

Sr. Clarissa Goeckner, OSB–Diocese of Boise Sr. Catherine Kallhoff, SSND–Diocese of St. Cloud Karen Oddi–Archdiocese of Indianapolis Linda DeMarkey–Regional Catechetical Director, Archdiocese of New York Rose Bennett–Archdiocese of Baltimore Jeanne Brady–Archdiocese of Kansas City

ELIZABETH LEVITZ Elizabeth Levitz has been named Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Miami. She had been serving as interim director.

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CROSSWORD ❚

TRANSFORM ME ACROSS 1 Process of transformation 10 Signal 13 “Father, ___ your hands I commend my spirit.”–Lk 23:46 14 Ohio city NE of Dayton 16 Scope 19 Pressurized water vapor 20 Nurturing group for transformation 21 Upper limb 22 3.14 ... 23 Used to measure 3 feet–abbr. 24 First half of a hurried word 26 Halts 28 Path of transformation 29 Dorothy’s aunt 31 Transfer liquid again 32 Abbr. for Rome’s country 33 Fruit of transformation 35 Sphere 36 Half of a child’s toy 37 Yang’s partner, reversed 39 Single 40 Call to transformation 43 “This ___ is the new covenant in my blood.”–1 Cor 11:25 44 “__ You Like It” 46 Internet connection 47 Fruit of transformation 49 Pierre’s head 51 Downstate NY–abbr. 53 Travel organization 55 Emotional fruit of transformation

58 60 61 62 63

by Megan Anechiarico

Initiates transformation Ignited Obtain Motivation for transformation Spiritual transformation

18 23 25 27 28 30 34 38 39 41 42

Process of transformation Not out Imprints Response to transformation April showers Gender letters Effortless Parasite’s egg Transformative riches Goal of spiritual transformation Prototypical prefix–Ger. Fruit of transformation Prohibit Liberal arts college in Lewisburg, PA–abbr. Shiny Christmas tree decoration Not me Time for transformation Conversation of transformation Emotional fruit of transformation Cat’s cries Bird’s flapper Opposite of NNE Choose Evils Shortly

23 27

31 29

37 40

43 51

34 39

43 45 46 48 50 52 54

10 15

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17

58 54

59 61

Transformation Easter or Christmas Goal of spiritual transformation ___ Chi Consume Emerald or Grand Declare

56 2 57 Non-prescription meds 59 “He has made everything suitable for ___ time.”–Eccl 3:11

✁

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24 May 2005

Volume 16, Number 3