Catechetical Leaders Gather

On Saturday, August 23, about 80 Diocesan Catechetical Leaders, Directors of Faith Development, Youth Ministers, and Catechists participated in a Resource Day with the aim of strengthening the partnership between Parishes and the Diocese in the Ministry of Faith Development. The day offered two areas of concentration, one for the Catechists to attend workshops and the other for the rest of the attendees to participate in round-table discussions exploring the direction Faith Development should take in the future in the Diocese of Gaylord.

Catechists attending the event participated in three educational workshops. “Music in the Classroom” was presented by Dan Hall, Music Director at Cross in the Woods, Indian River. “Story Telling /Telling the Story” was offered by Dannie Brzezinski who leads the diocesan Faith Development. The final session, “Working with Special ‘Kids’,” was presented by Deacon Matt Lyberg who also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work.

During the morning session the Catechetical Leaders were asked to discuss and develop two proposals or goals in each of six catechetical areas: Birth to formal catechetical age; Grade Level Catechesis (K-6 grade); Youth Ministry (grades 7-12); Sacramental Catechesis; Family Catechesis; and Adult Faith Development. These professionals, with varied backgrounds and from different geographical areas in the Diocese, came up with many different ideas for each of the categories and the results were recorded on easels throughout the session.

During lunch both groups, Catechists and the Catechetical Leaders, joined together. The data gleaned in the morning session with Catechetical Leaders was displayed during the meal. Each person in attendance was given six dots to “vote” for one goal from each of the six categories that they felt was the strongest issue.

During the afternoon session with Catechetical leaders only, the data and voting was reviewed. Based on those issues with the most votes, proposed goals from each of the six areas were agreed upon and objectives were recorded. The results for each of the six areas were as follows:

Birth to formal catechetical age:

1. To establish stronger Baptismal Preparation and immediate parish follow-up and support

Objectives:

To see Baptism during Mass as key
To provide Diocesan Curriculum for Baptism Preparation that ties together the Sacraments of Initiation.
To develop a mystagogy process to maintain a connection through the first five years of life.

2. To empower parents to be the primary catechist of their children

Objectives:

To develop a “Parent as Catechist” certification process and tie it into the baptismal preparation process
To identify three effective models that parishes can use to engage parents as catechists with their children

Grade Level Catechesis (K-6)

1. To develop a message board on Diocesan Website for all Catechetical Leaders

Objectives:

To place a link on the Faith Development page that allows catechetical leaders to communicate with each other on ideas for successful ministry.

2. To establish Faith Development as a life long process -- one that does not end with the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Objectives:

To provide programs for adults
To provide activities for families
To provide opportunities for adult to learn the basics of their faith

Youth Ministry

1. To gather all youth ministers in vicariate settings to meet and plan a retreat

2. To provide training on the Theology of the Body for Teens (TOB)

Objectives:

To send Diocesan representatives for TOB training
To offer a vicariate retreat for parents on TOB
To offer TOB on parish level to youth
To invite TOB speaker to the youth rally

Sacramental Preparation

1. To require a three year sacramental process

Objectives:

To require a pre-sacramental year of faith development
To prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second year and provide opportunities to celebrate the sacrament with the faith community
To prepare children and celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist in year three
To invite families to participate in different ministries in the faith community

2. To offer more adult/parent catechesis during the sacramental process

Objectives:

To provide for separate adult catechesis with each session
To set up family goals to foster/enrich/deepen faith life and involvement in the faith community
To provide a family faith formation/whole community catechetical process to continue to foster faith development
To provide mentor families for those going through the Sacramental preparation process

Family Faith Development

1. To broaden the understanding of family

Objectives:

To include all households in all gatherings and parish events (single, widowed, young adults, children)
To provide broad topics
To include mentoring, prayer partners
To provide opportunity for intergenerational relationships
To bridge the generation gap by exchange of cards, notes and photos
To reach out to all individuals

2. To provide intergenerational activities/celebrations connected to the liturgical year that catechize.

Objectives:

To educate people about the church liturgical year
To celebrate feasts as parish
To make rosaries as a group, then pray the rosary
To assist families in making Advent Wreaths and their significance and use in the home
To offer intergenerational service projects
To share intergenerational faith stories

Adult (the group chose to address Young Adult Opportunities ages 18-30)

1. To offer young adult opportunities for catechesis/faith sharing and parish involvement

Objectives:

To offer age specific activities
To offer café` setting
To provide for challenging mentors
To evaluate existing parish ministries to determine how inviting and welcoming they are to young adults
To develop outreach and evangelization opportunities for young adults
To assist young adults to name their spirituality
To think “outside the box” in regards to young adults

These proposed goals and objectives will soon be presented to the Faith Development Council and a formalized plan of action will be developed.

The day ended with both groups coming together for the last session, “Here Comes Advent” where projects and ideas for the parish and the classroom were discussed.