August 16, 2016 WBB For PCLs, WBB For Catechists, REL PD - Leaders
By: Allie Johnston
The start of a new year of Religious Education is an opportunity not only to form students in the faith but also to form catechists! Volunteer catechists that will begin to give their time and share their faith with the children in your religious education program may be catechists for the very first time. As directors and leaders plan for a new year for the students, consider offering a Catechist Training Workshop to new, returning, and veteran catechists.
DREs know that effective catechists are a crucial component of running an effective religious education program. Help ensure that volunteers, who are giving up their time to help share the Gospel message with the children in your program, are well prepared and well informed for the journey ahead. Download a helpful outline to offer a workshop to help give your catechists tools they will need as they begin a new year of religious education.
This Catechist Training Workshop is written for the Director of Religious Education who serves as workshop leader. It includes four sessions incorporating prayer, Catholic teaching and doctrine, methods and management, and reflection. It invites catechists with varying levels of expertise to share their experiences to help and inspire all those who will give their time to the young disciples in your program this year.
This workshop could also be used in preparation for or conjunction with Catechetical Sunday 2016. Catechetical Sunday is an annual event that will be celebrated this year on September 18th. Catechetical Sunday both inspires and celebrates the important work of catechists in the Church and this year focuses on the theme “Prayer: The Faith Prayed.” This workshop allows you to express your gratitude for the gift of time and talent that your catechist volunteers have given and invites group prayer and reflection. It also includes a reproducible Blessing for Catechists that is part of the formation and a takeaway for the catechists to remember throughout the year.
For more resources to help with catechist training, explore the Nine Tips for First Time Catechists eBook. To welcome new students and ensure they have the foundation they need, download Eight Steps to Successfully Catching Students Up eBook. The 7 Ways to Prepare for a New School Year eBook is another helpful resource. The Beginning the School Year Prayer Service sets the tone with students and catechists for a new year of Religious Education.