The Priest As Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry, Chapter 4, part 3

The Priest As Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry
Chapter 4
The Priest as Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry (part 3 of 4)

Roleplay 2 — Parental Involvement in Sacramental Programs

Role: DRE

The scenario of the second roleplay has the pastor and the DRE meeting to discuss the lack of family participation in sacramental preparation. Many attempts have been made to increase parental involvement, but there has been little change.

You are the DRE and are meeting with the pastor to discuss the parish's lack of family involvement in sacramental preparation. It seems that despite all the efforts of the parish, the same "faithful few" parents attend the preparation meetings. Although you and the pastor have discussed providing home-based opportunities for sacramental catechesis, neither of you was convinced such an approach would be worth the risk.

However, you wonder why families have not participated in your parish's creative sacramental programs, and you are searching for alternative ways to get people enthusiastically involved. You have been in the position two years and are well-received by parishioners at parish gatherings, but you cannot seem to get things moving with family involvement for sacramental preparation. You are frustrated and unable to predict the outcomes of your efforts. At this point you want to try an at-home approach to engage families in sacramental preparation.

Preparation Notes
Have you experienced a situation like this or have you heard of something similar? What did you do? What would you have done?

Roleplay 2 —Parental Involvement in Sacramental Programs

Role: Pastor

The DRE is meeting with you to discuss the parish's lack of family involvement in the parish's sacramental preparation. It seems that despite all the efforts of the parish, the same "faithful few" parents attend their preparation meetings. In the past you and the DRE have discussed providing home-based opportunities for sacramental catechesis in the parish, but neither of you was convinced that such an approach would be worth the risk.

When you hired the DRE, you indicated that one of the objectives was to ensure that parents attend the parish's catechetical programs. Now you might be asked to consider an at-home approach. You are worried that the program might not work. At the same time you are very concerned about the DRE, the catechists, and the families. You know the DRE is completely devoted to catechetical ministry, and do not understand why families are not involved in sacramental preparation.

Preparation Notes
Have you experienced a situation like this or have you heard of something similar? What did you do? What would you have done?

Post-roleplay Reflection
These questions can help you reflect on your own roleplay and observations.

What do you see as the central challenge of this situation? Are there similar challenges in your parish?

What solutions did the pastor and the DRE develop in this roleplay? What others would you have suggested?

Symposium Synopsis
The meeting began as the DRE explained that she and the catechists have worked to prepare parents to be part of the children's sacramental formation, but that only a few parents participate. She wanted to discuss some creative approaches to this lack of participation.

The pastor inquired if the DRE had uncovered any reasons for the lack of participation through conversations with parents and catechists. She replied that for First Communion preparation, catechists called parents and sent notes home, and some catechists visited parents in an attempt to carry out this preparation in the home. The DRE said the catechists want to continue home visits for sacramental preparation, so she asked if these could replace the meetings at the church.

The pastor expressed concern, saying the group process of meetings provides helpful input and sharing. He said a lack of solutions for poor attendance does not mean that preparation will work if "we just send it home." Expressing similar frustration, the DRE explained that parents frequently tell her that they meant to go to the meetings, but something came up or they forgot. She finds that parents often ask for follow-up. Although she hears the same reasons, the DRE believes the parents are interested. She thinks some underestimate their ability to catechize their children, so perhaps home visits would be the best way to help them.

The pastor wondered if so many parents find reasons not to participate in group sessions designed to help them catechize their children, can they be expected to be prepared to catechize at home? Although hesitant, the DRE feels the risk is worthwhile. She presented a plan to divide the parish into blocks and to have three teams of two catechists to work with the parents in these divisions. The pastor suggested that she organize a meeting with the catechists and families in one of the blocks to solicit their reactions to this proposal. He then asked about implementation. She answered that after examination and design, they could start the first reconciliation program in September.

The pastor asked if, after examination, they decided against this new approach, would there be time to review the current method and develop other creative ideas. The DRE suggested they poll some parents who recently experienced sacramental preparation to identify obstacles that may exist. Perhaps the parents could also give some insight as to what would work well with other parents in their neighborhoods. The pastor backed the DRE's at-home proposal, but said she must be sure that she, the parents, and the catechists have a firm sense of direction. The DRE was happy to be able to work with the catechists on this approach.

With this, the roleplay ended.

Observations
The Church community also keeps its promise to parents by providing programs intended specifically to help them in their catechetical role. Such programs focus on the task of parents in relation to particular moments or issues in the child's religious life, such as sacramental preparation and moral development. They also seek to familiarize parents with the stages in children's growth and the relevance these have for catechesis.

National Catechetical Directory, 212

The participants' observations and comments fall into three categories:

Parental Motivation
Mandatory Participation
Unified Purpose

Parental Motivation
The first observation came from a pastor who explained that he did not observe any motivation on the part of the parents. He feels people sometimes have an attitude that whether or not they attend any meetings, their child will make First Communion. So they think, "What difference does it make whether or not I'm there?" Though the pastor and the DRE may talk about creative approaches, the participant thinks optional meetings are at the heart of the matter. His parish offers options, eight or nine courses, for the parents. However, participation is mandatory. He felt the situation in the parish, as played in the roleplay, did not have enough structure, and so more creative ideas may not have solved the problem.

The next pastor to speak agreed with the need for mandatory participation, but he also saw the need to seek different approaches when people do not respond. Rather than just continuing with the status quo and wondering why people do not participate, he said change can make a difference. The participant explained that, although this idea seems pretty simple, he often sees parishes get bogged down in their program without exploring alternatives.

Another participant observed that in parishes that have made the transition to home preparation, there seems to be an initial and even enduring resistance on the part of school parents. Because they pay tuition and send their children to a Catholic school, some people expect the school to provide preparation for sacraments. He has found that it takes a lot of catechesis--personal conversation with parents, letters, etc.--to help parents understand that the family is the primary religious educator. He explained that it takes a great deal of work with the parents.

He continued to say that this preparation is mandatory in his parish. He observed that it is easier to mandate this for First Eucharist because people want to be sure that their children celebrate their First Eucharist. However, he does not think people feel the same responsibility or obligation for the other sacraments.

Mandatory Participation
The ongoing discussion of the benefits of mandatory parental participation sparked a lively discussion. One participant commented: "We seem to be a contradictory people." He referred to a prior discussion about a balanced approach to catechesis. He questioned the wisdom of making the participation of parents a prerequisite of the child's reception of a sacrament. He thinks this would convey contradictory messages. On one hand parents are told they are the primary catechists of their children, yet on the other hand they encounter mandatory classes that imply a suspicion that they are not doing the job. He thinks some of this stance needs to be rethought.

This position was questioned by another pastor who asked: "Did Jesus make no demands on people?" The first pastor explained that he did not mean to exclude demands, but to consider different ways of making demands. When a couple presents their child for a sacrament, instead of requiring their attendance at a program, perhaps consider the possibility that the parents might do a better job themselves at home. Consider the options that are open to them.

The second pastor responded: "But ours is a covenant faith and if they come to the community, the community has some responsibility towards them." The first pastor explained that he was only cautioning against setting up rigid requirements. He feels that instead of helping people come to the Lord, mandatory meetings may actually pose obstacles.

A third priest observed that, in his experience, the vast majority of committed Catholic people do not object to programs that require their participation. He thinks the real challenge comes when any demands are placed on people who are not committed, asking their participation in formation to acquaint them, to affect them, and to ask a commitment from them. However, when appropriate he will ask for some commitment. For example, if parents want their child to receive First Communion, they must attend the requisite classes.

He continued to say if uncommitted people are in the group preparing for Confirmation, he believes they should show some element of personal commitment. If they want to get married later on, he tells them "if you're old enough to get married, you're old enough to make some type of decision about a relationship to the Church."

Unified Purpose
One priest thought the pastor put the DRE on the defensive by constantly asking questions. He observed that the pastor never asked how he could be of service, what could he do, or how he could help. The participant explained that this bothered him because it is not the problem of the DRE. It is a joint problem. It is the parish's problem. He did not think the conversation went in that direction.

Reflection
What is the degree of parental involvement in sacramental preparation in your parish? What is the approach to parents' participation?

Reflections from symposium participants about their work with people in catechetical ministry. [R-1]

Roleplay 3 —Potential Catechist

Role: Parishioner

In the third roleplay, the pastor is approached by a parishioner who wants to volunteer as a catechist in a program that currently has eight catechist vacancies.

It is recruitment weekend for the catechetical program. During the homily the pastor said there are eight groups without a leader! The pastor is now greeting parishioners after the celebration of the Eucharist. Finally, you decide to talk with him about volunteering.

You have been thinking about volunteering to be a catechist, but never got around to it. You wonder if you are qualified and hesitate at first to approach your pastor. But then you think of the parish's needs, and knowing all you were taught as a child, decide to offer your services.

Preparation Notes
Have you experienced a situation like this or have you heard of something similar? What did you do? What would you have done?

Role: Pastor

In the third roleplay, the pastor is approached by a parishioner who wants to volunteer as a catechist in a program that currently has eight catechist vacancies.

It's finally here! Recruitment weekend for the catechetical program. As you greet parishioners after the celebration of the Eucharist, you are thinking of ways to recruit more catechists � there are eight groups without a leader! Finally, a parishioner approaches you to talk about volunteering.

You know you need seven more catechists if the person who is approaching you volunteers. You are eager to have the volunteer serve, but are unsure of the person's training, background, or regular availability.

Preparation Notes
Have you experienced a situation like this or have you heard of something similar? What did you do? What would you have done?

Post-roleplay Reflection
These questions can help you reflect on your own roleplay prior to continuing with the material.

Think about what happened in the roleplay. How would you have handled the situation differently?

How would a similar situation be handled in your parish?

Symposium Synopsis

The parishioner approached the pastor to volunteer as a catechist, explaining that he wanted to do so before but was unsure about his qualifications. He believes he is qualified because of the religious training he received as a child. He referred to the ten commandments, the precepts of the church, and the Baltimore Catechism. Although he has had no religious education since childhood, he thinks he has much to offer the children.

After listening intently to the parishioner's background, the pastor asked if the primary reason for volunteering was the desire to help the children. The parishioner replied that the youth of today are confused "because things are too loose. I think we should come down on the ten commandments and really help them understand what God wants of them." The pastor then reflected on the comments about education, the Baltimore Catechism, and the precepts of the church. He told the parishioner he appreciated his enthusiasm, and asked him to talk a little bit about his faith experience.

The parishioner explained that after the service he married and began a family. He and his wife sent their children to Catholic school. He said this pleased him because the school took care of their children's Catholic education. He and his wife were not too involved, and in fact their familiarity with the Second Vatican Council was limited to the changes in the liturgy. Now, with the children grown and out of the house, he has extra time and would like to help the church as a catechist.

Once again, the pastor told the parishioner that he appreciated his enthusiasm for becoming a catechist. However, the priest explained that he did not think it would be best for the parishioner or the parish if he immediately appointed the parishioner as a catechist. He told the parishioner he would like to spend some time talking with him to learn more about his interests and determine how he can best utilize his gifts and skills. The pastor also explained that it is important to share a vision of catechesis and religious education.

The parishioner was somewhat puzzled and annoyed. He said he did not understand why the pastor was not more enthusiastic, especially with eight catechist vacancies. "I'm a lifetime Catholic and I have a good foundation and I don't quite understand what's going on." The pastor replied that he really appreciated the parishioner's desire to be a catechist. However, the vision of the Church today, rooted in the Second Vatican Council, may be different from the parishioner's expectations and approach. He asked the parishioner if he would be open to do some reflection and reading, after which they would talk again about volunteering as a catechist.

At this point, the roleplay ended.

Observations

Yet effective catechesis also depends a great deal on human effort: on planning, performance, and evaluation, on personal qualities and commitment. Especially does it depend upon the faith, hope, and love of catechists, responding to God's grace by growing in these virtues and ministering to others. The person of the catechist is the medium in which the message of the faith is incarnated. Whether catechists be parents, teachers, religious, priests, bishops, or any other of God's people, their witness to faith plays a pivotal role in catechesis.

National Catechetical Directory, Conclusion

Methods of Conditional Acceptance and Evaluation
The discussion about this roleplay centered on methods of conditional acceptance and evaluation of potential catechists. The first participant to comment about the roleplay said in this type of situation he would be very gracious in accepting the volunteer with the qualifying statement about reflection and updating that was made toward the end of the symposium roleplay. He would explain the recent developments in the life of the Church, and describe the process of catechesis as envisioned today. He wants the parishioner to feel welcomed. The participant said he makes sure that the parishioners who volunteer are aware of the renewal in liturgy and worship and other developments.

A second pastor offered another approach. In a similar situation he asked the volunteer: "What grade or what group would you like to teach?" He then had the parishioner sit in that class with the current catechist for a number of weeks, working with the catechist to become familiar with the process and procedures used with this grade level. In this example, the parishioner chose not to continue after six or eight weeks. He explained that he tries to encourage everyone who comes, but he insists that people have adequate time to make an informed decision about becoming a catechist.

Another pastor said he invites volunteers to participate in catechist formation programs before making a decision to become a catechist. He finds this process either transforms the person, or helps the person realize that catechesis is not the appropriate ministry for her or him. One priest explained that he invites volunteers to take a catechist's guide home to review. He later meets with them to share some experiences a catechist might encounter and to talk with them about ways to handle different situations. He explained that people who expect a clear direction often change their minds after reviewing the manual and learning what is expected.

Reflecting on this, a pastor expressed concern that people sometimes decide not to volunteer as catechists because they are given a manual to read and feel overwhelmed. He suggested that in small parishes, where catechist formation may not be available, mentoring may be the solution. The volunteer could be placed with someone who is a good catechist, and who could also be a companion. This process may help someone become a catechist who is not very familiar with this ministry.

Two other pastors spoke about selection processes in their parishes that were similar. Once a year one parish gathers all the people interested in becoming a volunteer in one or more of the ministries of the parish. Members of the staff meet with them, screening them to see how their skills can best be used. Another parish gathers people together for study groups, and uses questionnaires to find out what model of the church each individual appears to embrace and how these models can fit together.

Reflection
How are catechists recruited, selected, and developed in your parish? What is done to give them a sense of empowerment?

The fourth part of Chapter 4, The Priest as Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry from The Priest as Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry will be posted next Thursday. . For information about ordering this book, please see the Sadlier Religion Catalog.

Return to Examining Faith