The Priest As Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry, Chapter 4, part 1

The Priest As Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry
Chapter 5
Conclusions (part 1 of 3)

Introduction

It is not only through the sacraments and the ministrations of the Church that the Holy Spirit makes holy the People, leads them and enriches them with his virtues. Allotting his gifts according as he wills (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:11), he also distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts he makes them fit and ready to undertake various tasks and offices for the renewal and building up of the church, as it is written, "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit" (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Lumen Gentium, 12

The symposium provided an opportunity to review the experiences and activities of priests who are effective in catechetical ministry. It did not start out with a specific list of points that must be followed for successful catechetical ministry, and it did not finish with one. During the concluding session the review of the events of the preceding days did not attempt to synthesize the discussions, enumerate key points, and hammer out a list of recommendations for empowering catechists and catechetical ministry.

During the concluding session, the participants were asked to record the insights from the symposium that they would share with different groups of people in catechetical ministry. They were also asked to record what they personally gained from the event. As throughout the symposium, the discussion that developed from these questions was marked by openness, honesty, and an exchange of good ideas as well as insights that came from approaches that had limited success.

In reviewing this information, it is helpful to think of a painting filled with colors and images. Specific details have a beauty unto themselves, but it is also necessary to step back and view the work as a whole. This advice applies not only to the chapter, but to the book as a whole. In other words, the specific activities are important, because they contribute to success. But taken together these activities contribute to a portrait of catechetical ministry in a parish. As in previous chapters, this chapter reports the discussion that took place. The concluding points at the end, however, are drawn from the entire symposium in order to provide a full portrait.

Synopsis
The final session began with the participants at each table sharing their responses to the question about empowerment on page 136. Table representatives then presented summaries of the table discussions to the entire group. The reports initiated additional discussion. Finally, the participants reflected on the insights they had gained from the symposium.

Before reading this chapter, please answer the following reflection question. If you wish, change a category if you believe another group of people would be more appropriate for you.

Reflection
As a result of the symposium process, what would you say to the following groups about the priest's empowerment of catechetical ministry?

Catechists

Catechetical Leaders

Priests

Bishops

Empowerment Insights to Share
The responses to the Reflection question above are grouped according to the following categories, and are not listed in order of priority. The participants often viewed the questions from a slightly different perspective, and so the reports taken together offer a full overall picture.

Catechists

Crucial Ministry

Growth and Development

Affirmation

Sharing

Advice

Catechetical Leaders

Crucial Ministry

Growth and Development

Development of Catechists

Priests

Crucial Ministry

Growth and Development

Work with Catechists

Bishops

Affirmation

Support catechetical programs

Develop Priests

Provide Vision

Catechists
Crucial Ministry
The first speaker stated that his group would tell catechists that their ministry is vital to the life of the church, is united to the whole parish with the Sunday Eucharist, and is rooted in the ministry of the word. A priest at the table emphasized the importance of telling catechists their ministry is vital. These priests would also advise catechists to place greater emphasis on stewardship and discipleship.

Another group also would tell catechists that their work is essential to building the parish as a life-giving community of faith, grace, blessing, and service. In addition, they would say to the catechists: "We share in the work of sharing and living the gospel." Referring to this mutual responsibility, the pastor who was speaking for the others at the table explained that priests are catechists also, and priests have to identify with that. A priest from another group said the people at his table wanted to tell the catechists that "ministry is not just a task. It's formation and love for the church and love for who you are."

Growth and Development
One group would tell catechists that their ministry and witness are very important--they are ministers of the word called to inform, form, and transform Christians. Therefore, they should pray and strive to grow spiritually. To this end, priests should see if there are ways in which they can help catechists develop their faith, grow, and study. Catechists should be assured that they can count on their priests for support. The priests at another table also would recommend that catechists take advantage of continuing education and ongoing formation, attend workshops, and gather with other catechists. As one participant stated: "Continue to read, study, and grow to keep your own faith alive and your insights fresh when you share your faith with others."

Affirmation
The reports emphasized the importance of affirming the catechists about the essential nature of their ministry--"they are the salt of the earth." One priest said it is important to tell catechists to enjoy what they are doing and not to be afraid, assuring them that they have been called to this ministry. Others said they would tell catechists to be confident and to utilize their unique gifts.

Sharing
The priests at one table would be sure to say that since the role of catechists is to invite others into the journey of life, catechists should share their journey of faith and listen to the stories of others. Another group, building on this point, would suggest that catechists pray and listen to their experiences, examine their own lives and make the connection between life issues and faith. Then in their ministry, they should allow communication to be a dialogue in which they listen to the experiences of others as they share their own. This interaction should include other catechists.

Advice
Several reports included some advice that the participants would share with the catechists. Catechists should bring parents along with the process. One priest stated that catechists should "support and encourage the adults. Show kindness and respect to the children. Tell your story of faith and listen to theirs. Pray." Another pastor would suggest that catechists include Christian service in their sessions because people learn by doing.

Catechetical Leaders
Crucial Ministry
One group of pastors said they would reiterate to catechetical leaders that catechesis is broader than the instruction that takes place in programs. Leaders should be involved in the wider dimension of the parish's programs, activities, and ministries, especially the social justice dimension, remembering that one important dimension of Christianity is demonstration. The priests would also encourage dialogue with pastors about catechesis.

Other priests said they would speak with catechetical leaders about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as a model for formation, about ways in which catechesis can be presented to adults, and about the importance of Catholic identity. Another group of pastors said they also would speak about the priority of adult catechesis. In addition, the participants said they would share ideas with diocesan leaders, encourage them, and thank them for all they do.

Growth and Development
Praying with the leaders and catechists more frequently was another resolution. The priests would send parish catechetical leaders for additional training and urge the leaders to have greater interaction with the parish council. Participants also would encourage the parish leaders to stay abreast with current catechetical developments and to be open to new and creative approaches.

One priest explained that catechesis is a very intentional activity that demands people to know who they are and what they do. A group also spoke about the possibility of convening diocesan priests and DRE's for a one day symposium similar to the present one. The purpose would be to surface feelings from these people about the current experience and what direction they would like the diocese to take in catechetical ministry.

Catechist Development
The priests at one table would caution catechetical leaders about the need to respect the team's time and home life. Because of this, DRE's and other leaders need to find creative ways of finding time for catechist formation. In a similar vein, another group of priests would caution the leaders not to overextend themselves by becoming too involved in other parish ministries. A participant said the priests at his table would speak about the need to support the needs of the people the leaders serve, and the mutual responsibility of the leaders and priests to form catechists. Another table would also encourage the leaders to work as a team with their priests in calling, training, and empowering catechists. The reporter spoke of the need to provide opportunities for spiritual and formational growth, and to call forth the prophet and artist in each person. Another priest encouraged the development of small faith sharing groups.

Priests
Crucial Ministry
"Priests must give priority to catechetical ministry because it is foundational to all other ministries." This view was reflected throughout the presentations. The priests would tell other priests that their role is essential to sharing the faith, and that they can be either an aid or an obstacle. They would advise priests to be attentive to the support they give to catechists and to be present to the catechetical program. In addition, they would encourage priests to teach in the parish's catechetical program, if possible, since they believe this is such an important aspect of parish life and ministry. Others said that if priests do not teach, they should have a direct involvement in the ministry of catechesis though their presence, support, and affirmation.

In reporting the consensus of his table, one priest stated: "We all got the feeling that the Church in the United States is alive and well." This group would remind priests that their preaching is their primary catechesis and that priests should make sure the parish has catechetical goals and realizes that catechesis is a shared responsibility of the entire Christian community. One pastor would suggest that the staff examine the question: "What is catechesis and how does it happen?"

Another group said priests should view themselves as servants, and they should love the people they serve. As expressed by one person: "You are modeling Christ. Be tender, compassionate, patient. Overlook much. Rejoice always. Pray."

Growth and Development
The need for the continuing education of priests was stressed throughout the reports. One group suggested that an emphasis should be placed on sabbaticals. Another would advise priests to develop the skills of listening, learning, support, and empowerment. One table said they would tell priests to ask themselves: "What made me the priest that I am today?" A pastor observed that priests should remember that they are brothers, and that they can talk with one another. One pastor said: "We have to continue to pray for and with one another. We have to work together and support one another. Let us strive to practice and live what we preach. Let us listen to one another."

Work with Catechists
One pastor would tell his fellow priests: "We need to grow spiritually, in intimacy with Christ to empower our catechists and catechetical leaders and evangelizers." Other observations were that priests should be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. They should use their best gifts and realize that they do not know it all and they can not do it all. In a community filled with gifts, the priest does not have to have each one. Priests should dialogue with the DRE's and come to a better understanding of the challenges that face them. They should serve as a good sounding board to the DRE and support the DRE, and they should be available to the catechists and work as a team. One pastor said his advice would be: "Nurture your catechists through ongoing affirmation, supporting their participation in courses, workshops, and other educational opportunities. Their ministry affects all the activities of the parish."

Bishops
Affirmation
One group said they would affirm the bishop and uphold his ministry because it is so difficult. Another table would encourage the bishop to continue to love the priests and work with them, be open to them and to what they may say. It is also important to trust and listen to all the people. Others would advise their bishop to be proud and confident of himself and of the priests of his diocese.

Support Parish Catechetical Programs
The priests in one group would urge their bishops to continue the course of strong catechetical programs in the parishes and to maintain a commitment to financial support for these catechetical programs. As one pastor explained: "We need to talk to him about the priority of catechesis in the life of our church." Priests at one table would recommend that the diocesan catechetical office be expanded to include regional offices with more staff on the road.

Others would point out to their bishops that parishes that give catechesis a priority are vibrant. One pastor explained that he would say: "Catechesis is more than teaching religion to children. Be especially concerned with the climate of faith that is being engendered in the entire parish. Parishes that give catechesis priority are alive and active in all ways. Look at the liturgies, the social outreach, the adult programs, the parent support. These indicate how effectively the parish is performing its catechetical ministry."

The participants would also urge the bishop to spend more time in the parishes because his involvement, support, and presence are important. Catechetical formation is crucial, and so they would ask the bishop to affirm the priests, catechetical leaders, and catechists who proclaim God's word. They would also suggest that the bishop encourage priests to be more effective catechetical leaders. One group of participants would also suggest that when a bishop visits a parish, he meet with catechists as well as with teachers, and with the DRE as well as with the school principal.

Develop Priests
Several table reporters said they would like to share the results of the symposium with their bishops to explore how these experiences can be applied. One pastor would encourage the bishop to continue to animate priests in their ongoing formation so they are better able to form evangelizers and to be catechetical guides and leaders who empower catechists for all ages. Some specific recommendations surfaced during the reports: bishops should help priests improve their homilies and liturgies; they should challenge priests to grow; and they should encourage sabbaticals.

Provide Vision
The consensus of one group was that the diocese must provide a clear vision of what is needed to be an active parish. To help accomplish this, the bishop should give vision and he should find someone he trusts to help pastors have a vision of what parishes should be doing. This group would also urge the bishop to encourage parishes to evangelize, to become an evangelizing community of communities. He should also encourage priests and catechetical leaders to work for a balanced approach to catechesis that integrates the discipleship nature of parish life with the formational aspects of programs.

Reflection

How can you apply some of these ideas to your parish? Can you add any of your own?

The second part of Chapter 5, Conclusions 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