Responses from the symposium participants
(Chapter 2, part 2):

• The parish is asked to support and pray for the catechetical ministry and lay formation program. Everyone is also encouraged to participate or serve as a volunteer.
• The parish actively participates in recruiting catechists, commissioning the catechists, and affirming and supporting the catechists.
• On Catechetical Sunday the entire parish community is blessed and commissioned to emphasize the catechetical role of entire community.
• On Catechetical Sunday the catechists are presented and recognized.
• Ceremonies at Sunday Masses recognize various levels of attainment on the part of the young people who participate in programs.
• The catechists receive ongoing catechetical training and "in-service" throughout the year.
• The celebration of the sacraments of initiation and the rites of the RCIA are used to remind the assembly of its responsibility.
• Several parish homilies address the role of sharing faith.
• The announcements at liturgy highlight all the different forms of catechesis offered in the parish.
• The vision of the role of all members of the parish as catechists is shared in the "Pastor's letter" in the parish bulletin, in homilies, and in meetings with parish leadership groups. The DRE also emphasizes this vision in articles in the parish newsletter.
• Communication occurs through letters with the parents, posters, bulletin inserts, flyers from parish school of religion and school .
• Use time during Sunday sessions for parent gathering to pray scripture.
• Pre-Sacrament programs for parents take place after Sunday Mass as a visible sign for the worshiping community.
• Parents become aware of their catechetical responsibilities in our sacramental catechesis prior to Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
• The parish stresses continued catechesis through adult sessions, prayer and Bible group and small group discussion.
• Cooperative efforts are made among neighboring parishes for updating, training, and certification of catechists.
• Inform parish of diocesan and parish sponsored workshops and events.
• The parish holds religious book sales after Masses two times each year.
• Report on the catechetical ministry of the parish to the Parish Assembly and Pastoral Council.

Return to Chapter 2, part 1

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