Responses from Participants, Chapter 4, part 1

Responses from the symposium participants
(Chapter 4, part 1):

Focusing on how you empower one catechist from your parish: How do you support the catechist?

I meet with her at least once a month as a mentor, encourage her to explore new ways of doing her ministry, and help her process and evaluate her ministry. I connect her with the parish DRE and publicize her position and ministry responsibilities.
I have encouraged her spiritual growth and have been a companion to her on her faith journey. I have been available to discuss her efforts in ministry and to lend support and counsel, and I have encouraged her to continue her formation as a catechist.
I work through the DRE and I listen and encourage the catechist in her ministry. The catechist also comes to me for spiritual direction.
I greet him warmly at each meeting, compliment him on his work, and let him know how much I appreciate his competence and how much I count on him. I encourage him to take extra time for his family when there have been a lot of demands on his time during the evenings. I give time and resources so he can further himself in his area.
I let her know that her ministry is important and valuable. I also take time to listen to her critiques of the program and to let her know that I consider her very accomplished in her work.
My support comes by being there, by affirming her, by thanking her for a well done job, and by getting her the things she needs to teach.
I support her by providing her with on-going catechetical opportunities, communicating with her, praying with her and her family, and affirming her strengths and challenging her weaknesses.

How do you provide catechetical opportunities?

The parish sends her each year to the annual three day Religious Education Congress. I also sponsor her for other catechetical seminars and workshops when offered and when relevant to her ministry.
I hire a strong DRE. I personally and financially encourage continued catechetical training and spiritual formation.
Catechetical opportunities are always there. I try to help others to recognize the opportunities and believe they can make a difference.
We publicize the opportunities for Conferences and local Diocesan events and we pay for their attendance. I personally do not do the groundwork for this, I simply encourage it.
I look at short term tasks or programs and personally invite her to participate and/or facilitate. I invite her to come to me with her ideas, her hopes and wishes gleaned from her relationship with parishioners.

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