Opening Prayer: Easter Joy...Alleluia! (click to open) This month's meeting focused on referring to the Catechetical Leaders' Handbook as a way to make sure record keeping is completed for this year and to look towards what needs to be done in preparation of next year. The first question in the discussion was "How was everyone's year? Were you able to schedule 30 hours of direct contact for each grade level?" Most parishes are fitting in the thirty hours encouraged by Bishop Cunningham. With today's schedules for families, holidays, etc... |
Certification & Re-Certification: The Catechetical Leaders' Handbook describes various levels of certification. Remember that Associates and Directors should be updating their formation and be re-certified every 5 years with 65 hours of ongoing formation. Catechists can receive Level II certification and re-certification with 30 hours of ongoing faith formation workshops. (Section Two, pages 10 - 12 in the Catechetical Leaders' handbook).
Job Description - It is recommended that you have a job description written. Go over this with your pastor and have it signed as an agreement. This is not a contract, but should list all of your responsibilities. This helps the pastor understand the Catechetical Leaders' role and will help when a new pastor is assigned. It can be used as a communication tool. If you do create one, please send me a copy to keep in your file here at the office as well.
Sample Job Description
Evaluation - This is a reflective tool, not a test! This evaluation is for the catechetical leader to do prayerfully and honestly to help identify strengths and weaknesses. Take a few minutes to complete this, then set yourself some new goals or strategies to grow in your ministry. This can also be completed periodically by your pastor and others you work with. You may want to use this as a conversation starter with your parish. You may send me a copy of any evaluations to keep in your file record or keep them yourself to view year to year. These are used when catechetical leaders are applying for certification or re-certification. (Appendix A-7, Catechetical Leaders' Handbook)
Catechetical Leader Evaluation
Book Evaluation - Would you like to know how your catechists like the textbook? Are you thinking of changing publishers. This form may help you to evaluate the books you are using and others you are looking at.
Book Evaluation Form
Other Records and Publications - We also discussed other forms and records used by CLs including registration forms, photo release forms, calendar templates, confirmation handbooks, parish handbooks for families, handbook for catechists, etc. All of these have examples or ways to structure the items in the CL Handbook. In the folder icon, you will find items that fellow leaders brought to share. If you would like to share yours, please email a pdf of anything you have and I will update this folder.
ALSO...it was asked that we schedule an evening to work on creating handbooks in July. I'm looking at Wednesday, July 8th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM as a Hands on Handbook evening. We can have fun while accomplishing something to use for the upcoming catechetical year.
Folder:
Follow up to Eastern Region Catechetical Youth Events -
As the collaboration team works toward writing a grant, what is needed is 8-10 parishes who would really like to be part of this core group to help sponsor the three youth events. The 8-10 parishes would divide the costs after the grant. The events are open to others who may be charged at the time of the event. Hopefully, with more parishes involved, the grant will be accepted in full and the region will be able to provide great events for the youth at little expense per parish. Please open the following document to see the various levels of collaboration and sign up as you can.
See Details and Levels of Participation
This year there will be no diocesan conference...BUT...there will be regional events throughout the year! Let's journey together N.E.W.S.!
The Eastern Region event will be sponsored this time by Pflaum Publishers. We have two keynotes and will be working on other workshop presenters. We need help with venue and menu! Decorations, publications, promotions, and more! Good News Help will meet July 16th at 6:30PM.
(was emailed by the Office of Faith Formation)
Bishop Harrison Nomination- ditto!
The Complete Folder all in one place! Add this folder to your Google Drive and have the items at your fingertips at anytime! |
An idea was to have a few other raffle baskets for fun. So, if we would like to offer a few "theme" baskets. If you would like to donate items to create the following baskets:
Basket One - Spiritual Booster (anything to boost the spirit!)
Basket Two - Sunday Sundaes (anything to make Sundays or Sundaes special!)
Basket Three - Eastern Highlights (anything that is unique to the Eastern Region, your parish, neighborhood, etc.)
Note: Items can be anything from prayer cards, to books, to specially purchased items! If you want to donate something, please contact me via email. aslaven@syrdio.org