lay catechists how can this minsitry benefit my parish?
TRANSCRIPT
LAY CATECHISTS
HOW CAN THIS MINSITRY BENEFIT MY PARISH?
WHAT IS A LAY CATECHIST?
Catechumen – one preparing for Baptism / Chrismation
Catechesis – instruction Catechist – teaches adults Catechist – teaches adults
preparing for reception into the preparing for reception into the Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church
THE EARLY CHURCH
Catechumenate took yearsAfter dismissal of catechumens,
catechist instructed themCatechists a minor order along
with doorkeepers, exorcists, readers, cantors
LATER HISTORY
Christianity established– Adult catechumens fewer– Clergy took over role
New need arises in periods of missionary activity
WHY TODAY?
Many adult convertsNeed for lengthy instructionDuty to evangelize our societyWe have educated laity capable of
assisting in the task
BECOMING A LAY CATECHIST
May be a graduate of a formal educational program
May have demonstrated capabilities in other ways
May serve apprenticeship to pastorBlessing of your priest
BENEFITS
For the priestFor the catechumens
For the parishFor the whole Church
1. ASSISTS PRIEST
Frees his timeFrees his energiesCatechist may have more
flexibilityKeeps priest informed of progress,
problems
2. PROVIDES LAY PERSPECTIVE
Catechumens may– Feel freer to ask questions– Find answers more palatable– Identify with catechist’s experience
3. INTEGRATES CATECHUMENS INTO PARISH LIFE
“Pre-sponsor”Model / advisorIntroduce to othersEncourage participation
4. MAY SERVE IN OTHER ADULT EDUCATION ROLES
Inquirer classesBible study/adult classesGive talksWrite articlesResource person
– a specialist in elementary questions – a first contact for inquirers
5. ENHANCES LAITY’S SENSE OF VOCATION
Example of “equipping the saints”– Harnessing talents of laity– Lay leadership in intellectual/spiritual
sphere– Duty of all to spread faith– Commitment to ongoing ministry
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
QUALITIES OF A LAY CATECHIST
1. KNOWLEDGE
Sound knowledge of the faith – Well read in faith; knows Bible– Late vocations program may be
helpfulExperience living the faith
– Liturgical, parish life– Spiritual, emotional maturity
2. COMMUNICATION
Expression– Can articulate faith on various levels– Explain, don’t argue– Discernment, moderation in expressing
oneself People skills
– Personable, approachable– Sensitivity, tact
3. COMMITMENT
Time commitment (6-12 months per class)
Stability in parish communityPersistence, dedication
4. EXAMPLE
Church attendance, sacramentsDeepen spiritual life as well as
knowledgeChristian conduct
5. PASTORAL APPROACH
Concern for individual soulsPray for themListen, perceive problemsAbility to keep confidencesKnow when to refer difficulties or
questions to the priest
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
DUTIES OF A LAY CATECHIST
1. Instruction
Curriculum, resourcesFormat – lecture, discussion, visual
aidsWhen and where – at church,
other, how often
2. Working with Priest
Initiating the processEncouraging catechumens’
relationship to priestReporting on progressAssessment of readiness
3. Stick With It
Be ready for long haulYou represent the ChurchSame dedication as clergyBuild relationshipContinue your own education
4. Listen
Draw them outBe alert for problems
– Unrealistic expectations– Family conflict– Peer pressure
Gauge readiness
5. Warn
Admit we have problems, tooStress commitment involvedPrepare for diverse practicesConvert pitfalls
– Being scandalized by others– Extremism– Judgment of non-Orthodox– Premature responsibility– Waning of initial enthusiasm
6. Encourage
Consistency/persistence– Attending services– Personal prayer– Repentance
Involvement in community– Finding sponsor– Building social network
Okay to have some doubts
FIVE CHALLENGES
1. Time
Find suitable scheduleLong processMay be open-endedAllow for individual differences in
readiness
2. Designing Instruction
Books, other resourcesAddressing individual differencesBalanceStaying freshSpeaking for the Church
3. Understanding Each
Where are they coming from?Don’t make assumptionsBe alert for misconceptions
– The Orthodox are perfect– Nothing ever changes– Orthodoxy has a rule for everything– Orthodoxy is less demanding
4. Staying Fresh
It’s repetitiveTired of hearing yourselfBeing thoroughKeep finding new ways to explain
5. Carrying Their Burdens
Tough questionsThey will confide in youFamily, personal difficultiesYou worryYou lose some
FIVE JOYS
1. Putting Talents to Use
Writing, speaking, etc.Working with peopleExperience
– Education – Choir, reader, altar server– Other parishes/jurisdictions– Faith background
2. Building the Church
Leading new members into ChurchSupporting local parishPromoting Orthodoxy in America Spreading God’s Kingdom
3. A Captive Audience!
Sharing– Love – Interest– Enthusiasm
4. Spur to Spiritual Life
Deep sense of responsibilityHanding on Holy TraditionContinual preparationReliance on God
5. Spiritual Relationship
Guiding their first stepsSharing joys and troublesSeeing them flower in the faith