Volunteering with Parish Cathechisis

[HerrZJA]

Hello all.

I am thinking of volunteering with the Parish for their Cathechesis program (Grades 1-7), running from October to April. I figure my own study should be relatively freshly in mind, since it’s coming to a (formal) close next month.

The parish is providing resources and supplies, but I’m wondering if anyone can think of any advice, practical or ephemeral, for teaching that rough age group (I know, theres really two or three age groups in there), teaching catechism in general, or really, any other sage advice.

If it helps anyone to feel better about a young person as a catechisist, I have my red cross first aid, red cross baby sitting, and several years as a Royal Canadian Army Cadet (which included leadership and instructional training).

-Z

 

[Corki]

I don’t know how old you are. We have several teens volunteering in the CCE program after their Confirmation. Usually they start as an aide to a more experienced teacher. The teaching methods you use for grade 1-3 are going to be very different than those for grade 6-7. Check your diocese for training and attend as much as you can.

I just noticed that your profile says you aren’t baptized. Will you be Catholic before you want to start with the catechism program?

 

[puzzleannie]

Hello all.

I am thinking of volunteering with the Parish for their Cathechesis program (Grades 1-7), running from October to April. I figure my own study should be relatively freshly in mind, since it’s coming to a (formal) close next month.

-Z

welcome to one of the most needed and rewarding lay ministries in the Church.

Every diocese has requirements for adult catechists and for youth volunteers, so find out from the parish catechetical leader what they are and follow them. Confirmation is a prerequisite for catechist as is the basic faith formation followed in your diocese. If you are going through a Confirmation program you will receive that basic standard of knowledge you need.

You will almost certainly be asked to begin as an aide with an experienced catechist and don’t underestimate that role, it is critical.

Attend all the trainings and catechists meetings because most of what you need will be offered in your own parish. Do not neglect the resources in the catechist guide itself, and on the publisher’s website.

This is the time of year folks,
listen to the Holy Spirit
–even if he looks and sounds like that crabby old fat white lady who runs your parish CCD and sends out pleas for help from the pulpit after Mass.

 

[PJM]

=HerrZJA;8219002]Hello all.

I am thinking of volunteering with the Parish for their Cathechesis program (Grades 1-7), running from October to April. I figure my own study should be relatively freshly in mind, since it’s coming to a (formal) close next month.

The parish is providing resources and supplies, but I’m wondering if anyone can think of any advice, practical or ephemeral, for teaching that rough age group (I know, theres really two or three age groups in there), teaching catechism in general, or really, any other sage advice.

If it helps anyone to feel better about a young person as a catechisist, I have my red cross first aid, red cross baby sitting, and several years as a Royal Canadian Army Cadet (which included leadership and instructional training).

-Z

My advice is along the lines of “SAGE Advice”. Having taught these grade for a GREAT many years:

1. Be over prepared. If something "isn’t working’ be prepared to move on.
2. Like school; be a strict but fair disiplinsrin. THINGS can get out of HAND in a HURRY
   Have a published set of Class do’s and don’ts
3. Teach the ENTIRE truth [even if you struggle with it]
4. GREAT idea to have an assistant for a varity of reasons.
5. Have a Holy Water fount of some sort by the door and insist the kids Bless themselves [it also brings into focus why they are there].
6. NEVER Lie! … It’s quite possible that you’ll be asked question to which you many not [YET] have a full understanding. FESS-UP and tell them you’ll get back to them next week AND BE SURE TO DO IT They will know if your not upfront with them.
7. Have a plan for every week that includes contingencies.

God Bless you and THANKS,
Pat

 

[HerrZJA]

Hi everyone.

First of all, thanks for the advice, all three of you. Corki needn’t worry; I’m being baptized and a month from tomorrow, as I’ve been spending the last year or so meeting with the Pastor to arrange it and study my own cathecisis.

I’ve spoken with the Parish Director of Religious Education, a rather nice woman, and she seems interested in having me around as an aide for instructing the grade six class. If anything, this ministry (if I dare use the term), will help ground my own catechism. I’ve always been the “smart one” in school and among my siblings, so I suppose, to a certain extent, teaching is a natural extension of my academic bent.

But, I guess we’ll see.

 

[puzzleannie]

drop back in at the end of the year and let us know if you learned more in teaching other students, than you did in your own preparation class. If I could do one thing for our new Catholics to encourage them to grow in their faith it would be to volunteer as an RCIA sponsor or aide in teaching any grade level.