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 February
2000
Helping Your Catechists and Volunteers
Beat the Winter Doldrums
After the intense season of holiday sharing
and giving, plus the rigors of January storms, many people feel
"wiped out" as the real chill of winter sets in. You might be
feeling a bit of that yourself! Consider mustering just a bit more energy
to spread some cheer amidst the ice and drifting snow. Here are five
simple things that require a bit of preparation and effort, but will go
far to keep your people smiling:
1. Touch Base.
Make some type of personal contact
with your catechists or volunteers. A quick "how are you doing?"
call to your people is a surefire winner. If this is not feasible, you
might select a certain few who come to mind. You might also call upon some
of your "veterans" to make a brief contact with the newer
people. A short, handwritten postcard could also go a long way.
2. Welcome with Winter.
Welcome your people in from the
cold with hot beverages, and perhaps a bit of atmosphere. If your program
meets in the evening, light a few candles and have music playing. The Winter
Solstice recordings are pleasant and soothing. If you really want to
get fancy set up a slide projector with a winter scene. Winter can be a
time not just of darkness and cold, but also a peaceful time of
reflection. A warm welcome might serve the secondary purpose of
encouraging volunteers to arrive a bit early!
3. Celebrate Ordinary Time.
The Sunday readings leading up to
Lent walk us through the early ministry and teaching of Jesus. This part
of our liturgical cycle reminds us that the normal "busyness" of
life is sacred, too. Let a single line from the Sunday Gospels, printed or
pasted on construction paper, find its way into an attendance list or
mailbox. Magazines for catechists and teachers include reflections and
prayers for the Sunday Gospels. Catechist Magazine specifically
allows for duplication of these reflections.
4. Review and Evaluate.
Start making appointments now with
your catechists and volunteers to reflect on these last few months of
ministry. What has worked well for them this year? What are some areas
where they are uncomfortable or need help? How would they like to continue
serving in ministry? What do you see to be the gifts that they bring to
catechetical ministry?
Now is a good time to review catechist and youth ministry certification
records as well. Encourage them to use Echoes of Faith sessions
scheduled by you, and regional events like the March
18 Formation Day, to gain essential tools for their ministry. If you
can't manage meeting with every individual yourself, set a reasonable goal
for yourself. Your attentiveness will help them appreciate their critical
role in proclaiming the Reign of God.
5. Offer Time to Pray...or Play.
Set aside an evening or afternoon
to welcome catechists and volunteers for reflection, retreat...or a meal!
While you could plan something complicated like a directed evening of
reflection, a 20 minute video segment with discussion might be just the
ticket, too. If you are at a parish
that offers evening catechetical sessions, have volunteers come early with
their families to a pot luck supper. Be sure to include baby-sitting for
those with young children. Try reserving a quiet place, either a daily
mass chapel or selected room, during catechetical sessions for personal or
group prayer. Your teachers and volunteers might appreciate a moment
before or after teaching to spiritually prepare, reflect, or implore God's
help!
How have you supported
or affirmed your catechists and volunteers? I would love to hear and share
any great ideas that have worked for you.
Chris Weber
Director
Catholic Education Ministries
of Central Maryland.
Copyright © 2000 by the
Catholic Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland, Emmitsburg, MD
21727. All rights reserved.
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