1. Call them Two by Two
Noah had a great idea! Recruit catechists in twos. What might seem to be a daunting task for one is more manageable for two. You also get a built-in substitute for class.

2. Tell the Whole Truth
As much as you might be tempted to do so, don't mislead anyone about the time commitment and scope of responsibilities of being a catechist or youth ministry volunteer. Write out a "job description" that clearly outlines the work involved. You're more likely to get a volunteer who will stay longer.

3. Divide and Conquer
At the same time that you search for catechists, recruit catechist aides, office helpers, chaperones, baby-sitters, and the like. These individuals might be drawn to greater responsibility later, and might not otherwise consider helping you.

4. Offer Testimonials
Invite some of your veteran volunteers to share their story after the masses a couple of weekends in a row. This is most effective if they share not what one has to do to be a catechist, but what being a volunteer means them them personally.

5. Don't be afraid to "Limp"
This is something to think about as you get close to the opening date of your program, and still have openings. Don't attempt to cover openings yourself! If there is no one to cover a session or program, don't begin it until you get one and he or she is properly trained. Someone will respond to and evident need. By covering the session yourself, you're not only overburdening yourself, but failing to enable others.

6. Extend Personal Invitations
Most of the people I know who are active in catechetical ministry were called forth by name by someone who knew they had a gift to share. Sometimes a phone call overcomes the last barrier preventing someone from being a volunteer: the fear of incompetence.

7. Ask Again
Circumstances change, and this year's "no" might become next year's "maybe" and the following year's "yes". By all means, take "no" for an answer. But also keep a list of people to ask next year...or the year after that.

8. Get the Whole Parish to Recruit Invite members of your Religious Education board, your catechists, a special recruitment committee, your Parish Council -EVERYONE! to be on the lookout for persons of faith willing to serve as catechists and youth ministry volunteers. Surface names from among those registered or newly welcomed in the parish as future recruits.

9. Try the "Boy Scout" Method
This method has been used successfully when a class or program was missing a volunteer at the beginning of the year.

10. Share the GIFT
Remember that you are not just looking for people to help you; through their teaching and learning, catechists and other volunteers are inspired and challenged to live their faith more deeply. This, of course, is the precious gift that we all get back for our efforts--a gift worth more than any silver or gold.
 

Back by "popular demand," this article originally appeared in our July 1999 Director's Desk