Equipped for the Ministry

Catechists do not merely instruct their students about Christ; they lead them to him (NDC, no. 55). The fundamental task of catechesis is to hand on the faith and help others to learn how to live as disciples in Christ. As catechists, we learn what it means to be disciples in Christ through our own education and formation in the faith. During the Faith Formation Celebration, Archbishop Kurtz highlighted the training and formation programs in the Archdiocese as an opportunity for catechists to be equipped for the ministry by developing “more deeply as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ in how you think, in how you feel and how you act, your whole person.”

The Specialization in Catechetical Ministry is designed to educate and form catechists in their esteemed role in the church. It has the following three-fold purpose to equip catechists for their ministry: 1) to provide spiritual growth, 2) to increase theological knowledge, and 3) to expand skills in teaching methods. With all three areas of formation, catechists gain the confidence, knowledge, and competency to carry out their task in catechesis.

Over 150 catechists were recognized during the Faith Formation Celebration for their achievement in completing one or more of the three levels of Catechetical Specialization. Their dedication and commitment to learning about their faith, taking time to nurture their faith, and developing skills signify the value they place on their call as a catechist. As we continue in the ministry of catechesis, may we, as catechists, diligently walk the path of discipleship through our own education and formation in the faith, so that we may effectively echo the good news of Jesus Christ to others.

Following are pictures of some “joyful catechists” having a great time at the Faith Formation Celebration.

Faith Formation Celebration at the Cathedral

There was a large and joyful crowd gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Tuesday evening, September 22, celebrating the faith formation activities throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville. Recognition was given to more than 200 people for their completion of one or more areas of training in the area of faith formation this past year. Archbishop Kurtz gave a wonderful homily which highlighted the importance of being properly prepared for ministry. We thought that you would like to hear and reflect upon his insights. Click on the icon below.

Adult Faith Formation: New Ideas and a Workshop with Tom Zanzig

Many of our parishes struggle with how to engage adults in lifelong learning. We often hear the lament:"They just won't come to anything!" Even when we offer a wide array of programs and formation opportunities, the numbers in attendance may be low. People say that they want certain things - Scripture studies, faith-sharing groups, guest speakers on Catholic teaching, etc. - but then few people show up for the actual event. What's wrong with this picture?

Tom Zanzig, a veteran catechetical speaker and author, thinks that we are going about this the wrong way. Instead of simply asking people to come to the parish for programs, he offers new ways to equip adults to undertake their own spiritual journeys and develop a mature faith. His approach emphasizes helping people to take responsibility for their own formation and allowing them to emply a wide variety of methods to do so. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the USCCB pastoral plan Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us it seems appropriate to reflect on what we have accomplished so far and re-examine our priorities and approaches to Adult Faith Formation.

On Saturday, October 17, from 9:30 AM - 4 PM at Flaget Center we are hosting a workshop with Tom Zanzig that he calls, "Adult Faith Formation: If It Is Broke, Let's Fix It!" This day is designed for all those who work with adults - in any capacity (which means everyone, at some point) - in order to help us guide others in their own formation. Adult Faith Formation leaders and teams, RCIA coordinators and teams, Parish Catechetcial Leaders and catechists, Pastoral Associates, Principals and teachers, Youth and Young Adult Ministers, Priests and Deacons are all encouraged to attend. Please invite anyone in your parish who is interested in seeing Adult Faith Formation grow and flourish. It will be an energetic and enlightening day, so plan to bring a group and share in the adventure! To register, please contact Linda McLemore at lmclemore@archlou.org or 502-448-8581. For the complete registration form and details, go to our OLFE main page at www.archlou.org/article27595.htm and look for the AFF workshop title.
The registration deadline is October 9th. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pastoral Supervision

The Faith Formation cluster is forming new pastoral supervision groups to begin in January, 2010. Each group (3 persons) meets once a month for 2 ½ hours at a location convenient to the members. Groups have a supervisor trained in pastoral supervision.

Pastoral supervision is a nonjudgmental process that helps the minister look at his/her strengths as well as those parts of the self to which one is often “blind” and yet nevertheless get played out in ministry. The following is a testimony given by a pastoral associate who has been in supervision for five months.

I joined a ministry supervision group at the beginning of spring. I had been a participant in ALMI’s “Discipleship Specialization” and greatly enjoyed the program. It had given me time to meet and form bonds with others in a small group setting. We were able to talk and reflect upon our experiences in order to discern to what and where God was leading us. I really missed that and when I saw the opportunity for that sort of experience in supervision, I felt it may help fill that void.

In supervision, I have been able to meet and form relationships with others who are in similar ministry positions. The three of us are in large parishes in the Archdiocese. In the largest of parishes, it is easy to become isolated in your ministry. There is so much that goes on all the time that you sometimes slip into a pattern of doing, but not always being conscious of what you’re doing or even why. You often make decisions in your ministry and after the situation occurs, wonder “why did I do that?” It’s often hard to discuss this with those you work with for various reasons--confidentiality, office relations, etc. And finally, ministry sometimes becomes lonely.

Supervision has helped me with all of these difficulties. When I get together with my group, I can relay situations that have happened and get quiet time to reflect upon these times. I’m able to discuss it with people who will be vigilant in their confidentiality and most importantly, non-judgmental. We can discuss it as peers. In my case, it helps that they are also from large parishes as there is a certain understanding in how the operations in these churches work. And finally, it’s a great thing to be with people who, while they may not have the same situation, are in similar positions and can understand you on a different level. I know that when we get together, there will be time to talk, time to be quiet and time to pray.
I have greatly enjoyed this experience and would encourage everyone to take the time to do this for their ministry and themselves.

For more information regarding the process of pastoral supervision please contact Michelle Herberger, or to find out dates and locations of upcoming groups contact Linda McLemore, at 502-448-8581.

Resources for Catechetical Sunday

As we prepare to celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 20, you may find the following resources helpful. All of them are related to this year's theme of "Catechesis & the Proclamation of the Word" and focus on various uses of Scripture. All are available in the Archdiocesan Media Resource Center. The resource number and appropriate age level are listed for each one.

A Walk Through the New Testament: An Introduction for Catholics by Margaret Nutting Ralph
BK5009.1 Adult

This book is designed to be a companion for adult Catholics who want to read and better understand the New Testament.

Catholic Spirituality for Adults Series: Listening to God’s Word
by Alice Camille
BK4904.1 Adult

This book inspires us to not only appreciate God’s Word but to live it and know the peace and joy that comes from it.

Echoes of Faith Plus: The Scriptures
DVD0108.1 Adult

This DVD explores the central themes and message of the Bible and explains why it is considered the holy book of the Christian community.

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval
BK4827.1 Early – Primary

This collection of Psalms, paraphrased for young readers, uses simple yet powerful imagery to help children express their feelings.

Scripture: Nourished by the Word by Margaret Nutting Ralph
BK2160.1 Adult

This book presents the primary themes and basic concepts in Scripture, including covenant, kingdom, creation, salvation, and conversion. The Spanish edition of this book is also available.

The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word by Joe Paprocki
BK5003.1 Adult

This book cleverly uses a blueprint metaphor to help Catholics gain a solid understanding of the structure and organization of the Bible, and to help them build confidence in navigating its pages.

The Four Gospels: Catholic Personal Study Edition
by Little Rock Scripture Study
BK5011.1 Adult

This book lends itself to both quick reference and more in-depth study or meditation of Scripture.

The Revolutionary, Parts I and II
VC3159.1 and VC3232.1 High School – Adult

This two-part video shows how Jesus changed the world as none other before or since, and how his message is more compelling today than ever.

What is the Bible?
VC4043.1 Middle – Junior High

This video helps children appreciate and understand the Bible as God’s Word for their daily lives.

Women and the Bible
CD0160.1 Adult

This 12-part series presents women in the Bible who have always been central to the faith and who have played vital and often surprising roles.

Faith Formation: Something to Celebrate

On August 27, 50-plus Parish Catechetical Leaders, along with the Faith Formation Cluster of the Office of Lifelong Formation & Education, gathered to share information, find support with one another and welcome the following new PCL’s through ritual and prayer:

Pat Kessinger – St. Rita

Sam Thomeczek – Cathedral of the Assumption

Agnes Kovacs – St. Patrick

J.J. Singer – Immaculate Conception, LaGrange

Marie Seaman, SFCC – St. Joseph, Bardstown

Darlene Fowler – St. Francis Xavier, Mount Washington

That following Saturday an additional 50-plus catechists gathered for our first “conference style” Saturday morning catechist formation. Here is what they had to say: “Continue Saturday mornings, this was great!”; “ I learned that I am not alone in my journey”; “ I wish I would have started this process years ago”.

Let us not forget all the fine efforts of all those involved in catechetical ministry at parishes and schools within the Archdiocese of Louisville. Yes, Faith Formation is truly something to celebrate!

Join us as we publicly acknowledge these efforts with Archbishop Kurtz at the Cathedral on the 22nd of September at 7PM. Email Linda at ALMI@archlou.org to register today and come ready to celebrate!