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 preparing for reception into the Orthodox Church

THE EARLY CHURCH  Catechumenate took years  After dismissal of catechumens, catechist instructed them  Catechists 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 converts  Need for lengthy instruction  Duty to evangelize our society  We 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 pastor  Blessing of your priest

BENEFITS For the priest For the catechumens For the parish For the whole Church

1. ASSISTS PRIEST  Frees his time  Frees his energies  Catechist may have more flexibility  Keeps 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 / advisor  Introduce to others  Encourage participation

4. MAY SERVE IN OTHER ADULT EDUCATION ROLES  Inquirer classes  Bible study/adult classes  Give talks  Write articles  Resource 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 helpful  Experience 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 community  Persistence, dedication

4. EXAMPLE  Church attendance, sacraments  Deepen spiritual life as well as knowledge  Christian conduct

5. PASTORAL APPROACH  Concern for individual souls  Pray for them  Listen, perceive problems  Ability to keep confidences  Know when to refer difficulties or questions to the priest

WHAT’S INVOLVED? DUTIES OF A LAY CATECHIST

1. Instruction  Curriculum, resources  Format – lecture, discussion, visual aids  When and where – at church, other, how often

2. Working with Priest  Initiating the process  Encouraging catechumens’ relationship to priest  Reporting on progress  Assessment of readiness

3. Stick With It  Be ready for long haul  You represent the Church  Same dedication as clergy  Build relationship  Continue your own education

4. Listen  Draw them out  Be alert for problems –Unrealistic expectations –Family conflict –Peer pressure  Gauge readiness

5. Warn  Admit we have problems, too  Stress commitment involved  Prepare for diverse practices  Convert 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 schedule  Long process  May be open-ended  Allow for individual differences in readiness

2. Designing Instruction  Books, other resources  Addressing individual differences  Balance  Staying fresh  Speaking for the Church

3. Understanding Each  Where are they coming from?  Don’t make assumptions  Be 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 repetitive  Tired of hearing yourself  Being thorough  Keep finding new ways to explain

5. Carrying Their Burdens  Tough questions  They will confide in you  Family, personal difficulties  You worry  You lose some

FIVE JOYS

1. Putting Talents to Use  Writing, speaking, etc.  Working with people  Experience –Education –Choir, reader, altar server –Other parishes/jurisdictions –Faith background

2. Building the Church  Leading new members into Church  Supporting local parish  Promoting Orthodoxy in America  Spreading God’s Kingdom

3. A Captive Audience!  Sharing –Love –Interest –Enthusiasm

4. Spur to Spiritual Life  Deep sense of responsibility  Handing on Holy Tradition  Continual preparation  Reliance on God

5. Spiritual Relationship  Guiding their first steps  Sharing joys and troubles  Seeing them flower in the faith