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LAY CATECHISTS

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

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LAY CATECHISTS

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  1. LAY CATECHISTS HOW CAN THIS MINSITRY BENEFIT MY PARISH?

  2. WHAT IS A LAY CATECHIST? • Catechumen – one preparing for Baptism / Chrismation • Catechesis – instruction • Catechist – teaches adults preparing for reception into the Orthodox Church

  3. THE EARLY CHURCH • Catechumenate took years • After dismissal of catechumens, catechist instructed them • Catechists a minor order along with doorkeepers, exorcists, readers, cantors

  4. LATER HISTORY • Christianity established • Adult catechumens fewer • Clergy took over role • New need arises in periods of missionary activity

  5. WHY TODAY? • Many adult converts • Need for lengthy instruction • Duty to evangelize our society • We have educated laity capable of assisting in the task

  6. 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

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

  8. 1. ASSISTS PRIEST • Frees his time • Frees his energies • Catechist may have more flexibility • Keeps priest informed of progress, problems

  9. 2. PROVIDES LAY PERSPECTIVE • Catechumens may • Feel freer to ask questions • Find answers more palatable • Identify with catechist’s experience

  10. 3. INTEGRATES CATECHUMENS INTO PARISH LIFE • “Pre-sponsor” • Model / advisor • Introduce to others • Encourage participation

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. WHAT TO LOOK FOR QUALITIES OF A LAY CATECHIST

  14. 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

  15. 2. COMMUNICATION • Expression • Can articulate faith on various levels • Explain, don’t argue • Discernment, moderation in expressing oneself • People skills • Personable, approachable • Sensitivity, tact

  16. 3. COMMITMENT • Time commitment (6-12 months per class) • Stability in parish community • Persistence, dedication

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

  18. 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

  19. WHAT’S INVOLVED? DUTIES OF A LAY CATECHIST

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

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

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

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

  24. 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

  25. 6. Encourage • Consistency/persistence • Attending services • Personal prayer • Repentance • Involvement in community • Finding sponsor • Building social network • Okay to have some doubts

  26. FIVE CHALLENGES

  27. 1. Time • Find suitable schedule • Long process • May be open-ended • Allow for individual differences in readiness

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

  29. 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

  30. 4. Staying Fresh • It’s repetitive • Tired of hearing yourself • Being thorough • Keep finding new ways to explain

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

  32. FIVE JOYS

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

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

  35. 3. A Captive Audience! • Sharing • Love • Interest • Enthusiasm

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

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

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