DREs or leaders

Tips for those in catechetical ministries MARY LOU ROSIEN Those of us in catechetical ministry are all aware of the pressures that exist in working for...

DREs are often viewed as “master catechists.” Their role is to oversee the curriculum that is being taught in a parish. Many times they are called upon to “fill in the blanks” when educational needs are presented in the parish. Often they are asked to research projects, give presentations, or teach topics that are varied and often complex. People in the community come to depend on them as excellent resource people for the plethora of interests that evolve in a learning environment. Most DREs love that facet of their jobs!

LILLIAN CRUCES  Catechists, by virtue of their Baptism, have a right and responsibility to catechize. As catechetical leaders, we need to take this call very...

As our year's program comes to an end, we want to take time to thank those who have diligently labored, exercised patience, and modeled Christian love to share the Catholic faith with the children, teens, and adults participating in the parish education and faith formation programs. A nice party or a pretty thank-you card is not enough! This is a time for a significant blessing of those who have served your parish responsibly!

Our roles in catechetics have changed over the years. Decades ago, lay parish leaders of religious education and catechists primarily were faithful volunteers willing to give of their time and energies to assist in helping children learn about Jesus throughout the school year. Today, men and women are trained to be pastoral leaders, directors of religious education, and catechists. Their own faith formation is as important as that of the people to whom they minister.

I have often reflected on the story of the young Jesus teaching in the Temple. "And all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers" (Luke 2:47). The wisdom of the youthful Jesus comes to mind when I consider the controversy over what age one should be before he or she can take on the full responsibility of being a catechist.

Sacrament preparation is one of the best opportunities the Church has to welcome families and convince them they are in need of a permanent residence. Offering them a listening presence, moments of renewal and growth, and opportunities to discover their own needs for a more spacious place to live may result in a new spiritual home for them.

Finding adaptations for children with autism DAVID AND MERCEDES RIZZO The sacrament of Penance can be a difficult sacrament for people with autism. This sacrament poses...

In the news: In 2020, Pope Francis has chosen this time to issue a new encyclical, Fratelli tutti, On Fraternity and Social Friendship, acknowledging the...

Sacred Scripture grounds our understanding of Matrimony JOHN S. GRABOWSKI EDITOR’S NOTE: It is recommended that you read Genesis 1–3 as a preparation for this catechesis....