PCLs & Catechists

DESCRIPTIONS OF TOPICS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Useful for creating on-site advertisement)

** Refer to the WEBSITE TOPIC: "ADULT SPIRITUALITY" for Spiritual Development Themes (Retreat Experiences).

 

Topics can be adapted to:

empower parents to be the primary catechists of their children

This workshop supports the mission of Catechetical Leaders and Catechists to function as the primary agents in the spiritual formation of children. Participants will identify practices at home and school that foster positive "identity" and authentic self-esteem which readies children to be catechized. SECURITY, AUTONOMY/SELF-CONTROL, INITIATIVE/RESPONSIBILITY, INDUSTRY and GENUINE AFFECTION are the essential elements of positive self-esteem. Identity formation is foundational to a child's spirituality and character.

 
TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMATION

Teachers of religious education are agents of transformation to the students they teach.  This session focuses on three tools (strategies and approaches) that support the process of transformation:

  • • Classroom Environment
  • • Beads of Transformation
  • • Gospel ABCs

 

Participants will assess personal practices – what works? what does not work? what makes, or could make, the difference? Additionally, participants will experience creative practices that cultivate a Gospel-character within students and teachers.

 
Promoting gospel character via a liturgical classroom environment

Teachers of religious education create a culture of spirituality in the classroom environment through environment, ritual, customs, sacraments, and personal example. Participants will consider creative practices to incorporate these elements through the liturgical seasons.

 
CREATE A FAMILY CULTURE OF SPIRITUALITY

Long after material inheritance evaporates, spiritual heirlooms continue to nurture the soul and shape the character of children throughout their lifetime. Parents who create a culture of Christian spirituality within their home provide lifelong spiritual treasure. This presentation will suggest "starter ideas" for cultivating a family spirituality that is flavored by the seasons in the liturgical year and an emphasis on Eucharistic devotion.

 
EVANGELIZING THE DOMESTIC CHURCH

If we agree that parents are the "first heralds of the Gospel," then how can we, as Parish Leaders, provide formative support so that a parent feels adequate in the role of being PRIEST, PROPHET and SERVANT-KING within the family? How can we evangelize the evangelizers and validate parents in their vocation? Conference participants will hear practical advice and receive ready-to-use resources.

 
PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADERS: AGENTS OF FORMATIVE SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

What are the formation needs of children in elementary and secondary school? How prepared are parents to lead children in the ways of responsibility, self-control, and accomplishment? How effectively do parents transmit the faith and Catholic spirituality to their children? How well does the Parish serve as an agent of formative support to parents? Parish Catechetical Leaders are called to be change-agents or support-agents in the families that they serve. This session will offer insight, hope, and ready-resources to help PCLs be agents of formative support to the parent community.

 
EUCHARIST IN TIMES OF FEAST OF FAMINE

Eucharist is food for the journey during all seasons – times of feast and, particularly, in times of famine, failure, or desolation. The session utilizes conference, private reflection, song, guided meditation, and corporate prayer to enter into the mystery and gift of the Eucharist. The session may serve as a model for an adult-formation retreat.

 
CREATE A CLIMATE FOR DISCIPLESHIP: A SIX-STEP APPROACH (FULL DAY WORKSHOP)

Apply a six-step approach to student self-regulation. Each step is supported by tried-and-true practices. Discipleship implies Discipline -- that is, the ability to hear the will of God, understand what it means, and put it into action. A climate for discipleship flourishes when teachers incorporate six core practices on a consistent basis:

  • Step 1: Structure for success via classroom management and student motivation
  • Step 2: Know leadership style theory and focus on functioning as a facilitator
  • Step 3: Cultivate a developmental understanding of children
  • Step 4: "Read" human need
  • Step 5: Establish proactive practices and effective consequences
  • Step 6: Partner with parents; being an agent of hope

 

STRUCTURE FOR SUCCESS ----- TIPS THAT REPLACE "SURVIVE" WITH "THRIVE"

Make the most effective use of time within the Religious Education class by STRUCTURING FOR SUCCESS. Session participants will consider "housekeeping tips," grouping activities, classroom routines, student behavior plans, teaching procedures, and ways to organize the classroom environment for success.

 
Partnering WITH Parents

Mutual respect and open communication between parents and teachers is vital for the positive, whole-person development of children. Respectful assertiveness is also characteristic of disciples of Jesus. WITH (wisdom, initiative, truth, hope) suggests a formula for a positive partnership. Teacher goals include:

  • • Adopt a Pro-Active Perspective
  • • Safeguard Personal Boundaries
  • • "Read" and "Feed" Parent Hungers
  • • Speak the truth in love
  • • Demonstrate an "A Plus" Approach
  • • Facilitate Hope

 

Catholic Parents - Keepers of the PROMISE

If a moms or dads were on trial for being CATHOLIC PARENTS, would there be sufficient evidence for a jury to pronounce a verdict of guilty? At their own baptism they accepted the call to imitate Christ -- the priest, prophet, and servant-king. At the baptism of their child they promised to be that example within their family. Suppose the prosecutor examined their children on how well they are fulfilling the vocation of the "first teacher; the primary educator" who leads children to grow in knowledge, love, and service of God? Would there sufficient evidence to be found guilty as charged? This presentation offers insights that support parent efforts to be effective as the "first hearlds of the Gospel" to their children. Don't miss this opportunity to learn what really works in building a home environment that helps children in the lifelong process of soul formation.

Specifically, participants will consider:
  • • How "priest, prophet, king" translates into daily family life
  • • Ways that parents can create a spiritual climate in the home
  • • Ten core indicators of Catholic parenting