10 leadership practices for catechists
Everyone in the parish can be a leader. Here are ten ways grade-level catechists can lead.
- Learn the name of every child by the second meeting.
- Start a blog on which you summarize your experience of each catechetical session. Invite parents to read and comment.
- Pick a faith topic each month and learn more about it for your own enrichment.
- Treat the children as though they are filled with faith—and they will be.
- Arrive early.
- If you meet in the parish school, have the children write notes to the school children to thank them for sharing their space.
- Write a note yourself to the teacher whose room you share, thanking her for sharing her ministry of teaching.
- Never yell.
- Dress up a little to honor the dignity of your task.
- Make a list of 20 affirmation statements you can use in your sessions. Make a new list every month.
Can you think of more? What are some additional ways catechists can practice leadership? Share your thoughts, because your insights are valuable.
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I’d love to see more of #2. The internet truly offers the opportunity to constant national and international networking between catechists and religion teachers.
The affirmation statements are also excellent ideas. We often forget the power of positive reinforcement rather than negative discipline.
Thanks for you thoughts Jared. I agree with you about the power of affirmation. Positive affirmation works well with adults too!
Use your DREs !! #3 could be accomplished by attending “Into the Fields”, and often we directors are thrilled to be able to answer questions, provide materials, etc.
#11: Get to know other catechists.
#12: Welcome the parents (they’re as intimidated by you as you are of them!)