1. Coaching Parents to form their own children Whole Family Catechesis

2. If you want to read more… Coaching parents A plan to have much higher expectations of our parents www.PastoralPlanning.com

3. Goals in this presentation How can we succeed with restored order of initiation sacraments? A conversation about the role of parents What should it be? What doesn’t that always happen? What resources are there to support a greater role for parents? www.PastoralPlanning.com

4. Question What is the toughest aspect of this for you as a parish priest? www.PastoralPlanning.com

5. Decree on Bishops, #44 From Vatican II Called for the development of a Directory to guide Catechesis

6. International Study Weeks were underway: –Nijmegen, 1959 –Eichstatt, 1960 –Bangkok, 1962 –Katigondo, 1964 –Manila, 1967 –Medellin, 1968 Already at that time A real turning point Shifted from teaching “about religion” to helping folks have an encounter with Christ

7. The study weeks led to… A wave of activity aimed at renewing catechesis!

8. The church makes a shift ‘71: Gen’l Catechetical Directory ‘75: Evangelization in our Time Evangelii Nuntiandi ‘79: Catechesis Today Catechesi Tradendae ‘88: Catechumenate: RCIA ‘92: Catechism of the Catholic Church ‘97: Gen’l Directory for Catechesis

9. Evangelization Today 1975 Pope Paul VI Very concise, very readable One of the most important documents published in the church since Vatican II!

10. Evangelization Today Catechesis in a ministry of the Word “It initiates church members… …into the meaning of Christian signs and symbols” It assumes that folks have consciously accepted the proclamation of Christ Conversion precedes catechesis! Catechesis is Christo-centric

11. Catechesis in our Time 1979 From Rome Repeats the Christo-centric themes from EN Focus on catechesis for the whole community by the whole community Calls for it to be lifelong

12. 1988 The church… Restored the Catechumenate… after almost 1700 years of decline! A fantastic, new, and powerful understanding of catechesis emerged!

13. Followed, in 1992 by… The Catechism of the Catholic Church

14. The revision of the General Directory for Catechesis Signed by Pope John Paul II in 1997 Which led to… Places the catechumenate in a central place and role Sets the stage for lifelong faith formation for all ages!

15. The General Directory for Catechesis In Plain English Which led to…

16. Two Great Goals Help folks turn their hearts to Christ, discover Christ in their lives & love the Church… Evangelization Offer all members some level of instruction in the faith to deepen their conversion… Catechesis

17. We know More than 90% of adult Catholics are active today because their parents were active only about 10% come to the church as adults What does this tell us? Parents play THE vital role! www.PastoralPlanning.com

18. A timeline to help until 1960 Formation in the home Mass every week Feasts & Seasons Fasting & abstinence Confession Religious Ed: filled in a tiny gap www.PastoralPlanning.com

19. A timeline to help until 19601960-70s The old “Catholic culture” ended Television & media Huge cultural shift in West At Mass less often Religious Ed: bigger gap to fill www.PastoralPlanning.com

20. A timeline to help until 19601960-70s1980-90s Religion classes at parish or in schools …with the parents mainly absent Participation in Sunday Mass on the decline Home life more secular & media oriented Religious Ed: HUGE gap to fill www.PastoralPlanning.com

21. A timeline to help until 19601960-70s1980-90sToday The numbers tell the truth The leading indicator “Will they have faith?” The role their parents played in their formation. www.PastoralPlanning.com We have to help develop the role of parents.

22. Two groups of parents #1 Deeply engaged Active in parish life At Mass every week Household of faith #2 On the edge of the parish Show up when the kids need it Very tentative about faith Religion not central in life www.PastoralPlanning.com

23. These two groups The engaged – only about 16-20% Still reluctant about formation for their own kids Believes this is the job of the parish The unengaged – nearly 80-85% Some are hungry for more But many are distracted so they don’t even feel the ache or longing… These are the ones we must love the most www.PastoralPlanning.com

24. The outcome of this: The passing of faith from Generation to Generation has slowed down or stopped. Parents tend to remain absent… as long as we agree to do it for them. www.PastoralPlanning.com

25. Many parents Feel un-equipped Don’t know their own faith Haven’t got the fire of faith in their own hearts So they drop their kid at the parish And go shopping www.PastoralPlanning.com

26. And we at the parish We accept these children And we do a pretty good job But we will always be only the substitutes Parents form their own kids, even if they don’t take an active role www.PastoralPlanning.com

27. Add to that… Restored order of Confirmation The “carrot” will be gone What will hold them? If they stayed only for the carrot, Our formation wasn’t working anyway We aren’t losing very much

28. What seems to work A combination of 3 things: Focus on the goal of helping people know Christ Coach parents to form their own kids Participatory liturgy www.PastoralPlanning.com

29. From the GDC #53 Conversion is first. It is the full and sincere adherence to the person of Christ and the decision to walk in his footsteps. Faith is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the making of oneself a disciple and it demands a permanent commitment to think, judge, and live like him. General Directory for Catechesis www.PastoralPlanning.com

30. From the GDC #98 What we find at the heart of all catechesis is not a book or a theology system, but a person! The fundamental task of catechesis is to present Christ and everything in relation to him leading people to follow Christ in their lives. General Directory for Catechesis www.PastoralPlanning.com

31. The Question of the Week Breaking Open the Word A process used in the RCIA A two step process: Re-proclaim part of the readings from Sunday Mass Then ask first: what touched me? what word or phrase did I hear? Followed by: how does this affect my life? Year B is available on the site now -- FREE

32. The witness of pastors When you share what you believe In simple but honest words Others see belief as more possible for them You may need to rehearse or practice this in front of a mirror or with each other.

33. Living Christ retreats Friday evening and Saturday all day About 30 folks per retreat Leaders and host team from parish Working with your local team Brendan, Chris et al. Deepen communion with Christ Grow in your ability to “die in Christ” www.PastoralPlanning.com

34. Living Christ retreats Use YOUR leaders Do not make this complicated Start with those in your parish who are already evangelized through Cursillo or other retreats Provide follow up Questions of the Week Mini-Course gatherings or bible study Be ready with follow up pastoral care

35. Resources There are many resources to help you implement this at www.PastoralPlanning.com

36. What seems to work A combination of 2 things: Focus on the goal of helping people know Christ Coach parents to form their own kids Participatory liturgy www.PastoralPlanning.com

37. From the GDC #226 The religious awakening which takes place in the home during childhood is, simply, irreplaceable. General Directory for Catechesis www.PastoralPlanning.com

38. From the GDC #227 The local parish must, therefore, help parents by whatever means works best, to prepare for and assume their responsibility, of educating their children in the faith. General Directory for Catechesis www.PastoralPlanning.com

39. Whole Family Catechesis A new form of religious education One where parents take the lead With their children If parents can’t… Grandparents Older youth or others from the parish The parents are the teachers. www.PastoralPlanning.com

40. Coach your parents. When you coach parents to form their own children The parents also grow in their faith You can’t just “send home a book” Parents are intimidated It’s not community based www.PastoralPlanning.com

41. Coach

42. To succeed You need 3 things: #1 Leadership & vision to see the whole picture of what it takes to grow up Catholic #2 A Parent-friendly resource #3 Motivate the parents to jump in www.PastoralPlanning.com

43. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Prep for Confirmation and First Communion & Confirmation Key years after the First Sacraments Secondary school years

44. Growing up Catholic www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism A dual approach One avenue for parents who are active and engaged Another for those who are on the edge of parish life and faith These live in a “Catholic” home Baptism prep materials from a Catholic publisher are usually enough The goal here is: Evangelization Instead of the usual three night prep process, a three night retreat-like experience

45. I Claim You for Christ One example of a retreat-like process Three sessions Journey of Faith from their own baptism to the present moment Dying in Christ – Reconciliation Living in Community – Eucharist A covenant about raising their kids in faith www.PastoralPlanning.com

46. Here’s what it looks like Found on the web site An E-product www.PastoralPlanning.com

47. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Post-baptism care Who stays in touch? Again, a dual approach More for those who are not engaged than for those who are

48. Entrusted to Your Care One example of a method for staying in touch E-product Reproducible Letters, e-mail, calendars, invitations, & prayers The key: Stay in touch Relationship! www.PastoralPlanning.com Who’s got time for this?

49. Here’s what it looks like Found on the web site An E-product www.PastoralPlanning.com

50. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Prep for early Sacraments An ideal time to launch coaching Parents expect to be more involved Parents & kids attend together They work as a family through the lesson.

51. Here’s one example: from Growing Up Catholic Sacrament Prep Coaching Notes are all ready to use www.PastoralPlanning.com

52. Confirmation before Eucharist 4 Sessions for Confirmation Begin with their own baptism Turn to a treatment on Mary End with a strong understanding of the Holy Spirit Move on to Eucharist immediately 10 sessions total About one year of work

53. Growing Up Catholic Parents and children sit together A strong resource is on the table A Catechist leads the process People called “floaters” are available keeping an eye out for parent needs Here’s a picture of the room: www.PastoralPlanning.com

54. Prayer Table Food Supplies

55. 1 The purpose of exercise is to understand & pray the Our Father. 2 First, read through the words of the Our Father with them. Read one line and invite your child to repeat it after you. Your child should know this prayer by heart. Affirm your child often as he or she learns. 3 Then help your child find the correct meaning of each phrase of this prayer. Draw a line to that. We have given you two clues to get you started. Here’s the key: 1 = 4 2 = 8 3 = 1 (given) 4 = 7 (given) 5 = 2 6 = 5 7 = 3 8 = 9 9 = 6 10=10

56. Creating the Resource Number the steps Give the answers in a key Do this in a parish gathering Make it interesting and fun You will discover something: Parents want to do this. www.PastoralPlanning.com

57. 1 We will now read about how Jesus is our friend, just as a shepherd is to his sheep. Begin by showing your child a Bible. Open it to show them this passage. 2 Tell them that we are going to read this story in words that we understand better. 3 Then close the Bible and ask them to read this passage aloud. Help them when needed. Ask your child to retell this story in his or her own words.

58. 4 Time for a break! Help your child enjoy coloring this image of Jesus and the children. Coloring time is a good time to be close to your child without necessarily talking about faith. Don’t be afraid to put your arm around your child during this time. 5 Your child may not be familiar with what shepherds do. Explain that they look after their sheep with tenderness and love. Jesus watches over us that way.

59. What about Confession? Growing Up Catholic has a 6-session prep process for Reconciliation BUT – should you wait until they’re older? Plus: we must return to this sacrament many times throughout life…

60. Heartily Sorry Gathering with all ages to learn about and celebrate Reconciliation Solemn gathering Solid learning about God’s mercy “Confession” isn’t the only form of Reconciliation Often with non- Catholic spouses present

61. Here’s what it looks like Found on the web site An E- product

62. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Prep for Penance and First Communion Key years after the First Sacraments

63. After the Sacraments Learning Centers for Parents Parents in one room Kids in another room Prayer Then parents move between 15-minute quick sessions, coaching them on specific topics of faith www.PastoralPlanning.com Centers: Little children Primary school age Secondary age Theological background Seasonal suggestions for the Catholic home (Advent, Lent, summer, etc)

64. After the Sacraments Very similar to the Growing Up Catholic approach The goal is to start a conversion about faith that will go home with them Whole Family Catechesis Parents and children work together Sitting at the same tables They learn about the topic and actually go through a lesson

65. Coaching Parents Follow the themes set out by the Church in the GDC: www.PastoralPlanning.com Revelation Trinity Jesus Christ The Church Morality Sacraments The Kingdom of God Scripture Prayer Social Teachings The Mass Our Hunger for God Chastity Sin and Grace

66. Here’s what it looks like Found on the web site An E- product www.PastoralPlanning.com

67. Another example Faith on the Run Parables on the Run Miracles on the Run Learn to Love the Saints One fold fliers E-products: PDFs You print Used to encourage parents to insert a sacred moment in the busy-ness of life

68. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Secondary school years Prep for Penance and First Communion & Confirmation Key years after the First Sacraments

69. The period of “catch-up” For children ages 8 thru 12 or 13 Children’s Liturgy of the Word Rooted in Sunday liturgy Excellent resources already exist For everyone older than 13 or so Mini-Courses on the faith Content & conversion oriented

70. Mini-Courses How do they work? Parents and youth sit together Open with something to break the ice Pray as one whole group Then move to small groups “Active learning” With a strong way of teaching “Learn & Teach” www.PastoralPlanning.com

71. Here’s one example Growing Faith Mini- Courses Short, defined areas of study Combined with faith sharing Usually 6 to 10 sessions per Mini-Course For example: What Does God Want? Living the Commandments www.PastoralPlanning.com 48 Study Guides for Learn & Teach are all FREE

72. Learn & Teach Break the material into small chunks and assign each to a small group The group draws out the major points Creates a one-page flip chart sheet on them which will be presented to all And prepares one of the points for dialogue in dyads in the larger group They learn by teaching www.PastoralPlanning.com

73. Coaching Parents www.PastoralPlanning.com Baptism The years after Baptism …until about age 5 or 6 Secondary school years Prep for Penance and First Communion & Confirmation Key years after the First Sacraments

74. To succeed You need 3 things: #1 Leadership & vision to go forward under this plan #2 A Parent-friendly resource #3 Motivate the parents to jump in www.PastoralPlanning.com

75. Marketing Try this: “In today’s world, a lot of people are talking to your children about God… …Shouldn’t you be one of them? Come to St Mary’s – we’ll show you how.” Or this: “Give your child what really matters: Share your Catholic faith. Come to St Mary’s – we’ll show you how.” www.PastoralPlanning.com

76. Marketing Don’t be tentative! We’d really like it if you’d take part, but of course, you don’t really have to… We don’t want to make you mad or anything, but this is really your job…but of course, we’ll do it for you if you don’t want to… You get lackluster results. www.PastoralPlanning.com

77. Marketing Personal invitations Coming from other parents Changing the ground over time so all will expect to be involved in the on- going formation of their children Welcome all to Sunday Mass, Regardless their situation in life

78. Now… What does a fully developed parish look like? www.ThePastoralCenter.com

79. The Core Work of the Parish Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep Schools & RCIA www.ThePastoralCenter.com

80. Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep Schools & RCIA The Current Pastoral Plan www.ThePastoralCenter.com

81. Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep Schools & RCIA Parish based process where folks experience conversion The Current Pastoral Plan www.ThePastoralCenter.com

82. The New Pastoral Plan Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep & RCIA Encounters & Retreats www.ThePastoralCenter.com

83. Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep & RCIA Encounters & Retreats The New Pastoral Plan www.ThePastoralCenter.com

84. Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep & RCIA Encounters & Retreats Lifelong Formation to sustain conversion The New Pastoral Plan www.ThePastoralCenter.com

85. Liturgy music & devotions Pastoral care & outreach Stewardship envelopes & buildings Formation Sac Prep & RCIA Retreats & Encounters Lifelong Faith Formation The New Pastoral Plan www.ThePastoralCenter.com

86. 5 Steps to get rolling: (1) Go home and form a Lifelong Faith Team Pastor People invested in these age groups From baptism prep to high school Key volunteers & Parents (2) Study and read Great Expectations Hold the discussions Follow the book

87. Your team’s job: Plan with you to implement this Recruit new catechists & new assistants for the programs Work with you to schedule and carry out the various levels of faith formation Organize to invite parents personally into the process Pray with you for all who come forth

88. Your next steps… (3) Use the Planning Guide (free) What elements of coaching work for you? What timeline might you follow? Who needs to be involved? www.PastoralPlanning.com

89. Your next steps… (4) Schedule a parent & catechist meeting Use the Parish Workshop Provided free by us The Workshop includes: Outline for a two hour workshop Prayer sheets – reproducible Talks and Exercises – all outlined PowerPoint pres ready to use or adapt if you wish www.PastoralPlanning.com

90. To get these FREE tools The Planning Guide The Parish Workshop PastoralPlanning.com Parent Coaching Center (on the home page) www.PastoralPlanning.com

91. Get started (5) Start slowly Sacrament Prep? Baptism? Keep adding one group after another Think long term www.PastoralPlanning.com