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
After dismissal of catechumens,
catechist instructed them
Catechists a minor order along
with doorkeepers, exorcists,
readers, cantors
LATER HISTORY
Christianity established
– Adult catechumens fewer
– Clergy took over role
New need arises in periods of
missionary activity
WHY TODAY?
Many adult converts
Need for lengthy instruction
Duty to evangelize our society
We have educated laity capable
of assisting in the task
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
BENEFITS
For the priest
For the catechumens
For the parish
For the whole Church
1. ASSISTS PRIEST
Frees his time
Frees his energies
Catechist may have more
flexibility
Keeps priest informed of
progress, problems
2. PROVIDES LAY PERSPECTIVE
Catechumens may
– Feel freer to ask questions
– Find answers more palatable
– Identify with catechist’s
experience
3. INTEGRATES CATECHUMENS
INTO PARISH LIFE
“Pre-sponsor”
Model / advisor
Introduce to others
Encourage participation
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
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
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
QUALITIES OF A
LAY CATECHIST
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
2. COMMUNICATION
 Expression
– Can articulate faith on various levels
– Explain, don’t argue
– Discernment, moderation in expressing
oneself
 People skills
– Personable, approachable
– Sensitivity, tact
3. COMMITMENT
Time commitment (6-12 months
per class)
Stability in parish community
Persistence, dedication
4. EXAMPLE
Church attendance, sacraments
Deepen spiritual life as well as
knowledge
Christian conduct
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
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
DUTIES OF A LAY
CATECHIST
1. Instruction
Curriculum, resources
Format – lecture, discussion,
visual aids
When and where – at church,
other, how often
2. Working with Priest
Initiating the process
Encouraging catechumens’
relationship to priest
Reporting on progress
Assessment of readiness
3. Stick With It
Be ready for long haul
You represent the Church
Same dedication as clergy
Build relationship
Continue your own education
4. Listen
Draw them out
Be alert for problems
– Unrealistic expectations
– Family conflict
– Peer pressure
Gauge readiness
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
6. Encourage
Consistency/persistence
– Attending services
– Personal prayer
– Repentance
Involvement in community
– Finding sponsor
– Building social network
Okay to have some doubts
FIVE CHALLENGES
1. Time
Find suitable schedule
Long process
May be open-ended
Allow for individual differences
in readiness
2. Designing Instruction
Books, other resources
Addressing individual
differences
Balance
Staying fresh
Speaking for the Church
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
4. Staying Fresh
It’s repetitive
Tired of hearing yourself
Being thorough
Keep finding new ways to
explain
5. Carrying Their Burdens
Tough questions
They will confide in you
Family, personal difficulties
You worry
You lose some
FIVE JOYS
1. Putting Talents to Use
Writing, speaking, etc.
Working with people
Experience
– Education
– Choir, reader, altar server
– Other parishes/jurisdictions
– Faith background
2. Building the Church
Leading new members into
Church
Supporting local parish
Promoting Orthodoxy in
America
Spreading God’s Kingdom
3. A Captive Audience!
Sharing
– Love
– Interest
– Enthusiasm
4. Spur to Spiritual Life
Deep sense of responsibility
Handing on Holy Tradition
Continual preparation
Reliance on God
5. Spiritual Relationship
Guiding their first steps
Sharing joys and troubles
Seeing them flower in the faith