For Catechists & Small Group Leaders
These presentations can be adapted for Catechists of K-12
“CATECHESIS IN OUR TIME” BY POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II
THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES YOUR CATECHISTS MUST KNOW
In his pontificate Saint John Paul The Great (as he is often called) placed high priority on the task of catechesis.
He saw that a renewal – a spurring on – of catechesis was needed to strengthen the faith of the laity due to growing cultural opposition to the Gospel and the need for ‘correction’ of a world broken and disordered. How much more we need this today.
Saint John Paul the Great particularly focused on the catechesis of children and young people and the formation of lay catechists as indispensable.
In this session, your catechists will discover three of his key guiding principles which will form them, empower them and equip them in their invaluable call to catechize.
You Can’t Inspire Without The Fire!
Perhaps you’ve heard the expression that ‘faith is caught not taught.’ Does that mean that teaching about the faith is not necessary? Well, of course not. We have a duty to instruct these young souls in the faith.
But what powerful impact there is on the minds and hearts of young people when the catechist has faith fully alive and on fire! It makes a difference and young people have an uncanny ability to sense it.
That’s why St. John the Baptiste de La Salle taught: “Your faith should be a shining light for those whom you teach.”
In this presentation, catechists will discover 4 steps to acquire the fire of faith and how to tap into the divine assistance of the Holy Spirit in their call to transmit the faith.
Three Keys To Teaching The Faith Powerfully!
One of the biggest challenges for catechists and small group leaders is feeling ready and prepared for when those young people show up for ‘class.’
We don’t want them to ‘wing it’ and with a some practical tips and know-how they can feel confident as leaders!
In this presentation your team will learn specific preparation in three key areas for a meaningful and fruitful experience for them, the students and you!
The ‘Nuts and Bolts’ of Leading an Effective Small Group or Faith Formation Class
Your team of catechists or small group leaders are at the heart of your ministry. At the heart of their ministry is leading an effective small group. It’s one of the core skills needed. Yet, many catechists and small group leaders can feel ill-equipped and lack the skills and know-how to be effective in a small group setting.
In this very practical training session, your catechists and small group leaders will learn:
- Three ‘Make or Break’ preparations to make before your group arrives
- How to ‘Open’, Teach’ and ‘End’ your small group time
- Tips on how to make every small group session not ‘boring’
Your ministry team will be more confident, better equipped and more at ease in their work with young people!
Preparing Yourself for Relational Ministry With Young People
Relationships are the core of effectively transmitting the faith to Catholic young people. It’s all about relationships – appropriate relationships, of course. The degree of ‘success’ in reaching young people with the Faith is highly influenced by the relationship and so is the ‘life span’ of your catechist and small group leader.
So, how do you prepare for relational ministry with Catholic young people OR even younger grades?
This very practical session focuses on specific steps and practices your ministry team can employ to ‘win over’ young people AND become more confident and less fearful along the way!
The Missionary Catechist: Your Mission, Method and Message
Do your catechists and small group leaders know that they are on a mission? Do they know that who they are and what they do as catechists has an underlying ‘game plan’?
As ‘Heralds of Truth’ (St. Pope John Paul II) to Catholic young people, your catechists will discover the ‘divine master plan’ to utilize as they transmit the truths of the Catholic faith.
In this session, catechists and small group leaders will discover that their mission is ‘beyond the books’ and into the life-changing, heart-changing message that renews the heart and soul.
What IS Catholic Youth Evangelization?
The word ‘evangelization’ can be an intimidating word to many Catholics. Yet, evangelization is the primary mission of the Church and is, in fact, it’s very identity.
It’s all about a message – The Gospel Message – which can transform hearts and change the lives of Catholic young people. And it’s about the ‘process’ of ongoing conversion and discipleship.
In this presentation ‘evangelization’ will be de-mystified and you will learn:
- The key elements and core message of evangelization
- How evangelization & catechesis profoundly relate
When Catholic evangelization is properly understood and the ‘process’ is followed…watch out, because the lives of young people will be transformed.
BECAUSE OF YOU
(For a Volunteer Recognition Event)
At the heart of your ministry for Catholic young people and their families are the generous souls who selflessly serve in so many ways seen and unseen. They are your volunteer catechists, small group leaders, special one-time volunteers, staff and so many others who you may not even know!
Their time, energy and effort is immeasurable. Often times the fruit of their labor is unseen but their labor should never go unrecognized.
In this presentation and in a style all his own, Joe will inspire, affirm and celebrate your team and the selfless contribution that made a real difference in the lives of so many!
For more information: Contact Joe by filling out an Inquiry Form.
During the week, all emails will receive a response within 24 hours.
Bernie Gauthe
“Joe was practical, helpful, engaging, and inspiring. He was able to deliver an inspiring talk about the Gospel message to an adult and youth audience. Will definitely have you back. Thank you, Joe!“
Bill Dill, Youth Ministry Events Coordinator
“I have known Joe Roueche for over twenty years. Joe is a friend, a local legend, a verifiable expert on youth ministry and a much sought after speaker. I have great respect for Joe, his experience and all he knows. He has spoken at countless parishes to youth and youth leaders alike and I have heard so many speak very highly of his teaching.
Evangelization, Conversion, Discipleship, Communication, Prayer and the Kerygma are just a few of the many areas Joe knows and knows well.”
Deacon Bob Durham
Fr. Erik Lundren & Lisa Sammon
“Joe, it was an honor to work with you last month at the staff and educators retreat at Sts. Anne and Joachim! They have been raving about what a positive day it was!”
Fr. Fred R. Gaglia, Ph.D.
“Joe has a personality that is gifted to inspire people, to be connected to them, to be an effective communicator of the Gospel.
His ability to inspire, motivate, energize people speak of the very essence of what it means to evangelize. He has used those spiritual gifts whenever he is asked to speak to a variety of parish groups.”
Fr. Lenny Andrie, Pastor
“Joe Roueche did a fabulous job leading multiple retreats for our staff and youth at St. Therese parish in Deephaven.
Always upbeat, deeply faithful, and extraordinarily creative, Joe knows how to keep people engaged and reflect more deeply on how our Catholic faith can be lived with joy today.
I highly recommend Joe to help energize your good people with a great retreat!”
