God's Gift 2016: Intermediate Director Guide Sample

Intermediate

God’s Gift

Director Guide W1416

Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Your Role as Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Program Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Directing the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 How to Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

STEP 1: Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sacraments: Gifts of God’s Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Celebration of the Sacrament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Rite of Reconciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

STEP 2: Plan Your Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Choosing Your Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 At-Home Catechesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

STEP 3: Get Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Train Catechists for Reconciliation and Eucharist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Catechist Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

STEP 4: Introduce Program to Parents and Young People . . . . . . . . 37 Parent/Young Person Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

STEP 5: Gatherings for Young People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Plan for First Reconciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Plan for First Eucharist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Blackline Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Web Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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Welcome Thank you for choosing God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist as your sacramental preparation program. You may be the director of religious education, a lead catechist, or a volunteer who has been asked to oversee this process of the parish faith formation program. This guide is meant to assist you in preparing young people to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

God gives us the sacraments to sustain and strengthen us in our life of faith. Through the sacraments, we participate in the divine life. We receive the grace to help us conform to God’s will. We also receive the strength to live as disciples and followers of Jesus. In our lifelong journey of faith, we hope to continue to grow in our understanding of the gifts we have received from God through Jesus Christ.

Catechesis in preparation for the first celebration of a sacrament is an especially graced time. It is an opportunity to invite young people to recognize and receive with gratitude the gift of grace offered through Christ’s sacramental presence. Through catechesis, we invite young people and their families to a deeper experience of faith.

The entire parish community shares responsibility for and contributes to catechesis in preparation for the first reception of sacraments. Preparing for and celebrating the sacraments is central to forming the faith of the community and is an essential aspect of parish ministry.

Catechists water the seed planted by evangelists, but God gives the growth. Their life in the Holy Spirit renews them continually as members of the community of believers and in their specific identity as catechists. This life in the Holy Spirit—nourished by prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the building of community—makes their catechesis ring true in the hearts and minds of those to whom they are sent.

(National Directory for Catechesis, no. 56)

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Your Role as Director As program director, you prepare and implement catechesis for sacramental preparation in your parish community. Along with the pastor and the parish staff, you share responsibility for planning catechesis that will prepare young people to participate in the Sacraments of Penance and Reconciliation, Eucharist, and possibly Confirmation.

This guide, and the additional resources provided with God’s Gift Intermediate, will help you prepare an effective catechetical program for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. All the resources are designed to offer flexibility and personalization, enabling you to provide a program specifically suited to your parish community.

Parish staff and parish leaders are especially encouraged to participate in the parent meetings and retreats that are part of this sacramental program. In addition, you will have many opportunities to work with the pastor, the parish liturgist, and others who plan the parish’s liturgical celebrations. Engaging the whole parish in this preparation process builds community and encourages lifelong faith formation.

As you plan sacramental preparation, look for opportunities to involve the entire parish community. Provide information in the bulletin and invite the community to pray for those who are preparing to celebrate the sacraments for the first time. Invite the community to attend the liturgical celebrations for the sacraments as well.

Catechesis leads people to enter the mystery of Christ, to encounter him, and to discover themselves and the meaning of their lives in him.

(National Directory for Catechesis, no. 19)

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Program Components God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist

Young Person’s Book The Young Person’s Book presents the key teachings of the Catholic faith and the seven sacraments. The focus is on preparing for Reconciliation and Eucharist. Three foundational chapters provide background and lead into instruction on Reconciliation and Eucharist. A simple four-step lesson plan leads young people through Scripture stories, activities, features, prayer, and reflection.

English and Bilingual

Catechist Guide Clear lesson plans allow catechists to prepare and present lessons with ease. Catechists follow three teaching steps: Make a Bridge, Present, and Check for Understanding. Special features such as I Think About This and I Listen to God’s Word enhance lesson content. Enrich the Lesson provides extra activities that enliven the lesson.

The guide contains Catechist Preparation pages, core lesson outlines, and activities to reinforce and extend the content of each lesson.

English and Bilingual

Director Guide This guide provides all the tools for directors of religious education or other leaders to plan and implement a successful sacramental preparation program. This guide is available in English and Spanish.

English and Spanish

God’s Gift: Intermediate • Director Guide

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Web Support God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist provides online support for young people, families, catechists, and program directors or coordinators.

Additional Resources

Confirmed in the Spirit Loyola Press also offers a complete Confirmation preparation program with Confirmed in the Spirit.

This program is a perfect companion to God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist.

It welcomes and nurtures young Catholics as they grow in faith and become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. English and bilingual versions are available.

Called to Be Catholic

Called to Be Catholic is a highly flexible resource that provides young people with a comprehensive introduction to the key teachings of the four pillars of the Catholic faith. It can be used as the first part of a two-part Confirmation preparation program or as a stand-alone resource to fill in faith formation gaps for young people ages 12 to 15.

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Other Sacramental Preparation Offerings

God’s Gift Primary: Reconciliation and Eucharist Child’s Book The Child’s Book contains essential content as well as activities and prayer.

English and Bilingual

Catechist Guide The Catechist Guide helps catechists prepare for and lead effective catechetical sessions.

English and Bilingual

Director Guide The primary Director Guide provides tools for Directors of Religious Education to plan and implement a successful sacramental preparation program.

English and Spanish

Preparing Together for the Sacraments: God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist DVD (English and Spanish) DVD can be used for children’s catechesis and for catechist and parent meetings.

Bilingual

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God’s Gift: Confirmation in the Restored Order For parishes that plan to celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist in the Restored Order, Loyola Press has created God’s Gift: Confirmation in the Restored Order to be used with the other books in the God’s Gift program, providing catechists and children with ageappropriate materials to help with preparation for Confirmation.

English and Bilingual

Adaptive Learning Kits: Sacramental Preparation for Individuals with Special Needs With hands-on learning tools and a thorough Helper Guide, these self-contained kits support individuals with special needs as they prepare to celebrate Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

English and Spanish

God’s Gift: Intermediate • Director Guide

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Directing the Program As program director, it is crucial for you to be completely familiar with God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist. The Catechist Guide is the ideal starting point. The guide includes the Catechist Handbook that will provide a solid overview of the program and how to use the various components to fit the needs of your parish.

The introductory material will provide you with an understanding of the following: • the vision of God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist • program components • features of the Young Person’s Book • features of the Catechist Guide • the catechetical process used in every session • additional resources for young people and catechists

After becoming familiar with the Catechist Handbook pages, take some time to review the Catechist Preparation pages. Catechists will see the Faith Focus of the chapter. Then they will begin with a 3-Minute Retreat to help them prepare spiritually for teaching the chapter. Catechist Background includes a brief overview the chapter content. Catechists are provided with information that links the content to our liturgy. The Scripture taught in the chapter is explained. Passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that connect with the chapter content are provided. Catechists are then given helpful hints for preparation and presenting the chapter to young people. The final preparation page is a detailed planner that provides Chapter Steps and time frames, Outcomes, Action Plans, and Materials. All these things make lesson planning clear and simple.

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The Young Person’s Book is structured with a simple, four-part lesson. The plan is easy to use and establishes a pattern for learning, reflection, and response.

Engage

Each chapter opens by accessing prior knowledge to build background in preparation for the Scripture story.

Young people pray together before they begin to further explore concepts.

Explore

Concepts are connected to the Scripture story and expanded through discussion and activities.

Reflect

Concepts are prayerfully examined as young people experience traditional prayer, psalms, and other forms of prayer.

Respond

Young people review important chapter concepts and vocabulary and think about how to apply them to their own lives.

Once you have become familiar with the Young Person’s Book, the Catechist Handbook and the Catechist Preparation pages, you will be prepared to present the program to your catechists.

Management Hints Many directors find it efficient to set up a resource center or a resource area in a room where catechists can check in, prepare lessons, and gather supplies before meeting with young people each week. You may wish to designate a bookcase or a corner of your resource room for catechists using God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist. A resource room or area is also a place where catechists can be encouraged to share ideas, resources, activities, and service projects.

Resource Area • Designate a sign-in table with a sign-in sheet for catechists. Catechists should sign in and pick up an information packet before each session. Information packets might contain the following: a class roster with class dates for attendance, session schedules, a welcome letter from you and/or the pastor; equipment-request sheets; a list of parish staff names, phone numbers, and e-mails; flyers about upcoming parish and diocesan events; and opportunities for community service within the parish or with local organizations.

• Establish a library of resources related to God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist and preparation for these sacraments. You might include Bibles; the General Directory for Catechesis; the National Directory for Catechesis; the Catechism of the Catholic Church; Youcat, which is a youth catechism for people in this age group; books about Ignatian spirituality; activity books; catechist magazines; Catholic newspapers and magazines; CDs; and DVDs. • Stock group supply bins for catechist to use each week. Prepare one bin for each catechist.

Bins might include crayons, markers, scissors, pens, pencils, colored pencils, tape, and glue or glue sticks.

• Stock a shelf with additional art supplies. Ask parents to donate supplies, if possible. Supplies might include construction paper, poster board, cardstock, old newspapers and magazines, tissue paper, ribbon, watercolor paints, and washable tempera paints.

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Plan a Registration and Communication Strategy Communication with catechists, parents, and young people can be challenging. With organization and assistance, communication can be both effective and efficient.

Registration Choose a date, time, and place to hold registration for God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist. You may choose to do this at the same time as registration for other faith formation classes, or, depending on the number of young people you expect to enroll, you may set up a time specifically for this program. You may wish to set up a registration table after Mass, hold a late-afternoon registration in the parish hall, and/or hold an evening registration.

Put together a flyer with all the registration options. Include information about what parents need to bring in order to register for the program. For young people who were not baptized in your parish, you may wish to have them bring a copy of their baptismal certificate to registration. You may also wish to put together a commitment or covenant form for parents and young people to fill out at registration. As an alternative, this can be done during the parent/young person meeting. Blackline Master 6 on page 60 is a Parent/Young Person Covenant.

Communication As director, you set the tone for communication, cooperation, and partnership with everyone involved with God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Catechists should feel free to ask you for help and to share ideas with one another.

The following ideas and resources can help foster communication: • Assemble information packets for catechists to pick up as they check in before each session. Information packets might include announcements, parish activities, diocesan events, and service opportunities for young people. They might also include words of encouragement and Bible verses, quotes from the General Directory of Catechesis, or prayers to help affirm the vocation of your catechists.

• From time to time, leave a card or note in catechists’ information packets or a special snack in the session rooms for catechists to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to their vocation.

• Call or e-mail during the program to ask how catechists’ sessions are going. Offer help with planning, by participating during sessions, or by assisting with young people who may have special needs.

• Place a suggestion box at the sign-in table each week. Encourage catechists to give suggestions for planning, prayer, communications, and so on. Address these issues and suggestions by sending out e-mail responses to all catechists.

• Ask catechists to let you know at least a day if they need any special equipment for sessions, using the forms in their packets.

• If catechists are struggling, consider enlisting additional volunteers to act as helping hands in their session. You may even ask Confirmation candidates to help as part of their service hours.

• If catechists seem discouraged, offer to teach a session for them. If they have never taught before, sometimes just seeing someone else lead a class can help them overcome their fears.

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Session Rooms • Time is limited for sessions, so anything you or catechists can do to prepare session rooms in advance allows catechists to maximize their instruction time.

• Set up a prayer space that includes a table with a cloth to reflect the liturgical season, a Bible, CD or media player, small plant or flowers, a candle or batteryoperated candle, and one or more of the following: a bowl of holy water, a cross, or a religious image or statue.

• Have rooms set up with tables or desks and chairs. Be sure that each child has a seat.

• Check to see that any equipment requests have been fulfilled and that each catechist has all the necessary equipment such as DVD players, televisions, computers, overhead projectors, or LCD screens.

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Meeting Young People Where They Are God’s Gift Intermediate: Reconciliation and Eucharist is aimed at young people between the ages of 11 and 13 who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. These young people may be from a different Christian background or may have received little or no faith instruction. They may be young people who have sporadically attended church and parish faith formation programs but have not yet received Reconciliation or Eucharist. There are many reasons why young people may not have previously participated in a parish’s faith formation program. Among them are the following: • The family has moved and has not been able to have consistent religious education.

• A parent or young person has had a prolonged illness.

• The parents have not been attending church.

• The family was out of the country.

• A family challenge, such as divorce, job loss, or lack of transportation, has produced hardship.

• Parents are new Catholics or are returning to the faith.

• The family has immigrated to the United States from another country.

At the beginning of the program, acknowledge that just as all members of the Church are in different places on their faith journey, young people may be in different places as well. Stress that learning about our faith is an ongoing, lifelong process. Emphasize that the lessons in God’s Gift Intermediate will help young people prepare to receive these sacraments and help them on the road to a deeper knowledge of our Catholic faith. Point out that young people are moving ahead on an exciting journey that will help them serve God and others in all they do.

God’s Gift: Intermediate • Director Guide

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How to Use This Guide This Director Guide provides you with the support and resources you will need to implement and coordinate the sacramental preparation program in your parish. The guide is organized by steps to help you prepare for meetings before the program begins and for sessions, meetings, and retreats during the program.

Step 1: Background Step 1 provides an overview of the program and its components. It also provides background information on the Sacraments of Penance and Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Step 2: Plan Your Program Step 2 provides a full-year and a half-year implementation model as well as one for at-home catechesis. Each model is an effective, practical presentation of the program that you may tailor to meet the varied needs of your parish community.

Step 3: Get Started Step 3 provides program management hints, communication tips, and resources to help you and your catechists present the program. A plan for a Catechist Retreat to introduce the program is the core of this step.

Step 4: Introduce Program to Parents and Young People Step 4 offers detailed plans for a parent/young person meeting to introduce the program.

Step 5: Gatherings for Young People Step 5 offers planning and resources in preparation for the celebration of the sacraments.

Blackline masters are provided for help with planning and communication about the program. Reliable Catholic Web resources are listed as an additional resource. You may wish to share this list with catechists.

God’s Gift: Intermediate • Director Guide

page 12 of 66 www.loyolapress.com/godsgift • W1416