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Getting Started
 Getting Started is a program of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Madison designed especially for those who are new (or relatively new) to their position as administrator of a parish program of religious education or youth ministry. Getting Started focuses on providing practical, concrete connection to the resources, personnel, and policies provided by the diocese to assist parish catechetical leaders.
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New Program for 2007
For the 2007 school year, the Getting Started program has been condensed to four days in an effort to make it easier for busy parish staff personnel to participate. Some of the discussions present in earlier years regarding theoretical underpinnings have been moved out of the program and will be addressed in other venues. Below you will find detailed description of each session.
All 2007 sessions will be held at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center in Madison on the Thursdays in September, 9:30 – 2:30. Lunch will be provided at all sessions.
This program is offered free of charge.
For more information or to register, contact the OEC at:
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Phone: 608-821-3160
Fax: 608-821-3181
E-mail: oec@straphael.org
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Session I: Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Madison
- Participants will be given a general introduction to the geographical and organizational structure of the Diocese of Madison.
- Participants will learn about the mission, structure, functions, personnel and services of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
- Participants will be given copies of and introductions to some essential Church catechetical documents, beginning with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis.
- Participants will be introduced to major resources available to assist them in their work, including:
- Diocesan audio-visual lending library
- Diocesan reference library of published RE curricula
- Diocesan website and FirstClass system
- F.O.R.E.M. program for certification and continuing education
- MDREO (Madison Diocese Religious Educator’s Organization)
- Regional and national organizations such as NCCL, NACARE, NCYAMA, WDREF
- Participants will be given copies and brief tours of essential diocesan policy documents, including:
- Office of Safe Environment and its policies
- Religious Educators’ Handbook
- DBE Policy Handbook
- Religious Education Standards of the Diocese of Madison
- Norms and Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils
- Participants will be introduced to opportunities for further education, including:
- The Diocesan Lay Institute
- Graduate-level programs
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Session II: The Work of Parish Catechetical Leaders
- Participants will explore the diocesan vision for evangelization and catechesis and how it may be applied in their parish.
- Participants will review the mission of the parish, the functions of parish education commissions and committees, and the relationship between the pastor and parish staff.
- Participants will examine “six tasks of catechesis” described in the GDC.
- Participants will examine their job description (either their actual job description or some models) and the priorities and tasks it implies.
- Participants will receive practical help concerning where to begin and what to do first in their ministry.
- Participants will learn effective approaches to recruitment, training, and evaluation of catechists and other volunteers.
- Participants will identify strategies and resources for developing partnerships with parents in the religious education of their children.
- Participants will be introduced to major projects of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, especially those directly connected to their work, including:
- eNews
- Periodic regional gatherings of parish catechetical leaders
- Quiet in the Pines Retreat
- Workshops, speakers, retreats and other enrichment opportunities offered by the diocesan office
- Connections program of small group studies
- Marriage Preparation
- Catechist formation opportunities
- Participants will be introduced to major recurring regional, national and international opportunities for faith formation, including such events as World Youth Day, NCYC, etc.
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Session III: Passing the Faith to Young People
(Curriculum Development, Sacramental Preparation, Youth Ministry)
- Participants will review the PK-8 diocesan religious education standards and examine a process for developing curriculum based on those standards.
- Participants will receive a basic understanding of sacramental theology, especially pertaining to Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, and be able to articulate key concepts.
- Participants will examine diocesan policies regarding preparation for and reception of the sacraments, especially Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Participants will explore the key role of parents and sponsors in the preparation process for reception of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Participants will become familiar with resources and materials available for use in programs of sacramental preparation.
- Participants will clarify their understanding of and articulate a vision for parish youth ministry by examining the goals and components articulated in Renewing the Vision.
- Participants will become familiar with programs, resources and materials available for middle school and high school youth ministry.
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Adult Faith Formation (Adults, Young Adults, RCIA)
- Participants will explore a vision of adult faith formation and its centrality to the overall vision of evangelization and catechesis as articulated in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us.
- Participants will become familiar with variety of adult faith formation resources and opportunities.
Participants will examine the special situation of young adults (ages 20-40) and how they can best be invited to fuller participation in the life of the Church - Participants will become familiar with resources and programs specially designed to encourage young adult participatints.
Participants will examine the process of the RCIA and its history. - Participants will understand the role of the parish RCIA team.
- Participants will explore strategies for inviting inquirers to participate in the RCIA process.
- Participants will explore the role of the sponsor.
- Participants will be introduced to helpful RCIA materials, resources and contacts.
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