New catechetical leaders receive training, advice, and support
New parish catechetical leaders (PCLs) from across the Archdiocese of Newark gathered at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center from Aug 18 – 20 for three days of training and formation.
The “Essentials for New PCLs” program was organized by the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation to help leaders deepen their understanding of their new roles, develop professional skills relevant to their ministry, and grow in their own relationships with Christ.
“Training our new PCLs is among the most important tasks that our office undertakes,” said Patricia Rodriguez, director of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation. “It embodies our mission as an office, to ‘equip and accompany leaders called by their baptism who serve in parishes and Catholic schools to facilitate life-giving encounters with Jesus Christ that form missionary disciples.’”
The 3-day program covered a wide range of topics—from how-to sessions on preparing programs and events to discussions on the role of catechesis in evangelization. Working with families during sacramental preparation, the role of the Church’s Social Teaching in ministry, and accompanying persons with disabilities in faith formation programs were also among the many topics covered.
On leading and sharing great news
Organizers also addressed the nature of leadership in a catechetical setting. According to Rodriguez, it must be rooted foremost in the example that Jesus gave to his followers.
“I doubt many people in this room were thinking, ‘Someday I’d like to be a parish catechetical leader,’” she told the 19 PCLs who participated in the summer intensive program. “Leadership begins with a desire to serve.”
Representatives from the archdiocese’s departments and ministries shared some of the many resources available to PCLs, while members of the clergy stopped by to offer new PCLs encouragement and advice.
Father Stephen Fichter, Vicar for Education, reminded those gathered that “the core message we’re delivering is absolutely amazing,” and that the message of salvation “is not just good news, but great news!”
Later, Vicar General Father John Chadwick encouraged attendees to consider their administrative duties as integral to their ministry. “The background stuff also serves the mission,” he said, and is just another part of the task of sharing the Gospel.
He also reflected on the satisfaction that comes from sharing the Gospel, even when the results are not immediately evident. “We may never see the fruits of the seeds we sow. That’s the beauty of the work we do in ministry,” Father Chadwick said.
Facing crises and following Christ
Over the three days, PCLs also discussed the many challenges confronting catechists and leaders during their ministry. Those might include unexpected crises, family divisions, or behavioral issues. Rodriguez explained the importance of clear policies, empathy, and honest and timely communication when administering catechetical programs.
The program’s final afternoon featured a panel discussion titled “From Paper to Reality.” Three experienced PCLs – Nancy Plate from Sacred Heart Parish in Bloomfield, Deacon George Montalvo from St. Joseph Parish in Oradell, and Maria Turbi Henderson, from St. Paul Parish in Ramsey – spoke about the joys and difficulties of their jobs. They answered questions from their new colleagues with frankness and humor.
Throughout the program, organizers stressed that catechists must be especially attentive to their own faith journeys. During the program, there were Masses and moments set aside for prayer and reflection. At the end of the program’s second day, the group visited the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for Eucharistic Adoration in the cathedral’s Lady Chapel. They also had an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Penance.
“We’re always encouraging PCLs to go back to prayer, to make sure their ministry is Christ-centered,” said Gina Butler, Associate Director for Catechist Formation and Catechesis in the Catholic Schools.
An ongoing formation
The new PCLs were grateful for the quiet time. They said that the amount of information they were taking in occasionally felt overwhelming but added that they were happy to be attending the program and grateful to the Lifelong Faith Formation staff for putting it together and for their attentiveness during the program.
They also understood that training and formation cannot be mastered in three days, but are an ongoing process. After the program, the new PCLs will have the opportunity to participate in meetings, retreat days, workshops, and other enrichment activities. About 15 new PCLs who were unable to attend the in-person program will cover the same material via online learning modules and monthly Zoom sessions.
“Our hope is that these generous individuals will return to their parishes with the practical tools and knowledge they will need to effectively support their pastors in carrying out the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis,” Rodriguez said. “It’s rewarding and exciting to see our catechetical leaders grow closer to Jesus, learning to imitate him in humble service to the Church, assured that the Holy Spirit is already at work in the hearts of all those who they will encounter.”
Featured image: New parish catechetical leaders (PCLs) gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, for Eucharistic Adoration on Aug. 19. They were participating in a 3-day enrichment program for new PCLs. Also present were Father Matthew Gonzalez (far left), rector of the cathedral, staff from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation, and Father John Gordon (far right) who recently retired as director of the Office of Evangelization. (Photo by Shania Mosquera / Archdiocese of Newark)
