| May 19, 2008 | Volume 83, Number 15 | |
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Catechists surveyedA recent survey of catechists in the diocese shows a high degree of satisfaction with the PATHWAYS program. Catechists verified the purpose of PATHWAYS which is to help catechists grow in confidence and competence. Completion of the Parish Level of the PATHWAYS catechist certification process became diocesan policy in 2006 with adoption of “Called to Be Disciples: Catechetical Norms for the Diocese of Richmond.” Since that time over 3,200 catechists of adults, youth, and children have registered for the certification process. A total of 376 catechists have completed the certification process, with at least another 1,000 expected to complete PATHWAYS in the coming year.
In April an online survey was sent to catechists who completed the process. A separate survey was sent to parish catechetical leaders responsible for implementing the certification process locally. The 100 catechists who responded to the survey gave highest marks (achieved “very well” or “well”) to the following elements of the PATHWAYS Parish Level process:
Korry Simpson, a catechist of adults from Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Newport News, added that PATHWAYS is “a wonderful opportunity to refresh understanding, gain spiritual inspiration and renew personal commitment while readying oneself to serve others.” Some catechists were hesitant and fearful when getting started in PATHWAYS. Among them was Bruce Gerber, a catechist of children at St. Benedict’s parish in Richmond, who stated, “When I first looked at the materials it appeared to be a lot of information to digest and would require a lot of time and effort to complete. “But once I started the materials were not overly burdensome and the CD guided me along. PATHWAYS gave me a lot of useful information for my class and has given me more confidence as a catechist which I did not have when I first volunteered!” The PATHWAYS program can be viewed online at www.richmonddiocese.org/ocf/pathways.
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The diocesan Office of Christian Formation has received requests to initiate similar programs from a number of dioceses. It is the only formation and certification program that includes an evaluation process by trained readers before certification is completed.