We're guessing a few of of you were thinking "Nice newsletter, interesting articles, but does this activity ever deliver anything we can really use?" If you thought this don't don't feel bad - I'd have wondered the same thing!  This is why we're happy (in a Lenten sort of way) to announce that we now have a reasonable, initial version of an Inquirers Class powerpoint.

 

Thanks go to Fr John Matusiak, and a set of reviewers, who helped to make this possible. (As has been said, we don't actually do anything -- we just piggy back on the talents and knowledge of others!)

 

 

You can download the file in three forms.

 

All we ask is this. Keep us informed of your use of these materials. What works? What doesn't? How have you modified it?

 

We're also considering creating a written script and a flash version with audio from an experienced presenter. We'll wait to hear from you.

 

A reminder to contribute your year end parish census data by following this link.

 

Parish rectors/ mission priests-in-charge can access the Clergy Compensation Survey form here.

Now that we've delivered something of potential value (see Inquirers class above). a few astute readers will recall that we promised a parish audit manual.

Since we know exactly zero about auditing we need help on this one. Our top notch professionals assure us they'll get back on this after they recuperate from tax day. 

Education of the faithful and instruction of inquirers and catechumens is a critical constraint to growing the Orthodox faith in this and other dioceses.

 

In India trained lay catechists are used to leverage the priest's time and to provide a more accessible lay person's view of the Church and its doctrine. According to priests who have had contact with them, they are well educated, well spoken, outgoing, agreeable and highly effective.

 

A lay catechist activity is, in a relatively unstructured manner, already at work in a number of parishes in the Diocese. We have heard of at least 4-5 parishes with lay catechists. One priest indicated that he had eight people he would call lay catechists.

 

One of the 2007 tasks of the Parish Health Ministry is to bring some definition and legitimacy to the position.

 

We outlined some thoughts. You can read them here. These were discussed at the recent clergy convocation and met, I am told, with a positive response.

 

Fr. Michael Butler, Late Vocations coordinator for the Diocese, was asked to take the lead in this definition/implementation effort. Next steps will be to explore what lay catechists should teach (our catechism) and where/ how they should be trained and certified.

 

We will keep you informed of progress on this important topic.

 

One important tool for building good parishes is to conduct a leadership retreat. Learning to openly discuss your parish vision and values is a key foundation to a healthy parish. 

 

Some of the most succesful parishes in our Diocese make it an annual practice to have the parish council/ ministry leaders meet for a full day to examine the big picture of where the parish is heading and how well it is using its God given talents and assets.

 

We will lead such a retreat at St John the Forerunner parish in Indianapolis this weekend. We also are in the process of scheduling a workshop for parishes in the Cleveland Deanery in May of this year.

 

Parishes or Deaneries interested in planning or executing a parish health event are encouraged to call to discuss topics/content. If we're not available on your date -- we know lots of other (more talented!) folks  who can help to facilitate.

 

Thank you for reading these letters and for the many encouraging comments.  

 

In Christ,