PDC Asks, “What Should We Do?”

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PDC Asks, “What Should We Do?”

By Lynn Meyer, Coordinator of Children’s Ministries
St. Joseph Parish, Stevens Point

The Professional Development Committee is one of four permanent
committees of D.A.R.E.
Currently members of the Stevens Point Area Religious Educators
(S.P.A.R.E.) form the PDC. The by-laws direct us to “define and
maintain professional standards for catechetical leaders” and advocate
“just working conditions and the support of parish catechetical
ministry in the diocese.” Much of this work has been done by our
state organization, W.D.R.E.F. Plus the diocese establishes certain
standards and conditions to which religious educators must adhere.
While PDC can work to increase awareness of these standards and offer
suggestions as to how one might meet and maintain the same, is there
something more practical that this committee can do for our members.

Twenty years ago, when I agreed to help out our parish by coordinating
the elementary catechetical program, I had lots of questions. I was
coming from a Catholic schoolteacher background, but had no
administrative training. As one does in such situations, I borrowed
ideas from more seasoned leaders, attended workshops when possible,
and tried to find some time to read.

Would it be helpful if PDC pulled together ideas and references on
different administrative responsibilities? Here are a few areas that
would have been useful for me.
• Textbook evaluation procedures
• How to write a recommendation for someone
• Grant-writing tips
• How to set up a budget
• Planning prayer services, reconciliation celebrations and masses for
children
• How to create a power point presentation
• Tips for dealing with parent complaints
• Mainstreaming special needs children
• Recruitment, training and evaluation of catechists
• Developing facilitator/communication skills
• Working with parish councils and committees
• Establishing a parent organization
• How to recruit and work with a volunteer staff

If you like this idea or have other suggestions as to what PDC tasks
should include, please send me an e-mail at www.l...@togetherinfaith.org.

PDC is asking D.A.R.E. members, “What should we do?”

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