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A 20-question survey created by Tom & Rita Walters was successfully e-mailed to 654 members via Survey Monkey in October 2010. Following is a summary of the responses from 253 of those members who responded (39%).
A MINISTRY WITH MANY TITLES
The survey listed 5 titles for members to select (DRE, CRE, ARE, MRE, Pastoral Admin.), yet 27% selected “Other”. While 59% identified themselves as “DRE”, some of the “Other” titles given include Director of Faith Formation, Director of Education Services, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, Director of Christian Formation, DRE/PA, etc.
This is indicative of the variety of roles and responsibilities that catechetical leaders (CL’s) undertake.
MANNER OF EMPLOYMENT
84 % full-time paid employees (40+ hrs/wk)
13% part-time
3% volunteer
HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT NPCD?
The results show how important it is for catechetical leaders themselves to help other catechetical leaders know about NPCD. It far outranked diocesan offices and NCEA/NPCD publications.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICES NPCD HAS TO OFFER
Participants were given the following 4 services to rate, and we came up with the following rankings of importance:
- Resources
- Networking possibilities
- Regional Meetings
- Annual Meetings
WHAT MOST LIKELY PREVENTS A CL FROM JOINING A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION LIKE NPCD?
Lack of funding (46%) was by far the most likely reason given, followed by
Lack of awareness of the organization (27%), and
Lack of time (12%).
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MEMBERSHIP IN NPCD TO OTHER CL’S?
74% said they definitely would.
23% responded “Maybe”.
Those who were hesitant weren’t sure of the benefits or value of belonging to a national organization like NPCD. The few who responded “No” have the perception that Catholic Schools overshadow parish catechetical ministry within NCEA, and for many, their budgets and time constraints can’t support membership.
Those who would recommend membership gave reasons such as,
As we grow professionally, it is essential for DRE’s, etc. to be part of a national professional organization.
The only way to stay on top of the changes in this ministry is to share resources, attend workshops, and speak to others about what works and what does not. NPCD is a valuable resource for catechesis.
Being a member of NPCD helps us to step back and get an idea of the bigger picture in our ministry. It gives us an opportunity to share and honor our stories on a national level.
I feel connected to a larger entity; and therefore, supported and informed beyond the experience of parish.
HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU ATTENDED THE NATIONAL CONVOCATION?
65% have attended at least one convocation.
19% have attended at least 6 convocations.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE KEY CONCERN AMONG CL’S IN YOUR DIOCESE?
The main concerns expressed were
- Professionalization of the ministry and recognition within parish communities.
Qualified CL’s are being replaced by unqualified people from the pews who lack the necessary skills and vision, and ministerial roles are being combined.
- An aging ministry… Who comes after us?
- Lack of support from down-sized diocesan offices.
- Lack of Funding and job security
- Lack of parental involvement and faith formation
- Low priority of religious education in busy schedules
- Declining Mass attendance
- Recruitment & training of catechists
- Lack of time to fulfill increasing expectations
WORKSHOP TOPICS YOU WOULD MOST LIKE NPCD TO OFFER IN YOUR REGION
Professional Enrichment (24%)
Spiritual Nurturing (20%)
Theological Updates (17%)
Catechist Formation (16%)
Adult Education (12%)
Alternative Programming (11%)
HOW CAN NPCD BE OF GREATER SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY?
- Offer on-line studies such as webinars
- Advocate with the bishops so that pastors are more formed and informed about effective catechesis, professionalism of the CL is promoted, and wages are just.
- More frequent and shorter communications from regional representatives
- Increased visibility at the local level
- Present and assess new trends in catechesis
- More local/regional offerings
- A stronger voice for the professionalism and value of the CL
- Provide free on-line resources
- Assist in attracting young people to replace us
- Updates on current practices and resources
- Challenge us intellectually and spiritually
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National Catholic Educational Association
