{"id":4757,"date":"2025-10-01T20:14:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/?p=4757"},"modified":"2025-10-01T20:14:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:14:58","slug":"building-a-catechetical-action-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/2025\/10\/01\/building-a-catechetical-action-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Catechetical Action Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Katie Diltz | McGrath Institute for Church Life \u2013 University of Notre Dame<\/em>
David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall River<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo: Diocese of Fall River<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article summarizes insights from Katie Diltz of the McGrath Institute for Church Life in conversation with parish leaders in the Diocese of Fall River, <\/em>focused on creating effective catechetical action plans rooted in thoughtful evaluation, realistic goals, and sustainable strategies. To watch the presentation in its entirety, visit: <\/em>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@equipcatholics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beginning with the End in Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The call to form disciples is both urgent and sacred. The work of the Church has, is, and continues to be to build God\u2019s kingdom in this present age by making \u201cdisciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,<\/a> teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.\u201d <\/em>(Mt. 19-20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of ensuring that parishes continue to work toward this is through thoughtful evaluation, prayerful planning, and intentional collaboration. In doing so, parish leaders can create meaningful, achievable goals that reflect the mission of the Church, one step at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clarifying Desired Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a clear plan first takes articulating the desired outcome<\/em> of each ministry or program. What do we hope participants will learn, feel, experience, or become? This is a practice borrowed from teaching\u2014clearly stating, \u201cStudents will be able to\u2026\u201d\u2014but it applies beautifully to catechesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are your students and families more confident in sharing their faith? Are they forming genuine relationships with Jesus? These kinds of questions help guide the formation of meaningful goals and ensure that each session, retreat, or gathering is purpose-driven toward the mission of parishes and catechesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To this end, the Church has provided insightful direction in both the Vatican\u2019s Directory for Catechesis<\/em> and the USCCB\u2019s framework for ministry with youth and young adults Listen, Teach, Send<\/em>. These serve as foundational documents providing a framework for parish ministry and catechesis, guiding evaluation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluate and Reflect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering this, look at current programs. Reflect on what is working, what isn\u2019t, and where you feel growth is needed in light of the desired outcome the parish is trying to reach. Nate, a youth minister, shared a common concern: “We don\u2019t do a great job reaching further…we don\u2019t really have entry points for new families or disengaged youth.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This honest reflection is crucial. Many ministries fall into the rhythm of serving only those who show up, forgetting the Church\u2019s broader mission to reach everyone. Real, effective catechesis must be inclusive, intentional, and outward-reaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Out of the Silos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One part of evaluating ministry efforts is the importance of identifying and breaking down ministry silos. One catechetical leader described how young adults in their parish had been involved in sandwich-making for the homeless, while older parishioners collected pantry items. They realized that combining efforts\u2014having young adults deliver donations\u2014could foster intergenerational ministry and shared purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young adult ministry, as one leader passionately noted, shouldn\u2019t be isolated. It should be a way to integrate young adults more deeply into the life of the parish, encouraging them to serve, lead, and connect with other age groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning Insight into Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make things actionable, strive to include the following three components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Make things manageable so they are actionable<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    While you may have come up with a variety of ideas, which are the most important for real change and which can tangibly be done? For instance, one parish leader shared her deepening commitment to adult formation. “We need to educate the parents, because they are the domestic Church,” she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The pandemic forced many parents to take the reins in their children\u2019s religious education. Now, various Churches and their families have continued that involvement. From face-to-face meetings to monthly gatherings and digital resources, like YouTube updates from pastors, the goal has continued to keep families informed, empowered, and engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Goals and Strategies<\/strong>
      Write what you want to work on as goals in the plan that follow the SMART framework\u2014How is each goal Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound? Importantly, each goal should:\n