The New DRE Handbook is an effort to help new DREs navigate their first years in this ministry. This page is a work in progress and any additions are welcome. Please email Eric at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request additions/suggestions
DRE RESPONSIBILITIES |
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| Disclaimer: Bolded items are requirements by the diocese. This is not an exhaustive list. We recognize responsibilities differ based on personnel, size, and unique situations of each parish. | ||
| Together with the pastor and catechists, form and articulate a vision of catechesis and the catechetical process based on the major catechetical documents of the Church. | ||
| Organize the calendar year. This often mirrors a public school setting. | ||
| Often, adult formation is overlooked. Something to consider is organizing formation or Bible studies for all parishioners. | ||
| Ensure youth catechists have met Protecting God’s Children requirements through the Diocese of Dodge City. | ||
| Report a roster of youth catechists/volunteers to the Bishop's Secretary by October of the current school year. | ||
| Choose and appropriate Safe Environment curriculum for students -- Once a year for K-3rd Grades and twice a year for 4th-12th grades. | ||
| Participate in spiritual formation throughout the year. Do consider Pastoral Ministry Formation through the Office of Adult Formation and Newman University. | ||
| Identify, call forth, and prepare catechists and substitute catechists. Be ready and available to substitute as needed. | ||
| Organize Sacramental dates with priest and bishop: First Reconciliation, First Eucharist Confirmation (contact Bishop's Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule confirmation with Bishop John) | ||
| Meet regularly with volunteers/catechists (semi-annually or quarterly) to ensure quality and integrity of the overall faith formation process at your parish. Provide ongoing care and formation for catechists. | ||
| Organize sacramental preparation classes--Baptism preparation for parents, First Eucharist preparation for children and parents, Confirmation preparation for youth and parents, RCIA for adults. | ||
| Coordinate with the finance council to ensure adequate religious education and formation budget. | ||
| Help the parish community evaluate and carry out its role as a catechizing agent. | ||
| Provide opportunities for participation in prayer, personal spiritual development, and communal worship. | ||
QUALIFICATIONS |
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| Practicing Roman Catholic with a commitment to his/her own faith life. | ||
| Well-developed knowledge of Scripture, the Catechism, and Church documents | ||
| Familiar with Church history, the stories of the Saints and martyrs, and Mariology | ||
| Experienced in teaching the faith to adults, youth, and children | ||
| Able to communicate with all age groups, from varying cultural and social backgrounds | ||
DRE job description |
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| Samples are simple guidelines for a pastor or pastoral council to form a job description for their DRE. Please edit the samples to fit your unique situation. | ||
| Sample 1 | Sample 2 | Sample 3 |
| Protecting God’s Children Program - Reporting forms, Policies, Procedures | ||
| Scope and Sequence by grade level | ||
| Field trip permission slips and medical forms | ||
| Helpful Links | ||
| Scope and Sequence | ||
| Catechist Resources | ||
| Safe Environment Curriculum options | ||