Maintaining the Course with Volunteers
Jack Miffleton
An interview with Holy Names Sister Maureen Viani
Sister Maureen Viani is the director of religious education at Christ the King Church (ctkph.org) in Pleasant Hill, California. As DRE, she is responsible for developing and directing the Christian education ministry for over nine hundred children from preschool (three-year-olds) through eighth grade. As a Holy Names Sister, she has taught at a variety of parish schools throughout California before coming to Christ the King. She also directs the Sunday Liturgy of the Word for children, plus organizing countless other liturgical events for children and families, as well as fundraisers throughout each year. She maintains an army of over ninety catechists and many other volunteers to assist in yard duty, snacks, and babysitting. I asked her to share with TLC readers some of the ways she supports and motivates this corps of volunteers.
TLC: Sister Maureen, how do you solicit your volunteers?
Sister Maureen: We have special sign-up days inviting new volunteers, and then there is a “come and see” interview with no strings attached. I also make direct contacts by phone and in person and I always follow up. I invite them to observe a session and let them see and hear the enthusiasm others have for the program. I let them know that I am available to assist with planning the lessons and providing supplies and copies. We spell out clearly the job description of a catechist, including our philosophy, our calendar, and sample lesson plans. If they have children in need of babysitting, it is provided for them during their class sessions. We let them know that they are not alone, and they are in my daily prayers.
TLC: How do you keep them motivated?
Sister Maureen: First of all, I listen, inviting their comments and suggestions. Periodically, I call them to see how it is going. I make it known I am interested in what is happening in their life and family. Each Monday, a weekly bulletin is sent out via e-mail, letting everyone know what’s happening that week and in the near future, keeping everyone up-to-date. I observe them lovingly in their classes and try to hear their needs and suggestions. I provide times for evaluation, where we discuss what’s going well and what needs more attention. The catechists know I value their input. I am one who sends a lot of thank-you notes with personal asides. We also provide a number of “thank-you” parties, dinners, and gifts throughout the year.
TLC: What kind of training do your catechists receive?
Sister Maureen: I do not take anything for granted. My philosophy as DRE is “teach, teach, teach!” For new catechists, we provide three pre-training workshops at the various developmental levels, with many samples of lesson planning. I provide continuing education throughout the year with special speakers and workshops. I encourage our catechists to attend the diocesan catechist training and keep them informed of educational events in the area. Most importantly, the parish pays for them to attend religious education congresses and retreats.
TLC: How do you retain a base group from year to year?
Sister Maureen: Presence! I am there welcoming them each day. Besides the continual training, I let them know we are partners and that they are supported! New catechists have mentors; and, they know that substitutes are available for emergencies. Catechists’ names are listed in the church bulletin at least once a year. I supervise, observe, evaluate, compliment, pray for them, and express gratitude often! At the beginning of the year there is a liturgy of blessing for the catechists, followed by a family breakfast, And at year’s end, one of thanksgiving and recognition for their service. “Volunteers are to the church what the heart is to the body — they keep the church alive!”
This interview was conducted by Jack Miffleton (www.ocp.org/artists/683), editor of Today’s Liturgy with Children. Jack is a teacher and musician, and his songs are sung in classrooms and churches around the world. He is theological consultant and music director for the I Am Special program published by OSV Publications (catalog.osv.com). He teaches music at Saint Jarlath School (stjarlath.org) in Oakland, California, is married and has a grown son.
Sister Maureen Viani is the director of religious education at Christ the King Church (ctkph.org) in Pleasant Hill, California. As DRE, she is responsible for developing and directing the Christian education ministry for over nine hundred children from preschool (three-year-olds) through eighth grade. As a Holy Names Sister, she has taught at a variety of parish schools throughout California before coming to Christ the King. She also directs the Sunday Liturgy of the Word for children, plus organizing countless other liturgical events for children and families, as well as fundraisers throughout each year. She maintains an army of over ninety catechists and many other volunteers to assist in yard duty, snacks, and babysitting. I asked her to share with TLC readers some of the ways she supports and motivates this corps of volunteers.
TLC: Sister Maureen, how do you solicit your volunteers?
Sister Maureen: We have special sign-up days inviting new volunteers, and then there is a “come and see” interview with no strings attached. I also make direct contacts by phone and in person and I always follow up. I invite them to observe a session and let them see and hear the enthusiasm others have for the program. I let them know that I am available to assist with planning the lessons and providing supplies and copies. We spell out clearly the job description of a catechist, including our philosophy, our calendar, and sample lesson plans. If they have children in need of babysitting, it is provided for them during their class sessions. We let them know that they are not alone, and they are in my daily prayers.
TLC: How do you keep them motivated?
Sister Maureen: First of all, I listen, inviting their comments and suggestions. Periodically, I call them to see how it is going. I make it known I am interested in what is happening in their life and family. Each Monday, a weekly bulletin is sent out via e-mail, letting everyone know what’s happening that week and in the near future, keeping everyone up-to-date. I observe them lovingly in their classes and try to hear their needs and suggestions. I provide times for evaluation, where we discuss what’s going well and what needs more attention. The catechists know I value their input. I am one who sends a lot of thank-you notes with personal asides. We also provide a number of “thank-you” parties, dinners, and gifts throughout the year.
TLC: What kind of training do your catechists receive?
Sister Maureen: I do not take anything for granted. My philosophy as DRE is “teach, teach, teach!” For new catechists, we provide three pre-training workshops at the various developmental levels, with many samples of lesson planning. I provide continuing education throughout the year with special speakers and workshops. I encourage our catechists to attend the diocesan catechist training and keep them informed of educational events in the area. Most importantly, the parish pays for them to attend religious education congresses and retreats.
TLC: How do you retain a base group from year to year?
Sister Maureen: Presence! I am there welcoming them each day. Besides the continual training, I let them know we are partners and that they are supported! New catechists have mentors; and, they know that substitutes are available for emergencies. Catechists’ names are listed in the church bulletin at least once a year. I supervise, observe, evaluate, compliment, pray for them, and express gratitude often! At the beginning of the year there is a liturgy of blessing for the catechists, followed by a family breakfast, And at year’s end, one of thanksgiving and recognition for their service. “Volunteers are to the church what the heart is to the body — they keep the church alive!”
This interview was conducted by Jack Miffleton (www.ocp.org/artists/683), editor of Today’s Liturgy with Children. Jack is a teacher and musician, and his songs are sung in classrooms and churches around the world. He is theological consultant and music director for the I Am Special program published by OSV Publications (catalog.osv.com). He teaches music at Saint Jarlath School (stjarlath.org) in Oakland, California, is married and has a grown son.
Related Year B: Back to School Articles:
- Gospel Talk With Children: Mark's Portrait of Jesus
- Teaching Children To Love All God's Creatures
- A Liturgical Classroom Promotes Christian Values
- Leading Children to Sunday with Angels, Saints and Kings
- Children Talking with God
- Miracles in the Fall Gospels
- Developing Spirituality Among Children, Part 1: Eucharist
- Coming Closer to Eucharist: Mystagogy on the Text of the Eucharistic Prayer
- The Liturgy of the World: Extraordinary Time
Rise Up And Sing,
Third Edition
With more than 330 songs specifically chosen for the young voices of children, Rise Up & Sing, Third Edition presents a Scripture-based, liturgically appropriate repertoire of great music that encourages children to actively engage in worship.
Third Edition
With more than 330 songs specifically chosen for the young voices of children, Rise Up & Sing, Third Edition presents a Scripture-based, liturgically appropriate repertoire of great music that encourages children to actively engage in worship.