Catechists gather to learn unconventional ways to teach
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire," "Hollywood Squares" and "Family Feud" are simply TV game shows for most people. But for Michael Theisen, they are a way to connect with teens when teaching Church history, exploring the Bible or sharing faith.
Mr. Theisen, director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Rochester and a member of the writing team for the Catholic Youth Bible (St. Mary's Press), recently met with 95 catechists and youth ministers from 14 North Country parishes to discuss creative strategies that work in forming the faith of young people.
During his presentation, "Getting Their Attention and Keeping It," he hosted "Faithful Feud," "Who Wants to be a Catholic Millionaire" and "Holy-wood Squares" to show catechists how a game-show format can be effective.
Teen format
The goal of the game-show format is to celebrate learning, Mr. Theisen said. It doesn't focus on the win/lose aspect, and it always explores each answer more deeply.
"It's a format that teens enjoy," he explained, "and it opens the door to help them understand serious stuff -- like the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church, and important Bible messages."
A spontaneous skit can have the same positive effect. "If you take a story like the Good Samaritan, add some bits of drama and humor to it, and get everyone involved, then you can get the point across in a creative way that sparks conversation and the sharing of ideas," Mr. Theisen said. "It's not an easy task to get 15- or 16-year-olds to open up; youth ministers who think outside the box, search out creative ideas and learn from other catechists will connect with today's youth. Helping teens gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, the Creed, prayer and worship, and social justice -- that's what we're all about."
Reaching teens
Mr. Theisen said there many effective are ways that teens can get connected and "be Church," such as participating in retreats, service projects, summer youth program, spontaneous skits, melodramas, graffiti boards, mock trials or roundtables.
"Faith formation is not one-dimensional," he said. "Catechists need to approach it from many different angles. We need to continue to grow in our own faith, share our experiences and not get into a teaching rut. We need to look at many different methods and be willing to take a risk on a new idea.
"It is a youth minister's job to form the faith of young people, but it takes a whole parish to raise the faith of young people. The more enthusiastic a parish is and the more involved parishioners are, the more that parish will keep faith fresh and alive."
(The enrichment course, held at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Queensbury, was sponsored by the Catechetical Leaders/Youth Ministers Association of Warren and Washington counties.)