Ideas for catechists to ponder

* Not collaborating with one another, she said, makes it difficult for catechists to "tell the message." Parents, catechists, schools, religious education directors, liturgists and others must all work together to teach, "or we experience a fragmented faith. When people come to our parishes, they should experience word, worship, community and service."

* The speed of life can get in the way of people hearing the message. "The new god is speed," Dr. Eipers observed. "We no longer talk about quality or depth, but `how fast.' Faith is about time and depth, because it's about developing a relationship with the community and with Jesus. It can't be quick." She added that people sometimes "shop around" for a parish with a briefer RCIA or Communion-preparation program, and that isn't what our faith is about.

* Incorporating the arts into catechesis is one way to improve religious education programs, according to the keynoter. Hymns, statues, rituals and other artistic expressions often touch Catholics in ways other things don't, she said, using the example of Sept. 11, which sparked thousands of people to create memorials -- artistic symbols of their feelings. (KB)

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