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Supports for the Catechetical Leader

As catechetical leaders in the Archdiocese of Detroit, we continually strive for excellence and professionalism in our ministry. There are several associations/committees/advocacy groups available to Parish Catechetical Leaders (directors of religious education) that offer assistance, support, and opportunities for personal growth. They are listed below with a brief description of their nature and purpose so that you can take advantage of the service they provide or become involved in an area of interest to you.

Adult Faith Formation Association
Three times a year those involved in the ministry of adult faith formation gather for a workshop or presentation which is designed to deepen their theological understandings, enrich their spirituality, enhance their ministerial skills, especially in the area of adult faith formation, provide new ideas for programming and resources for parish adult faith formation, and bring people together for networking, community and resourcing each other.

Diocesan Committee for DRE Advocacy and Mentoring (DREAM)
The Archdiocese of Detroit has a DREAM for new Directors of Religious Education (DREs). Diocesan Committee for DRE Advocacy and Mentoring (DREAM) is a support program for new DREs supported by the Office for Faith Formation & Catechetics in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Early Childhood Association
The Early Childhood Association is a group of concerned ministers focused on the religious development and spiritual formation of the young child ages 3-5.

Educational Ministers in Catechist Formation (EMCF)
The Association of Educational Ministers in Catechist Formation is a service organization of qualified religious educators, currently certified at Level IV (or professional equivalency*) + EMCF by the Office for Faith Formation/Catechetics, who cooperate with and assist that Office in the direction and vision of catechist formation.

National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)
NCCL is an organization of diocesan, parish, academic, publishing, and other catechetical personnel, striving to enrich and strengthen the ministry of catechesis throughout the Catholic dioceses of the United States, and seeking to serve the Church by:

promoting the Church's catechetical ministry in accord with the vision of Scripture, the wisdom of the Church, the expertise of its members, and the needs of the people in our continually changing world
collaborating with the bishops of the United States, international, national, regional and local organizations, and all who work in the development of catechetical ministry
nurturing the continual spiritual, professional, and personal development of catechetical ministers in the Church
gathering at the national, regional, provincial and diocesan levels to challenge our vision, foster our unity, strengthen our ministry, grow in faith, deepen our spiritual life, increase our understanding and broaden our perspective for catechetical leadership in the Church.

Special Needs Planning Committee
Catechesis for people with special needs is the primary focus of the Special Needs Planning Committee. The group is composed of parish catechetical leaders and others who have an interest or passion around the issue of special needs, and a belief that persons with special needs have a right to full and active participation in the Church.

Young Adolescent Ministry Association (YAMA)
The Young Adolescent Ministry Association (YAMA) is a networking organization of ministers who have responsibility for faith formation with young adolescents (Middle School or Junior High age).