"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  (Proverbs 22:6)

The ministry of the word is so important in the life of the Church.  And the two chief ways in which that ministry is carried out are preaching and catechesis.  To be a catechist is to be involved in an essential ministry of the Church, a ministry by which the Spirit builds up the Church, drawing persons into a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

What is involved in this vocation?

Parents are their children's first catechist.  Your role is to assist and support the parents in the formation of their child's faith.  You will help the children come to know God, Love Him and Serve Him, through the teachings of the Catholic Church.
 

            What qualities are required?

• You must be a fully-initiated Catholic (*received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist)
• You must be a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Church
• Must be at least 20 years of age
• Must like working with children and teenagers
• Must have a spirit of dedication and commitment

 

What will be required of me for this ministry?

• You must be fingerprinted and participate in a 1 hour and 10 minutes safe environment training course, online, regarding the protection of children
• You must be present each week for your class. (*classes for preschool - 8th grade, including First Communion, meet every Sunday morning; Confirmation classes meet two Sunday afternoons a month; RCIA meets once a week)
• You must familiarize yourself with the lessons and be prepared to pass on that information to the students. (*you do not have to create the lessons, that will be done for you)
• Be willing to participate in meetings and/or workshops that are offered to help you grow in the faith, so that you can be a more effective catechist

 

What are the educational programs?

• Catechism Classes - preschool (3 and 4 year olds), Kindergarten-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, 7th-8th, First Communion Primary (2nd-3rd), First Communion Intermediate (4th-8th)
• Confirmation - 9th-11th grades (First or Second Year)
• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)