The Catechist

The Catechist :  
A Sharer of the Gift of Faith

What Is a Catechist?

The word catechist comes from a Greek word meaning "to echo".  Catechists echo the  Word of God to the children of St. Laurence.  Catechists come from all walks of life and all ages: women, men, confirmed teenagers, parents, grandparents, singles, and religious. Catechists are not expert teachers or brilliant theologians. They are ordinary people, just like you, who generously volunteer their time to share our Catholic faith, values, and traditions with our youngest generation of Christians and to walk beside/bear witness to them. They are positive role models who help children grow in faith, spirituality and their relationship with God. Their gift  of time and talents has tremendous value... because through their words, actions, and expression of love for their students, the message of Jesus Christ continues to spread throughout the world.

"Catechists are people who keep the memory of God alive;
   they keep it alive in themselves and are able to revive it in others." 
Pope Francis

"Faith formation is more than a subject to be taught - it is an invitation to a way of life." 
Joe Paprocki, DiM and Catholic author

Is God Calling You to Be a Catechist?

Do you:

Your "yes" answer to any of the questions above may mean
   that God is calling you to be a Catechist!
   The Elementary Faith Formation Program is always in need of volunteer catechists/co-catechists, classroom assistants and mentor buddies to help spread the Good News and to share the Catholic faith with all of our parish children.

"And this is the job of the catechist:  constantly go forth to others out of love to bear witness and to talk about Jesus, to proclaim Jesus.  This is important because the Lord does it; it is the Lord that impels us to go forward."
Pope Francis

It takes upwards of 100 volunteers EACH WEEK to serve the children of St. Laurence in grades Kindergarten thru 5th.  We are always actively recruiting volunteers for our Elementary Faith Formation Program!  
Our best source of volunteers comes from parents and grandparents, as well as older youth/teens, who wish to support the program in this special way. 

   All adults who have completed (or are willing to complete) the Diocesan Safe Environment training (Safe Haven), as well as high school youth (grades 11 and above) who have completed (or are willing to complete) the (Jeremiah 1:7) Youth Safe Environment training are invited to apply.

Session #1: Tuesdays, 6-7:15pm (weekly), OR

          Session #2: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:30pm (weekly)

All Grades Kindergarten through 5th @ each session:

*Catechists / Co-Catechists

* Classroom Assistants 

* Mentor Buddies to children with Learning Challenges

*  Hallway Monitors

* Substitutes

*For a description of these volunteer positions, go to:

Elementary CCE Volunteer Positions 

To register as a volunteer, please complete the online:
ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION 2025-2026 FORM

found on the REGISTRATION webpage

when available beginning April 1, 2025

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For more information on volunteering, please contact
     Joan Hastreiter at [email protected] 
  Thanks in advance for your prayerful consideration!

The Role of the Catechist

The role of a catechist is one who is called to nurture a living, conscious and active faith in the youth and children he/she teaches. A Catechist is one who witnesses to the faith by sharing his/her faith commitment through word, experience, prayer and liturgy.

The Catechist/Co-Catechist is responsible for planning and leading weekly catechetical sessions using the training, resources and Weekly Lesson Plan Outlines provided. The time commitment is for one full school year (i.e. September to May). The sessions are one hour and fifteen minutes each week.

   The commitment to serve as a catechist involves ongoing personal faith formation. It is vital that as a sharer of the faith that the catechist continues to grow in his/her own faith. That is why catechist formation is highly encouraged because it provides a teaching context in which the catechist can develop a deeper understanding and love for the Catholic faith which he/she shares.

Qualifications

• To have a desire to share your faith and love for Jesus with children and young people
• To be able to relate comfortably with children and young people
• To be committed to quality Catholic education
• To take part in the sacramental life of the Church, including being a Confirmed Catholic
• To begin/continue working towards catechist formation
• To have satisfactorily completed the Safe Environment training (and all updates) required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and passed a background check.

Here’s what some of our catechists have to say about
   teaching CCE: 

"When my son Dominic was around 3 years old, I began feeling a nudge from God to be more involved in his faith formation.  When he started Kindergarten, I knew I wanted him to attend CCE in person to continue that spiritual growth but also to meet other children his age who shared the same beliefs.   The nudge I felt become a push, and it was God telling me I should sign up to be a catechist and teach CCE. I knew I would be in good hands both from the spiritual journey God planned for me but also because the preparation, tools and resources provided to the catechists.  I was blessed to be partnered with a kind, loving, generous, and faith-filled co-catechist who also helped me learn and grow in my own faith.  Sharing this experience with Dominic has strengthened our bond.  It’s been such a beautiful way for me to see him grow.  As a working parent I don’t get to spend a lot of time with him during the week, but CCE was quality time well spent with him and the other children.  The joy and the knowledge both given and received during the CCE year was amazing. It truly is one of the most rewarding things you can do."
Kate Arno, Kindergarten Catechist 2021-2022

“As a grandmother and former teacher, it has been rewarding to teach CCE. Children are awed by Bible stories, challenged to recite new prayers, curious to know the names of Mary’s parents, and excited when the seven sacraments are learned. Prior teaching experience is not necessary. The time commitment is reasonable, lesson plans and materials are provided, and the support staff is superb.  Without a doubt my faith has grown and become stronger. During Mass it is gratifying to have your students smile when they see you or quietly wave to you. Come join us! In addition, new friends will be made as you get acquainted with fellow catechists.” 
Madeline Pyle, 3rd Grade Catechist
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For more information on volunteering for this rewarding ministry, please contact
     Joan Hastreiter at [email protected] 
     Lisa Feighery at [email protected]