Catechist- Sharer of the Gift of Faith
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 is responsible for planning and leading catechetical sessions. The time commitment is for one school year. The sessions are one hour and fifteen minutes each week.
The commitment 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 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 completed the Safe Environment, or VIRTUS, training (and all updates) required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Top 10 Reasons to Become a Catechist...
(by Joe Paprocki, DiM and Catholic author)
- You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- Your Baptism calls you to share in Jesus’ ministry.
- Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
- Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to encounter good role models of faith.
- You have much to share with those you’ll teach, and you’ll have opportunities to share faith with other catechists.
- Today’s catechetical textbooks/resources offer outstanding support.
- You’ll be challenged, you’ll have fun, and you’ll make new friends.
- You’ll be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus. (You’ll be evangelizing!)
- You’ll be handing on a 2000-year-old Tradition that changes lives.
- It’s our job: Jesus sent us to “go and teach all nations.”
Volunteer Needs:
Volunteers are
always needed for CCE. Please consider offering your time in one of the many rewarding opportunities offered including teaching, assisting, substituting or providing desk monitoring help during our sessions. Both adults and high school youth are welcome!
We are presently recruiting volunteers for the
2017-18 Program Year which will begin in September,
and are in need of lead catechists, co-catechists as well as classroom assistants
for the following days/times:
PREK-Kindergarten (Sunday Option): Sundays at either 9 a.m. or 11 a.m.
Elementary: Tuesdays (Grades 1-5) at either Session A: 4:30-5:45pm or Session B: 6:30-7:45 pm
Wednesdays (Grades K-5) from 5:15-6:30pm
Catechists and assistants are still needed at ALL sessions and grade levels for the coming 2017-18 program year.
Interested? Please contact
Joan Hastreiter or Cindy Martin for details.
If interested in volunteering, please complete and return the
RE Volunteer Form located under the DOCUMENTS section of this page or
come by the Ave Maria Center to pick up the form.
Here’s what one of our veteran catechists has to say about teaching CCE:
“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
For additional information on this rewarding ministry, please send inquiries to the contact information above.