The Role of a Catechist
WHAT IS A CATECHIST?
The Catechist is a person of faith who leads others in understanding the faith teachings according to the official teachings of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The role of the catechist is a vital ministry to the Church. It is a gift that has tremendous value to the world community at large because through the catechist’s word and action, the message of Christ continues to have a place in all human affairs.
WHAT DOES A CATECHIST DO?
The primary goal of a catechist is to model God’s love to others. As a result, the primary requisite of a catechist is a love for God and a love for children. The catechist passes on to students a set of shared meanings and values that are Catholic and Christian. A catechist also initiates others into the faith community, into its life, its worship, symbols and practices.
WILL I RECEIVE TRAINING AND SUPPORT?
Divine Mercy Parish offers training classes and courses, support from the school of Augustine Institute (https://divinemercyrahway.formed.org), giving the catechist the opportunity to reinvigorate their understanding of the faith. Formal training classes are held once a month during the summer months. Courses are offered on Scripture, Church Doctrine, Lesson Planning, Classroom Activities and a variety of other subjects. The basic training courses are presented several times in order to accommodate busy schedules. It is the goal of our Education Program for catechists to obtain Diocesan certification.
Ongoing support is provided by the Pastor, Director of Religious Education and coordinators. Team teaching is also utilized as a mechanism for support. For new Catechist to feel comfortable, they start as volunteers helping out and assisting in the classrooms, while they go to formation classes till they are ready to be a Teacher Catechists.
Every Catechist is required to obtain certification on Protecting God’s Children. The training is to become certified is provided by the Parish.
ARE THERE TEACHING AND RESOURCE MATERIALS?
Divine Mercy Parish provides grade level Teacher Manuals, and Catechist Handbook and Resource Book with numerous activities. The classrooms are student friendly and safe.