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. Nicholas. 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 children and to accompany them as they grow in the relationship with our Lord. 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.
Is God Calling You to Be a Catechist?
Do you:
-Love God and want to know Him better?
-Love children and enjoy working with them?
-Want to share God’s love with others?
-Want to be a good role model for children?
-Want to share your faith more and help others grow in their own faith?
-Want to help children develop a relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
Your “yes” answer to any of the questions above may mean that God is calling you to be a Catechist!
Saint Nicholas’ Christian Formation Program is always in need of volunteer catechists/co-catechists, substitute catechists, and classroom assistants to help spread the Good News and to share the Catholic faith with all of the children in our parish.
It takes many volunteers EACH WEEK to serve the children of St. Nicholas in grades Kindergarten thru 5th. We are always actively recruiting volunteers for our Christian 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 VIRTUS), as well as high school youth, are invited to contact Steve to see how you can best serve the parish.
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 resources 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 have satisfactorily completed the Safe Environment training (and all updates) required by the Diocese and passed a background check.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are always needed for Christian Formation.
As children return to the classroom and we rebuild our volunteer base post-COVID, we are in serious need of adults devoted to the Catholic faith who have a heart for sharing that joy and their love for Jesus Christ with the children of St. Nicholas.
Please consider offering your time and talents in one of the many rewarding opportunities offered including facilitating or co-facilitating a class, providing classroom assistance/support, or substituting when needed. Both adults and high school youth are welcome!
