According to OSV magazine the top 10 reasons to be a catechist include:
10. The best way to learn is to teach.
9. Catechists tell the truth.
8. Sharing the faith is an honor.
7. Your own faith will come alive.
6. You become an active part of the most active part of your parish.
5. A catechist is a role model.
4. You will be practicing stewardship.
3. You show your own family that you value religious education.
2. It's fun.
1. It's what we are called to do.
A person who...
...believes in God...who wants to learn more about our faith...who loves children/teens...a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, married person, single person, high school student or college student willing to commit a few hours a week sharing faith.
is NOT necessarily a person...
who has studied theology and Scripture....an expert in the faith...a "perfect" person...an experienced teacher
If you decide to be a catechist...
we will guide you on your journey! You will have the opportunity to attend a program specific catechist training...we will provide you with a curriculum guide that includes complete activities and scripts for each class...we will provide the supplies you need for the activities...you will have a program coordinator available to you for ongoing support...in the case of the elementary programs (including preschool) you will receive a weekly email with an overview of each lesson, the location of supplies needed, etc....you will have opportunities to grow your faith through your interactions with the families, the lessons...you will grow in your knowledge of the faith and also classroom management through tips, fellowship with other catechists, workshops and more!
Consider sharing your gifts with our Elementary Children
Do you like working with little ones? Are you only available on the weekends? Our preschool (for ages 3 or 4) and kindergarten programs meet during the 9:15am and 11:15am mass. Catechists review the lesson from the curriculum guide and lead a class every other weekend between October and April.
Do you prefer to work with grade school children? Are you only available during the week? Do afternoon or evenings work better for you?, take a look at our Elementary (Grades 1-5) classroom program. Classes meet for 75 minutes on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons or evenings from September through April. If you need a shorter term commitment - we need catechists for First Reconcilation Preparation, during the month of January (4 weeks) and First Holy Communion Preparation, during the months of April/May (4 weeks)
Consider sharing your gifts with our Middle or High Schoolers
Do you love middle schoolers? Do you have time in the evening to be social and help out? Edge Core members meet as partners/trios on their own time to plan one night per semester with the support/help of the Coordinator. They also lead small group time during Edge Nights; Mondays from 6-8pm, dinner included. See the Core Team Application here.
Do you prefer High Schoolers? Life Teen Core Team meets on Wednesday nights to prepare for the upcoming lesson and they participate in the Life Night on Sundays from 6:20-8:20pm. See the Core Team Application here.
Teens who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation are invited to assist an adult catechist in the classroom.
Confirmed teens can work as a team with another teen or adult catechist.
Every catechist in the diocese of Richmond is required to complete a Screening One background check form, which is valid for 5 years. In addition, catechists must complete a one-time VIRTUS training session. The diocese offers a Pathways Catechist Cerification that we encourage you to enroll in within the first two years as a catechist. All of this seems like a lot of work but it helps prepare you for your ministry.