The Catechetical Ministry
A catechist walked around the room observing what the children were drawing. She asked Erin what she was drawing and the girl responded, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” The catechist said, “But nobody knows what God looks like.” Erin replied, “They will when I’m done.”
One of the most essential components of a good parish Faith Formation program is Catechists. St. Theresa is fortunate to have a team of catechists who demonstrate dedication, devotion, courage, and concern for the spiritual welfare of our parish children through their commitment to WFF, Edge, Lifeteen, Children's Liturgy of the Word, and Sacramental Preparation. It is this DFF's (Director of Faith Formation) good fortune and privilege to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged (in the best of ways) by them. It is a comfort to say they are all my friends.
Our catechists are diverse. We have young parents and retired seniors; they are men and women with all types of professions and educational backgrounds. However, what they have in common is the desire to share their faith in ways that promote the spiritual welfare of the children entrusted to them.
At St. Theresa we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children – sharing experiences, values, stories, customs and faith tradition in the home. We believe the holiness a child is exposed to and experiences begins in the family long before the child comes to the parish for faith formation. As partners, catechists assist parents in promoting a durable and solid association with the Catholic Church and a growing relationship with God. Through this collaboration our catechists strive to provide models for our young people, living life as God calls each one to live.
I want others to get to know our parish catechists. Click here for some introductions. Over the weeks, check back for more.
One of the most essential components of a good parish Faith Formation program is Catechists. St. Theresa is fortunate to have a team of catechists who demonstrate dedication, devotion, courage, and concern for the spiritual welfare of our parish children through their commitment to WFF, Edge, Lifeteen, Children's Liturgy of the Word, and Sacramental Preparation. It is this DFF's (Director of Faith Formation) good fortune and privilege to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged (in the best of ways) by them. It is a comfort to say they are all my friends.
Our catechists are diverse. We have young parents and retired seniors; they are men and women with all types of professions and educational backgrounds. However, what they have in common is the desire to share their faith in ways that promote the spiritual welfare of the children entrusted to them.
At St. Theresa we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children – sharing experiences, values, stories, customs and faith tradition in the home. We believe the holiness a child is exposed to and experiences begins in the family long before the child comes to the parish for faith formation. As partners, catechists assist parents in promoting a durable and solid association with the Catholic Church and a growing relationship with God. Through this collaboration our catechists strive to provide models for our young people, living life as God calls each one to live.
I want others to get to know our parish catechists. Click here for some introductions. Over the weeks, check back for more.
The Qualities and Requirements of the Catechetical Ministry
Qualities of Catechists
The National Directory for Catechesis outlines the qualities of catechists with this:
"The Church entrusts the ministry of catechesis to examplary followers of Christ with unquestioned personal integrity and moral character."
Positive qualities in candidates should be:
Faith that manifests itself in their piety and daily life;
Love for the Church and communion with its pastors;
Apostolic spirit and missionary zeal;
Love for their brothers and sisters and a willingness to give generous service….
The call to the ministry of catechist is a vocation, an interior call:
Catechists respond to a call from God through the Church to the ministry of catechesis by offering their time and talent as they each actively witness to the Gospel by:
Demonstrating commitment through adherence to the Gospel message, dedication to sharing faith, ongoing personal formation, and active participation in the life of the Church in liturgy and through the sacraments;
Serving the community with an awareness of their Baptism through which each gained a sharing in the prophetic ministry of Christ and the evangelizing mission of the Church.
Requirements to be a Catechist:
Fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
Practicing Catholic, consistently participating in weekly Mass and the sacraments
Committed to accurately sharing the teachings of the Catholic Church regardless of personal opinion
Willing to observe the faith formation schedule and to adequately prepare lessons
All catechists 18 years or older must complete a one-time Virtus Training and undergo a background check (click here for the forms)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION 515-279-4654 X304
The National Directory for Catechesis outlines the qualities of catechists with this:
"The Church entrusts the ministry of catechesis to examplary followers of Christ with unquestioned personal integrity and moral character."
Positive qualities in candidates should be:
Faith that manifests itself in their piety and daily life;
Love for the Church and communion with its pastors;
Apostolic spirit and missionary zeal;
Love for their brothers and sisters and a willingness to give generous service….
The call to the ministry of catechist is a vocation, an interior call:
Catechists respond to a call from God through the Church to the ministry of catechesis by offering their time and talent as they each actively witness to the Gospel by:
Demonstrating commitment through adherence to the Gospel message, dedication to sharing faith, ongoing personal formation, and active participation in the life of the Church in liturgy and through the sacraments;
Serving the community with an awareness of their Baptism through which each gained a sharing in the prophetic ministry of Christ and the evangelizing mission of the Church.
Requirements to be a Catechist:
Fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
Practicing Catholic, consistently participating in weekly Mass and the sacraments
Committed to accurately sharing the teachings of the Catholic Church regardless of personal opinion
Willing to observe the faith formation schedule and to adequately prepare lessons
All catechists 18 years or older must complete a one-time Virtus Training and undergo a background check (click here for the forms)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION 515-279-4654 X304