WHAT DOES IS TAKE TO BE A CATECHIST?

Becoming a catechist is a beautiful and rewarding ministry to children, youth, and families.  In order to insure that all catechists are prepared for this

Ministry,

Step 1:

 Holy Trinity complies with Archdiocesan policy, requiring all

Catechists to:

           Participate in Choice Point: a formal background check

           Read and sign a Volunteer Acknowledgement form

          Participate in a the3 hour workshop: Protecting God’s Children

Step 2:

Participate in an interview with a member of the Catechetical Staff

Participate in an introductory Catechist meeting  before formal classes begin

Step 3: Continuing  Support

The ministry of Catechesis can be as  challenging as it is rewarding.  Holy Trinity’s Office of Faith Formation offers a variety of supports for those engaged in the parish’s catechetical Ministry:

A.  ONGOING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE FROM THE PARISH OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION

Access to a well supplied resource room with a comprehensive video library and other supplemental materials

B. DIOCESAN CERTIFICATION

Archdiocesan Certification is a process of Catechist  Formation that enables a catechist to identify and nurture the gifts needed to be a catechist.  There are 3 components to completing Archdiocesan Certification. Our parish provides several ways to accomplish this certification.

The following outlines the 3 modules necessary for Basic Archdiocesan Certification.   At the completion of each module a certificate is issued. Upon receipt of 3 certificates, an individual applies for certification.

1. SPIRITUALITY MODULE

             Explores the Vocation and Roles of a Catechist

2.METHODOLOGY MODULE

           Explores practical and successful techniques used with a variety of groups

           Explores the various learning styles of individuals

3. THEOLOGY MODULE

           Explores the various theological principals of our Faith

               Scripture     Liturgy     Sacraments      Morality    Prayer

A catechist may choose a variety of ways to complete Diocesan Certification:

             REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH MODULE:

            SPIRITUALITY MODULE:

            View the following videos and complete the accompanying reflection books:

                        The Person of the Catechist    and the reflection book

                        The Roles of the Catechist      and the reflection book

                        Getting Started as a Catechist  and the reflection book

                          Completion of  the assignments issued by the facilitator

              METHODOLY MODULE:

            View the Following videos and complete the accompanying reflection books:

                        Introduction to the Scriptures   and the reflection book

                        Introduction to the Learner        and the reflection book

                        Methods video                           and the accompanying reflection book

              Completion of the assignments issued by the facilitator

            THEOLOGY MODULE

            View the following videos and complete the accompanying reflection books:

            I Believe/ We Believe          and the reflection book

            Liturgy and Sacraments        and the reflection book

            Catholic Morality                  and the reflection book

            Prayer and Spirituality          and the reflection book

Completion of the assignments issued by the facilitator

At the completion of each video and reflection book, the catechist meets with  Sr. Kathy to discuss the material and  how  it can enhance one’s catechetical ministry

Certification can be accomplished in several ways:

Small groups  coming together in the parish ( dates will be posted when sessions are offered)

Small groups can gather in the home with a designated facilitator to view the film and discuss the reflection booklet.  At the conclusion of each session, someone from the group, designated the facilitator will meet with Sr. Kathy to assess the group’s response to the material

Individuals may choose to complete this on their own,

           Signing out the video and book

           After viewing the material, meeting with Sr. Kathy either in person or via email to discuss what you learned and how you can apply it.