Thinking about becoming a Catechist in the Kinder through fifth grade Faith Formation?

Wondering what all is required of you?

Requirements of the Diocese:

  1. Screen One back ground check: this is a form that you fill out and provide to Sharla Ortiz (parish secretary) There is no charge to you, the parish pays the $30.00
  2. Safe Code of Pastoral Conduct: This is an on line or live class that you must take, and pass with 72%. The live class is about 2 hours, the on line course takes about one hour.
  3. California Abuse and Neglect: otherwise known as “Mandated Reporter”. This is also an on line or live class that you must take and pass.
  4. Must have a willingness to continue your formation. The Bishop wants all parishioners (especially Catechists) to enroll in the Parish Ministry Formation Process PMFP. This is a series of Two Retreats and 5 courses. One would be certified as a catechist upon completion of courses and a “specialization course”. All catechists must be “in process”, and complete the process over 3 years. St. Catherine’s will be hosting all retreats/courses beginning in September 2012 for your convenience. J

Requirements of St. Catherine’s:

  1. Be dependable. You will have 20 children depending on you weekly. You will have 20 families expecting you to be in your class room on time weekly. I WILL BE DEPENDING ON YOU WEEKLY!
  2. Come prepared: Teaching manuals will be provided, the lessons are expected to be followed. This is not Catholicism according to YOU, but it is passing on the teachings of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Forming a foundation for our little ones.
  3. A willingness to share your faith or a desire to pass on the true teachings of the Church.

We hold faith formation at 7:30, a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday’s. We meet in our classrooms 3 weeks in a row, and the 4th week we meet in the social hall for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. You do not teach that 4th week, but we need you there to meet and greet your class, take attendance, and help with crowd control J

Every classroom will have a Catechist and a Co Catechist or an Aide. IF you are not 18 years old, there will have to be an adult in your room as well in the position of Aide or Co.

MANY of our current catechists will return next year, they will have priority in choosing their teaching time, as well as the grade they will teach. I will be able to tell you what the program needs are during the summer break.

I will provide training during the summer, and support you every step of the way. Things do come up in life, and no one can always be here, this is why we have 2 people in teaching positions in each class, so that one can cover for the other. We are very blessed with many “youth aides” who will also assist you during the hour you are teaching.

Please watch the parish bulletin for a gathering of “New Catechist Information Meeting”.

THANK YOU FOR SERVING YOUR PARISH

In giving … we receive so much more!