Catechists

Catechist Job Description
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Catechists are responsible for planning and implementing a session or mini-course, which fosters the religious education and faith formation of our young people.

Catechists have the following responsibilities:

  • Choose an appropriate topic (in consultation with the youth ministry coordinator).
  • Decide on the length of the mini-course (1, 2, or 3 sessions).
  • Plan each session with a balance of presentation, group sharing, group activity and questions/answers.
  • Design appropriate handouts and activities.
  • Plan an opening and/or closing prayer.
  • Plan a simple ice breaker or introduction activity.
  • Arrange for refreshments.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up and greet the young people.
  • Arrange with the youth ministry coordinator for appropriate publicity.

Catechists have the following qualities:

  • Like young people and can enable them to share their faith stories. Willing and able to share their personal faith story and journey.
  • Willing and able to present religious education and faith topics in a way that involves young people and relates to their life experiences.
  • Knows the church teachings and is able to present them in an appropriate manner.
  • Mini-courses can be planned in consultation with the youth ministry coordinator, who has access to a variety of resources, textbooks and mini-courses. Catechists can work in teams in order to divide the responsibilities of hospitality, session presentations and prayer.

Term: Catechists serve for the duration of their mini-course and the term is renewable for other courses.

Support: Catechists are supported by the coordinator for youth ministry/coordinator of Religious Education.