Education and Formation - Catechists

A catechist must be willing to share one's faith in Jesus, lead others to entrust themselves to Jesus, learn to communicate the Gospel message effectively, make known the story of Jesus as a story of salvation, lead others to desire union with Jesus in the celebration of the sacraments and enable others to deepen their own faith

Role:
The vocation or call of a catechist is to share faith,to put people in touch,in communion,in intimacy with Jesus Christ and to lead people to profess their faith in Jesus Christ.

Responsible to:
The Parish Priest or his delegate

Description of Role:
It involves -

Calling to communion and faith - proclaiming the Gospel, reaching out to those on the margins of Christian life as well as the initial awakening of Christian families;
Initiating into the life of faith, the liturgical life and the life of charity lived by the people of God;
Ongoing nourishing and deepening of faith;
Preparing for participation in the sacraments and above all the Eucharist;
Developing understanding of faith through theological study and reflection.

Support Provided:
Courses of formation arranged by the Archdiocese; Assistance from the experience of others and from the Parish Priest.

Time Required:
Initial training spread over a year - 4 group meetings with reading, study, reflection and written work following  on each meeting .

Gifts and Talents:
The key skills required -

  1. Group Skills - to be aware of how groups relate and possess a range of techniques which can be applied to enable the group to share well;

  2. Prayer Skills - have an experience of a variety of ways of praying;

  3. Source Skills - know where to find sources, especially sources from Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church and how to make these accessible to the group;

  4. Listening Skills - to be attentive to people and hear not only what is said but also what is not being openly shared in the group;

  5. Organising Skills - be able to do forward planning and preparation, ensuring that resources are available to everyone.

In other words, a catechist must be willing to share one's faith in Jesus, lead others to entrust themselves to Jesus, learn to communicate the Gospel message effectively, make known the story of Jesus as a story of salvation, lead others to desire union with Jesus in the celebration of the sacraments and enable others to deepen their own faith.
Contact: 
Mgr Kerr 447 2502


 

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