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Catechist
Formation “The
tasks of catechesis are to promote the knowledge of faith, the meaning of
liturgy and sacraments, and moral formation in Jesus Christ; to teach Christians
how to pray; to prepare them to live in community and participate in the life
and mission of the church; and to promote a “missionary spirit to be present
as Christians in society”. In
other words, these tasks are to achieve the objective of making and forming
disciples of Jesus Christ. To
accomplish these tasks, “catechesis depends on the “transmission of the
Gospel message and the experience of the Christian life” as expressed by the
catechist.” Our community’s most
valuable assets are its people and the gifts they share.
We need those willing to pass on the Catholic faith to our children,
youth and adults. We ask you to prayerfully consider being part of this
most important ministry as either a catechist or as a catechist assistant.
If you are willing to share our Catholic faith, we provide the training
and the formation to assist you in this effort.
All catechists working with adults, youth and
children will be prepared to hand on our faith to the best of their ability.
The Diocese of Richmond has established Catechetical Norms “Called to be
Disciples” for all parishes to accomplish a certification process beginning
with the PATHWAYS formation process. PATHWAYS The
formation and certification process for Catechists is called PATHWAYS and
is a one-day, instructor-led, interactive program of prayer, learning and
reflection for all parish catechists of adults, youth and children AND Catholic
school religion teachers. No
lengthy writing is required!
All curriculum materials are provided to the catechists/teachers for
continued study and reflection at home/school. At the conclusion of the entire
day (9:00am-4:00pm), which includes Session
One: Vocation, Scripture & Creed and Session
Two: Methodology, parish catechists are certified in accordance with “Called to Be Disciples”. Ongoing
formation (minimum of 3 hours) each year maintains certification.
Please call Deacon Mike or Carlene at 479-9897 to
let us know if you desire to be registered for the PATHWAYS Formation. PATHWAYS website is - http://www2.richmonddiocese.org/ocf/pathways/index.php For those working with children and youth you are asked to complete the following additional
two prerequisites: 1. VIRTUS: “Protecting God’s Children”. This consists of a one-time 3 hour
facilitated session that addresses the signs of abused children and potential
abusers and what to do if abuse is suspected. Monthly on-line bulletins
are associated with the program to keep everyone up to date in this particular
problem area. To Register for the facilitated sessions: Go to www.virtusonline.org and choose “Registration,” then highlight
“Diocese of Richmond” from the drop down menu. Press SELECT. Fill in your
information and submit. Choose the green arrow next to “I would like to
attend….” Then select the training called “Protecting God’s Children for
ADULTS” on date and place of. There is no charge for this training. It
is mandated by the USCCB Dallas Charter that all diocesan employees, clergy,
religious, teachers, staff, and all volunteers who work with children or youth
take this training in the coming year. Questions: contact Deacon Mike
Johnson at 479-9897. 2. Background Checks: The diocese also has established a process where
all volunteers (ages 16 and older) working with children and youth will fill-out
the necessary background check paperwork. The background check is
accomplished every 5 years. You will also become familiar with the Safe
Environment policies of the Diocese of Richmond and the St Mark community. We normally begin the new Religious Formation year
with preparation for Catechists of children, youth and adults at the Regional
Catechist Workshop at Star of the Sea Church on the last Saturday of August.
This also fulfills the annual 3 hour ongoing formation diocesan
requirement. We also conduct a Catechist in-service day prior to
the start of the new formation year to go over pertinent information, as well as
sharing ideas and methods of instruction and prepare our formation areas. Back to Religious Formation Home
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