“Being a Catechist Isn’t Just Something You Do — It’s Something You Are“
You’re Invited to be a member of our Faith Formation Team
Catechesis is the sincere desire to share one’s personal faith journey with people of all ages within a community of believers who love, understand, and live the faith. It is a willingness to share God’s story of love with us.
If you are being called to be a catechist, but have a few questions, please keep reading and prayerfully consider saying yes. Please review the resources below and reach out with questions or to connect for discussion. Call (203) 269-8791 or email: faithformation@wallingfordctcatholic.org
Your Baptismal Promise is Calling You
It is out of our Baptism that we are called to respond to the Great Commission:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19-20)
The Role of the Catechist
The role of the catechist is patterned after Jesus’ approach on the road to Emmaus: accompanying, teaching, and sharing in the Eucharist. As a catechist, you’ll plan and facilitate classes throughout the year. You will receive support (printed, digital and human) and opportunities to deepen your faith. We appreciate that you may have questions or concerns and are happy to support you throughout your process of discernment. Let us ease your concerns.
CATECHIST “ROLE DESCRIPTION”
You may be unsure about what to expect or to do. Maybe you’re worried that you won’t know enough about your faith to share it.
Role Description
Catechists are called as disciples to facilitate an Encounter with Christ – they help people grow in relationship with Christ and his church.
Qualities
▪ Witness: Children learn faith best by observing authentic examples.
▪ Guide: Offer gentle direction and support as children explore questions and doubts.
▪ Encourager: Affirm children’s efforts to live their faith in small, everyday ways.
▪ Learner: Continue personal faith growth to model lifelong discipleship.
Knowledge and Skills
▪ Basic understanding of Catholic teaching, Scripture, and Catholic Tradition
▪ Foster a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel safe to ask questions and explore their faith
▪ Ability to form honest and caring relationships with the age group being served
▪ Demonstrate Christian values and behaviors in all interactions
Requirements
▪ Complete initial application (form, interview, background check)
▪ Complete Virtus training and any supplemental training as requested
▪ Maintain safety and privacy of students
Time Commitment
▪ Attend kickoff meeting in September
▪ Facilitate 7 – 90 minute sessions from October to April(holidays excluded).
▪ Attend 7 – 90 minute Family sessions – engage with family groups (meals, activities)
▪ Attend 2 catechist meetings per year.
▪ Approximately 1 hour weekly at-home preparation
▪ Participate in Faith Formation events/activities outside of classes
▪ Commit to ongoing catechetical formation – readings, webinars, in person trainings
Expectations
▪ Attend Mass regularly
▪ Foster an environment of prayer in the classroom
▪ Prepare lessons in advance
▪ Work as a team with co-catechists, substitutes, staff, and other volunteers
▪ Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up the classroom
▪ Incorporate a variety of techniques (visual, verbal, musical, physical) to accommodate diverse learning styles
▪ Restore classroom at the end of each class
Supported by Faith Formation Staff
▪ Emails and newsletters
▪ Curriculum materials provided
▪ Hands-on classroom resources, including materials, calendars and more
▪ Mentoring and support from Faith Formation staff and other catechists
“Let us put your fears to rest“
FAQ’S
I wouldn’t know what to teach.
We provide a curriculum outline and resources to help you. Our experienced catechists share ideas and lesson plans as well. We also have resources in the Faith Formation Office, which include shelves of materials you can use, and our faith formation staff is available to help.
What if someone asks me a question I can’t answer?
You don’t have to know all the answers all the time. We have the people and the resources to help you find the answer so you can bring it back to class the next week.
I don’t have the time.
If you attend the 9 a.m. Mass, you’re already here on Sunday mornings so the 10:00 Faith Formation session may be the perfect fit. Busy after mass on Sundays? That’s ok – we offer Faith Formation on Monday afternoon 4:45 pm and a second session at 6:30 pm and on Thursday evening we offer a bilingual session beginning at 5:30 pm. Planning takes only a couple of hours during the week. Chances are you’re already online during the week- you can surf for lesson ideas then.
I don’t think I can manage a room full of kids.
Very few of our catechists are professional teachers, so everyone has concerns about classroom management. We will help you set expectations for your classroom and ensure that students and parents understand what is required for participation.
I’m not “cool” enough to relate to students.
Our students have enough “cool” friends. What they need in faith formation is a committed Catholic who will learn their names, listen when they speak, involve them in meaningful lessons, lead them in prayer and ultimately help them to come to know Jesus Christ. It is from your own faith journey and relationship with Christ that you are able to accompany our young people on their journey of faith.
I’m not crafty (or can’t sing).
This isn’t the “CCD” you may remember from your youth. Our students learn in all different kinds of ways, including using technology. Can’t sing? No problem; plenty of people on YouTube and Spotify can. Not creative? Our resource library is full of books, ideas, handouts, posters and more. Plus, if you’ve ever been on Pinterest, you know there’s no shortage of ideas.
I enjoy having quiet time while my kids are in class.
We get that. At baptism, you were called to be a witness to Christ’s love in the world. Serving as a catechist allows you to live out this call. Coffee and quiet are beautiful things, but the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the classroom has even greater beauty.
I’m worried I’ll be the “parent” rather than the “teacher” in my child’s class.
If you’d rather teach a grade or class different than your child’s, we can accommodate that. Some of our parents like teaching their child’s class and move up as their children progress through the program. Others like teaching a different grade and seeing a different aspect.
Classes begin in October and run through April
Open yourself up to a new relationship with God; through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will journey together in helping the young people of our parish encounter and grow to love Jesus Christ.
FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
1. Fill out the Volunteer Application here.
2. Once we receive your application, a staff member will contact you to discuss next steps.
Safe Environment
St. Benedict of Nursia Parish and the Archdiocese of Hartford are committed to the safety of our students. All those who work with children in any capacity (even as volunteers) must meet the requirements of the Archdiocese of Hartford, including passing a background check attending a mandatory 1 hour on line training and acknowledging the Policies and Procedures of the Archdiocese of Hartford Safe Environment. Learn more about the requirements below.
Background Check Request Form for Employees and Volunteers
Office of Safe Environment Handbook
Office of Safe Environment Handbook-(Includes the Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults and the Code of Ministerial Behavior for Personnel of the Archdiocese of Hartford)
Handbook of Policies and Procedures
Manual de Ambiente Seguro
Virtus Online (Catechist learning platform)
Questions? We’d love to talk with you.
Please call 203-269-8791 or
E-mail faithformation@wallingfordctcatholic.org
Tracy Sommo Blum, Director of Faith Formation
Claudia Tovar, Assistant Director of Faith Formation (bilingual)