The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
~Matthew 9:37
What is a catechist?In short:
Someone who teaches, or helps to pass on, the faith. In long: A catechist is someone who provides instruction and guidance in the faith to children and youth so that they can begin to understand and try to live out the teachings of the Catholic Church. A catechist also helps individuals form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and assists them as they grow in their faith. At St. Mary: A catechist is a teacher of the faith. We provide the material for you to review or prepare the lesson, and you lead our youth through the lesson to help them learn about our faith and God's goodness. Games and activities included! |
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What does being a catechist look like at St. Mary?
Elementary (Gr. PK-4)When: Every-other Wednesday (Alternating with EDGE) @ 5:00-6:00pm OR 6:30-7:30pm Prep: Lesson plans are provided to you the Wednesday before. Become familiar with the lesson plan and it's key points. Prepare to teach the lesson ahead of time. Anticipate children's questions. (Know that it's ok to say "I don't know.") The night of: Teach the class assigned to you (preschool, k-1, 2nd, or 3-4) using the provided lesson plan, with one other adult catechist. |
MS EDGE (Gr. 5-8*)When: Every-other Wednesday (Alternating with Elementary) @ 6:00-7:30pm Prep: Lesson plans are provided to you at the beginning of the year. Work with your team of one t0 two other adult catechists to adapt and plan the Edge session for your assigned evenings. Ask questions! Get curious! Dive into church teaching. The night of: Lead your assigned Edge night with your team. When your team is not leading, help facilitate table discussions and keep students engaged. (Time is also filled with socializing and pizza, as well as games.) *Edge is now split into a 5&6th grade group and a 7&8th grade group. |
Confirmation (Gr. 9-10)When: Every-other Wednesday (Alternating with HS ministry nights) @ 6:30-8:15pm Prep: Become familiar with the lesson plan (provided to you before the night of the class) and look into topics that are new to you. Get curious and dive into church teaching when you need to to help you prepare. Know that you don't need to always have an answer. Faith, honesty, and a desire to serve and love God is all that's needed. The night of: Help lead your group through the lesson and discussions. (The class is led by our faith formation assistant, Mariah Stauffer.) |
High School Ministry (Gr. 9-12)When: Every-other Wednesday (Alternating with Confirmation nights) @ 6:30-8:00pm Prep: Review the lesson plan and powerpoint that is provided to you at the beginning of the week. The night of: Participate and share in games and help facilitate small group discussion. Get to know the youth present. Sign me up! |
Quotes from our catechists
"The kids are fun, the lessons are ready for you and I'm already there to drop off and pick up so why not help for the time in between?!!! Now that I've had a few classes when I see the kids out in the community they will say hi or wave. It is great to follow them in their activities and cheer them on at their sports. Pretty cool seeing them grow up." (Elementary catechist)
"My first thoughts on becoming a catechist was I was already having to drive to church, I might as well stay and help and give to our church and youth. Also, I saw it as a way to grow in my own faith. As a "cradle Catholic" I feel like there's so much I don't understand or have forgotten from my youth. I found this as a way to help refresh my memory on things and learn alongside the kids. I enjoyed working with the youth and the other catechists. Plus things were pretty well organized it wasn't too difficult when it was my team's turn to teach." (Edge catechist)
"It's a way to engage with the youngest members of our church. I enjoyed that the kids were excited to come in and learn each week. It's fun to see the growth they make in their faith over the course of the year." (Elementary catechist)
"I said yes because I wanted to learn more about our faith with my children but also provide a fun environment for other children to also feel welcome and empowered in their faith and beliefs. I loved getting to know the children and learning about them and how they can best relate to each other and the material we're teaching and learning about. Everyone is coming from a different place so to get their perspectives and ideas was so refreshing and inspiring. Plus it helped with conversations in our own home about various topics." (Edge catechist)
"Its a way for God to work through me. It challenges me to spend more time in reflection along with seeing God's grace through our youth's view. Working with the youth is refreshing and re-energizing. It is fun to connect with parish members in this capacity." (Confirmation catechist)
"Kids are naturally curious about our faith, and I enjoy being a part of their faith journey. I enjoy the fellowship of bringing together youth from different communities and becoming our own little St. Mary community." (Elementary catechist)
"My first thoughts on becoming a catechist was I was already having to drive to church, I might as well stay and help and give to our church and youth. Also, I saw it as a way to grow in my own faith. As a "cradle Catholic" I feel like there's so much I don't understand or have forgotten from my youth. I found this as a way to help refresh my memory on things and learn alongside the kids. I enjoyed working with the youth and the other catechists. Plus things were pretty well organized it wasn't too difficult when it was my team's turn to teach." (Edge catechist)
"It's a way to engage with the youngest members of our church. I enjoyed that the kids were excited to come in and learn each week. It's fun to see the growth they make in their faith over the course of the year." (Elementary catechist)
"I said yes because I wanted to learn more about our faith with my children but also provide a fun environment for other children to also feel welcome and empowered in their faith and beliefs. I loved getting to know the children and learning about them and how they can best relate to each other and the material we're teaching and learning about. Everyone is coming from a different place so to get their perspectives and ideas was so refreshing and inspiring. Plus it helped with conversations in our own home about various topics." (Edge catechist)
"Its a way for God to work through me. It challenges me to spend more time in reflection along with seeing God's grace through our youth's view. Working with the youth is refreshing and re-energizing. It is fun to connect with parish members in this capacity." (Confirmation catechist)
"Kids are naturally curious about our faith, and I enjoy being a part of their faith journey. I enjoy the fellowship of bringing together youth from different communities and becoming our own little St. Mary community." (Elementary catechist)