PARISH CATECHIST

Who is a Parish Catechist?

A parish catechist responds to a call by the Holy Spirit, trained and commissioned by the parish
community,  to directly empower others with the truths and mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith. 
Adults, adolescents, and children all may find their spiritual formation entrusted to the catechist. 
The ministry of a catechist occurs within parish and school settings focused on formation in the
Catholic faith. 

Catechists are . . .
Men
Women
Young adults
Retirees
Faith-filled
In love with Christ's message
 
Catechists nurture. . .
Discipleship
Faith Sharing
Enthusiasm
Justice
Healing
Learning
 
Catechists lead . . .
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Religious Education at all levels
Special Religious Education
Vacation Bible School
Adult Bible Study
Prayer

A Parish Catechist ...

Proclaims Christ's Message by:
• creating an environment where information and formation can be integrated
• understanding stages of faith development by planning materials and presentations for the
  appropriate level
• presenting the content of Scripture and Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church
• realizing that only God can transform the heart and soul of individuals

Participates in Efforts to Develop Community by:
• affirming the gifts people bring to their family, church, and community
• modeling biblical hospitality which is sensitive to the social, familial, and cultural issues of
  individuals and/or groups
• inviting participation from individuals in parish or community efforts to work for the common good

Leads Others to Worship and Prayer by:
• recognizing God's unique relationship with each individual
• providing opportunities to experience various forms of prayer and rituals which integrate life
  experience and a growing relationship with God
• modeling faith-sharing and a sacramental life

Motivates People to Serve Others by:
• encouraging others to seek out ways and means of serving the human community, locally and globally
• committing to total stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure

Personal Readiness of a Catechist

A Parish Catechist:
• actively participates in Roman Catholic worship
• nurtures his or her faith life by a daily commitment to prayer
• relates appropriately with the age group they teach
• shares faith with conviction, joy, love, enthusiasm, and hope
• commits to the teachings of Scripture and the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church
• accepts persons as individuals where they are spiritually and emotionally, while gently inviting
  them to grow in faith
• commits to continued growth and learning for himself or herself
 
Professional Readiness of a Catechist 

Parish Catechists are to move toward attaining the competencies of the Diocesan core curriculum with
the academic classes, spiritual formation, and pastoral and catechetical skills.
 

For more information call or write:
The Catholic Center
Office of Catechesis, Diocese of Evansville
4200 N. Kentucky Ave., P.O. Box 4169
Evansville, IN   47724-0169
Phone: 812-424-5536
Fax: 812-421-1334
www.evansville-diocese.org