How do I become a Catechist?

[LeonBloy]

Hi! I live in the Portland, OR archdiocese and don’t attend mass, typically, at my parish but at a Dominican priory.

I’d like to become a Catechist and teach RCIA, first communion and confirmation classes (esp. confirmation classes because I like teenagers ).

How do I do this? Who do I contact? My parish? We just moved to this city, so I am a new face.

Thank you for your help! In our Good Lord, Léon Bloy

 

[passus]

Hi! I live in the Portland, OR archdiocese and don’t attend mass, typically, at my parish but at a Dominican priory.

I’d like to become a Catechist and teach RCIA, first communion and confirmation classes (esp. confirmation classes because I like teenagers ).

How do I do this? Who do I contact? My parish? We just moved to this city, so I am a new face.

Thank you for your help! In our Good Lord, Léon Bloy

Usually, churches (like mine) are in desperate need of volunteer catechists. Call the church office where are you are a registered parishioner and find out everything you need to get in contact with the director of religious education there. That’s who you talk to.

You may have to demonstrate some knowledge of Catholic teaching, but most probably won’t have to. Your diocese might also have a seminar for adults who are going to be working with children that you have to complete. Then, you’ll be a catechist!

May God bless you as you seek out your vocation to serve the Church this way.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi! I live in the Portland, OR archdiocese and don’t attend mass, typically, at my parish but at a Dominican priory.

I’d like to become a Catechist and teach RCIA, first communion and confirmation classes (esp. confirmation classes because I like teenagers ).

How do I do this? Who do I contact? My parish? We just moved to this city, so I am a new face.

Thank you for your help! In our Good Lord, Léon Bloy

Almost all RCIA and Youth Ministry, including Sacramental preparation is done through the parish church. First start attending Mass at your parish and becime involved in some activities at your parish. You can after awaile introduce yourself to the DRE and partor and inquire about what Catechist, Youth Ministry Youth protection training is required and what is available.

 

[LeonBloy]

Thank you, for your replies. Best, LB

 

[EasterJoy]

Dominican Priory? In Oregon, that means what…Holy Rosary or their McKenzie Bridge retreat center? (Do they have Ashland or the Newman Center at U of O any more?)

At any rate, the only requirement is that somebody can vouch for you as an active Catholic in good standing and that you have the background to teach at the lvel you’ll be teaching. You need to sign up at a parish somewhere, but you can enroll at a local parish and continue to attend Mass with the friars. If they have a parish locally, such as Holy Rosary in Portland, that would probably be the best choice for you. That way, Archbishop Vlazny will know where to send the paperwork for the annual appeal!

Our parish has used catechists from other parishes. Many parishes do. Ask the friars; other parishes may call them from time to time, asking if they know anyone willing to volunteer.

You’ll have to submit paperwork so that the Archdiocese can do a criminal background check, as well as complete the “Called to Protect” materials. You can start with that right away. You can’t start in any ministry in the Archdiocese until that is taken care of.

I know it’s late, but don’t delay. It’s getting late in the year, but there might be someplace that has been caught short-handed, even now! Besides, our DRE is already looking for commitments to teach in the fall, so she’ll know if she has to shop around out-of-parish.

 

[LeonBloy]

Dominican Priory? In Oregon, that means what…Holy Rosary or their McKenzie Bridge retreat center? (Do they have Ashland or the Newman Center at U of O any more?)

At any rate, the only requirement is that somebody can vouch for you as an active Catholic in good standing and that you have the background to teach at the lvel you’ll be teaching. You need to sign up at a parish somewhere, but you can enroll at a local parish and continue to attend Mass with the friars. If they have a parish locally, such as Holy Rosary in Portland, that would probably be the best choice for you. That way, Archbishop Vlazny will know where to send the paperwork for the annual appeal!

Our parish has used catechists from other parishes. Many parishes do. Ask the friars; other parishes may call them from time to time, asking if they know anyone willing to volunteer.

You’ll have to submit paperwork so that the Archdiocese can do a criminal background check, as well as complete the “Called to Protect” materials. You can start with that right away. You can’t start in any ministry in the Archdiocese until that is taken care of.

I know it’s late, but don’t delay. It’s getting late in the year, but there might be someplace that has been caught short-handed, even now! Besides, our DRE is already looking for commitments to teach in the fall, so she’ll know if she has to shop around out-of-parish.

Yes, it is HR. Does it matter that that isn’t my closest parish? I’ contact them tomorrow. I did do a “call to protect” type class in my old parish.

 

[palmas85]

Hi! I live in the Portland, OR archdiocese and don’t attend mass, typically, at my parish but at a Dominican priory.

I’d like to become a Catechist and teach RCIA, first communion and confirmation classes (esp. confirmation classes because I like teenagers ).

How do I do this? Who do I contact? My parish? We just moved to this city, so I am a new face.

Thank you for your help! In our Good Lord, Léon Bloy

In most places there are two was to do it. One is to go through your Parish Priest and the Parish DRE. talk to them and they can steer you in the right direction. The second way is to contact the Diocese directly and ask when they have Catechist training classes scheduled. Most large diocese have them at least three or four times a year. Normally the classes run about six weeks or so and cover between 40-50 hours of instruction in teaching methodology, historical issues, a brief introduction to theology, classes on the sacraments on the old and new testaments and lots of practical exercises. Successful completion of that will get you what is called in most areas a basic catechist level certificate. With that you could teach CCD and/'or RCIA.

After obtaining your certificate you will be required to keep it current by attending either classes or workshops or conferences throughout the oncoming years. You will also be able to achieve higher levels of certificates up to an including the master catechist certificate that will enable you to teach other new catechists.

I will tell you though, that if you are conservative in your approach to the faith, you may very well find that the catechists and Clergy, Priests and Deacons that will instruct you tend to be on the very progressive side.

Very progressive indeed.

That being said, they normally do a very good job of presenting the basic teaching skills and methods. When they wander off into theology, you may have to take a deep breath and step back because you may hear things that don’t sound right and quite frankly are not right but merely progressive opinion on certain things in scripture and the faith.

I have been a catechist for many years and find it exhilirating and frustrating at the same time. My advice, if you feel the calling for it go for it. Learn all that you can and stick with it.

I wish you the best of luck:thumbsup:

 

[graceandglory]

Yes, it is HR. Does it matter that that isn’t my closest parish? I’ contact them tomorrow. I did do a “call to protect” type class in my old parish.

you are braver than me. I’ve been doing the HR/Local parish “dance” for several yrs now.