Volunteer Catechists
“Who are catechists? They are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive in themselves, and they are able to revive it in others.” ~ Pope Francis
Seven Tips for Volunteers:
- Prioritize your own faith formation. As catechists, we are models and much of what we “teach” is done through our witness.
- Always plan. Preparation is the key to success. Be authentic and as informed as you can be on the topic for the day.
- Plan a variety of activities and consider various learning styles. Active learning is the most effective!
- Prepare your catechetical space with a prayer table and other decorations that students that you are on sacred ground with one another.
- Set down behavior guidelines from the beginning and be consistent with your classroom management.
- As catechists, our biggest responsibility is to facilitate an encounter between Jesus Christ and our students. Make prayer, scripture and even time for quiet an integral part of your sessions. Remember that YOU are the face of Jesus. Let a climate of love and welcome permeate your sessions.
- We all make mistakes! Take the time to evaluate your lessons and keep honing your craft.
Helpful websites for Catechists:
Franciscan at Home: Create your free account and continue your learning through hundreds of workshops! https://franciscanathome.com/diocese-rochester
Catechist’s Journey: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/
The Religion Teacher: https://www.thereligionteacher.com/