What is a Catechist? | Catholic Diocese of Armidale

A Catechist or Special Religion Education teacher/volunteer is a parish volunteer approved and authorised by the Parish Priest/Administrator to teach or assist with Special Religious Education (SRE) in their local public primary and/or secondary school.

Catechist or SRE teachers are required to undergo a mandatory Working with Children Check to ensure there have been no conviction of any offense involving children prior to being accepted as Parish Volunteers who work with children. Our Catechists or SRE teachers/volunteers receive initial and ongoing training to assist in enabling them to undertake the Church’s mission to proclaim Christ and to assist them to teach the Catholic faith to children in Public Schools. Training opportunities and support are offered in each parish throughout the year within the Parish and by the Diocesan CCD Coordinator.

They are obliged to comply with a Code of Conduct and the Social Media policy to ensure Professional Standards are maintained at all times.

Other things you need to know:-

A Catechist should be in good standing with their parish community.
A Catechist needs to complete a Teacher Application Form a copy of this form should be sent to and retained by the CCD Office in Armidale.
A prospective Catechist will go through an Authorising process before being commissioned as a Catechist for the Parish.
Catechist’s need to commitment for at least one year to prepare lessons and teach a class. This commitment would require about two hours per week. Actual teaching time in the classroom usually will be about thirty minutes for each lesson per week. This may vary in some schools.
Catechists are expected to do some training before they begin teaching.
Catechists are expected to teach from the approved program.
Catechists are expected to teach from the approved program.

You may find the short video of interest if you are considering offering yourself or know someone who may have the gifts need to become a catechist. Enjoy