Thank you for joining our parish team of catechists (volunteer teachers) who minister to children, older youth, and adults. We have prepared a special Catechist web site which offers support and resources as you grow to be the best catechist you can be.*
THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE CATECHIST
All of us, children and adult alike, naturally ask ourselves, "Why did God make me?" Our Catholic Catechism answers this question: To know, love, and serve God on earth and be happy with Him forever in heaven.
We first learn about God in our family, then in the examples of love we see in the lives of others, and also through teachers, whom we call "catechists." Like many words we use in our Church, "catechist" Is of Greek origin and means "to echo"; thus we echo the good news of God's love and we teach those who come to the Catholic faith.
A catechist is often thought of as someone who teaches children. In fact, it includes those who teach adults as well, in programs like the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), or any adult who wishes to grow in understanding or knowledge of our deep faith. Teaching is also a great way to learn or deepen our own faith understanding. None of us have all the answers to the question posed by others but as catechists, we are prompted to seek the answers and to share them with others.
Well-prepared catechists play a vital role in passing the knowlege of faith from generation to generation. Teaching is actually considered one of the spiritual works of mercy. In the process, teachers themselves learn more about what we believe and, more important, how we live in Christ.
* Please note that this site is separate from the web site of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist. It will likely open in a separate tab, so that when you wish to return to the parish web site, you can click the POTHE tab.