School of Religion
Catechists & Classroom Assistants
“The vocation of the laity to catechesis springs from the Sacrament of Baptism. It is strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation…The Lord Jesus invites men and women, in a special way, to follow Him, teacher and formator of disciples. This personal call of Jesus Christ and its relationship to him are the true moving forces of catechetical activity. ‘From this loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim Him, to ‘evangelize,’ and to lead others to the ‘Yes’ of faith in Jesus Christ’” (General Directory for Catechesis 231; Catechism of the Catholic Church 429)
Are you interested in serving St. Bede as a Catechist or Classroom Assistant? Please contact Cass Hooker, Director of Religious Education (K-8), at 757-603-6989 ext. 2309 for more information. Catechists’ children receive free tuition and enrollment.
Catechist Requirements:
At St. Bede Catholic Church we recognize that the mission to catechize has been given to us by the Lord Himself: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19) This mission of catechesis is both a gift and a responsibility. It is a gift because we have been chosen by Christ to proclaim the gospel to the next generation: “You have not chosen me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16) It is also a grave responsibility because we have been sent by Christ to be His envoy, to hand on the Faith that comes to us from the Apostles: “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (John 20:21) To fulfill this mission, catechists should fulfill the basic requirements below:
- Be a Catholic who has received all of the Sacraments of Initiation and is in full communion with the Church.
- Live an upright life in keeping with the Catholic Faith that we believe and profess.
- Participate in the sacramental life of the Church including attendance at Sunday Mass and Masses of obligation and regularly celebrating the Sacrament of Confession.
- Strive for holiness and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through daily prayer.
- Register and complete the Pathways catechist training program (This consists in a one day, eight hour session).
- Complete background check and volunteer select form through the Diocese of Richmond.
- Complete the Virtus certification program (This consists in a one time, 2-3 hour session).
- Attend scheduled parish catechist meetings throughout the year (These are held mostly during the Summer and 3-4 times during the school year).
- Be able to attend the scheduled class dates (Classes run from September through the beginning of May).
Resources:
- Lesson
Plans, Curriculum Outlines, Unit Tests,
Quizzes and Answer Keys. - Register for Virtus Online.
- Pathways
-
Lesson Plan Format
-
Curriculum Sequences
- Catechist Application Form
- Catechist Ministry Description
- Classroom Assistant Application Form
- Classroom Assistant Ministry Description
Contact Cass Hooker,
Director of Religious Education (K-8), at
(757)229-3700 for more information.