Youth Ministry Job Description: Catechist

Kerygma means "evangelization" in ancient Greek. As a catechist, your job will be to strengthen the youths' identity as Catholics through a deeper understanding of our beliefs. And, to help the youths feel connected to a parish that is vitally alive in faith and exemplifies the love of God. We strive to provide an array of activities and resources designed to enable youth to more fully understand and live their faith.

Program: Total Youth Ministry (TYM) serves as the Faith Development program for youth in grades 9-12. It is divided into two parts – Confirmation Preparation (9^th and 10^th grade), and WIRED (grades 11 and 12.)

Program Objective: to create and nourish disciples of Christ, to help youth respond to God in faith and prayer, to help youth develop their Christian identity and personal faith through their Catholic values and demonstrated behavior.

Catechist Objective: to present the convictions and values of the Catholic Christian tradition and to invite the youth to adopt their own convictions and values based on these teachings.

Catechist Tasks:

• Plan lessons for the Sunday evening sessions with co-catechists, implementing the curriculum provided by the Office of Faith Development (OFD)
• Obtain materials, resources and curriculum from the OFD & Director of Youth Ministry (DYM)
• Take attendance at each session
• Report progress/concerns for Sunday evening sessions to DYM
• Assist with large groups sessions and prayer services as needed
• Participate in social activities, service projects and retreats/trips as schedule allows
• Work toward relational ministry by occasionally contacting youth outside of evening sessions

Qualities Needed:

• Willingness and ability to implement the provided curriculum
• Willingness and ability to speak with conviction about his/her own faith experience and convictions as a Catholic Christian
• Willingness and ability to present the teachings of our Catholic faith in a truthful and unbiased manner
• Ability to lead a group discussion and conduct faith sharing activities as provided in the curriculum
• Understanding of the content of the faith theme
• Attend Mass weekly and participate in parish events and activities
• Willingness to attend parish, deanery and diocesan formation days and other training sessions offered by the OFD
• Ability to work collaboratively with other catechists and Faith Development staff

Time Commitment:

• Service from August to May
• Teaching times: Session 1  - 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings; Session 2 - 6:30-8 p.m. on Sunday evenings (please arrive 15 minutes early)
• Preparation time: minimum of one hour per week
• Required Training & Support Sessions: Catechist Workshop; monthly catechist formation sessions (Sundays prior to TYM sessions); parish, deanery and diocesan formation days and workshops; catechist support meetings as scheduled throughout the service year. Participation in catechist certification programs is highly encouraged.