Are you called to serve to the children of our parish?
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We always need Catechists for each school year!This is a wonderful way to share your faith with the youth of our parish. It is such a rewarding way to serve.The curriculum is user-friendly; you do NOT need to be a teacher to teach religious formation. We will train you and make sure you are prepared.During class time, you have an opening prayer, a lesson, a snack, continue your lesson, and end the class with an ending prayer.Our grades, classes, and times are:Pre-K and KindergartenSunday during 10 AM Mass(October-April)7th and 8th grade (Confirmation Preparatory classes)Mondays -4:45-6:15 PM or 7:00-8:30 PMWe do require a two-year commitment, so you move with your class up to 8th grade.(end of September through beginning of May)1st-6th GradeTuesdays 4:45-6:15 PMWednesday Early 4:00-5:30 PMWednesday Late 6:00-7:30 PM(October-beginning of May)
We even need substitute Catechists if you are unable to commit to the schedule of classes.
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Co-CatechistA co-catechist is everything that is included in the catechists tab, but you are teaching with another person. This can be another parishioner, a spouse, confirmed daughter or son, sister, or brother.You can share the duties. Maybe one week you teach the lesson while the other person is there to help with guiding and helping children individually. And then the next week, you switch. This helps alleviate the pressure of always doing a lesson each week.Another benefit of having a co-catechist is that if one of you is absent, a sub is not needed, and the children have someone they are already familiar with... you!
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Catechist AideAnyone can be a Catechist Aide! This is ideal for young teens, whether they are daughters, sons, or not related to the Catechist. Many of our young people need volunteer hours for preparing for confirmation or for a school club (National Honor Society). We love to support their volunteer hours and help them start their journey of serving in our parish, in their lives.We require them to take the Protecting God's Children - Safe Environments for Teens. They do not need to do a background check since they are not yet 18 years old.We ask that they commit to coming each week. The catechist will depend on them (especially with the younger grades) of helping with crafts, supplies etc.The children in the room look up to them and model their behavior. This is a such a wonderful learning experience for our teens.
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Why I Teach Catechism
Becoming a catechist has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my faith journey. I started teaching because I wanted to help children grow in their relationship with Christ, but I quickly realized that my own faith was growing alongside theirs.
What I love most about being a catechist is seeing the “aha” moments when the children connect the lessons to their own lives—when Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments become real to them. Their curiosity and enthusiasm remind me that faith is alive and always growing.
I continue to teach because I believe in the importance of passing on the faith. In today’s world, children need a strong foundation in Christ, and I feel blessed to play a small part in that. Being a catechist is more than just teaching—it’s walking with these young souls on their journey toward God.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a catechist, I encourage you to say yes. You don’t have to be a theologian—just someone willing to share your love for God. And in return, you’ll receive far more than you give. ~ Andy Kudwa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\Becoming a Catechist for first graders has been a truly fulfilling experience. I was drawn to teaching because of the joy and innocence children bring to their faith journey. When I first started, I wanted to help these little ones learn about God’s love and the importance of prayer, but I quickly found that I was learning just as much from them. Their curiosity and wonder are contagious, reminding me of the simple yet profound truths of our faith.
What I love most about teaching first graders is their eagerness to ask questions and their excitement for the stories of Jesus. Whether it’s talking about Jesus' teachings on kindness and love or discussing how He cares for each of us, they embrace these lessons with enthusiasm. It’s beautiful to see their eyes light up as they begin to understand God’s love for them.
I continue to teach because I believe the foundation of faith starts at a young age. Helping these children build a relationship with Jesus, even in small ways, is an honor. Watching them grow in their understanding and seeing their faith develop has been such a rewarding experience in my first year, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
-Nichole DeAngelis-Gilgallon
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If the Holy Spirit was involved, then He used the subtle approach.
No burning bush. No strong wind. No clouds of smoke and
certainly no audible voice speaking to me. Unless you consider
the feeling that grew ever more intense inside of me every time I
passed that poster in the gathering space seeking volunteer
catechists. I guess this was His way of seeking me out.
If God is patient, then the timing was right. I had recently retired
and was looking for some activity to occupy my time. I could not
get that poster out of my head. Finally I gave in. Or maybe ‘dove
in’ is more precise. After several years of this I sometimes think
the HS got it wrong. Maybe some cosmic glitch caused me to be
chosen in error. After all I put the P in procrastination, and I suffer
from depression that is not always remedied by medication. Of all
the catechists I am sure that I put Ms. Kim and Ms. Jen to the test
the most.
The children bring me back. I enjoy teaching them and learning
from them. The program is easy to follow and prepare for though
I am willing to diverge from the scheduled lesson if it leads to a
better understanding of our relationship to God or the children
bring up a subject that I feel is important to cover right then.
I do not know why God keeps me at this task. However, for as
long as He requires my participation I will comply.
~Joe Zomberg
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Share your faith...Grow in your faith...
Serve the Lord!
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Contact Us
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Kim Donahuekim.donahuestjcc.orgDirector of Religious Formation -
Jennifer Balogjennifer.balogstjcc.orgElementary & Sunday Morning Religious Formation Coordinator
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