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Do you love your Catholic faith and have a wholesome desire to make a difference in the lives of young children? Every year, over 400 students come through our School of Religion program for religious education and sacramental preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. In order for that to happen, 65 – 70 dedicated volunteer catechists and teacher aides are needed in a variety of grade levels on Sunday mornings or Tuesday afternoons. Orientation and training provided. For more information, and to discern your call to this ministry, please contact Michelle Balch, Director of Religious Education.
To sign up as a catechist or aide, please click here.
Archdiocesan Catechist and Religion Teacher Certification Program
Parish and school catechists of adults, youth and children teach the faith in service of the Church's mission to pass on the faith to all generations. Knowledge of the faith is essential to the New Evangelization, for only faith that is known can be lived with confidence and shared with others. The Archdiocese of Washington has revised certification requirements for all catechists, including elementary school of religion teachers and parish religious education catechists.
Certification: The strength of our parish and school catechetical efforts is dependent on the strength of our catechists. The Office of Catechesis provides excellent and accessible courses for catechists to gain the necessary knowledge to fully implement the archdiocesan curriculum guide Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization, as well as required training in catechetical methodology. Live in parish courses and on line courses are available in English and Spanish.
To be a Catechist
- You need to be a practicing Catholic, support the teachings of the Church, and have received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
- Take part in an initial interview with the catechetical leader.
- Fulfill the Virtus background check as outlined by the Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy.
To be a Certified Catechist
- Complete the above.
- Complete Living Catholic at the parish where the catechist wills serve.
- Complete the five core courses of Faith Foundations on line through My Catholic Faith Delivered or in parish from and archdiocesan approved teacher.
- Complete the catechist formation course Catechesis 101 on line through My Catholic Faith Delivered or in -parish from an archdiocesan approved teacher, and
- Participate in a one-day Archdiocese of Washington catechist formation retreat, offered throughout the year in regional locations by the Office of Catechesis OR Have a minimum of a Bachelors degree in Theology or Cinistry through a Catholic Institution.