The Ministry of Catechesis

Consider serving as a Catechist, Assistant Catechist, Middle School Facilitator or Confirmation Facilitator!

Faith Formation volunteers help young people come to know Christ and the riches of our faith by teaching weekly PreK-Grade 5 Faith Formation classes or facilitating a small group in the Middle School or Confirmation Program.  Faith Formation volunteers must have a personal relationship with Christ and a desire to share their faith with young people.

In order to serve as a Catechist, you must:

• Be available on Sunday mornings from 9:45 am until 10:45am;
• Be comfortable with and able to communicate effectively with the age group that you will be working with;
• Prepare weekly lessons (based on lesson plans provided within our curriculum Blest Are We);
• Attend two catechist training sessions in the fall
• Comply with Archdiocesan Child Safety Requirements, including:
  • Sign & turn in a Code of Conduct Form 
  • Attend a Protecting God's Children training session
  • Complete a background check

An Assistant Catechist helps the catechist in their work by:

• Helping children who require special assistance;
• Taking attendance;
• Accompanying children to restroom;
• Monitoring children until catechist arrives;
• Substitute teach if catechist is absent;
• Other duties as negotiated with catechist

An Assistant Catechist must also comply with Archdiocesan Protecting Youth Requirements (see above).

Middle School Facilitators  assist the Coordinator of Faith Formation in leading the Middle School program.  In order to serve as a Middle School Facilitator, you must:

• Commit to serving in either the Sunday night program (meets one Sunday a month from 5-6:30 p.m.) or the Monday night program (meets one Monday a month from 7:00-8:30 p.m.)
• Lead small group discussions and small group activities throughout the session.
• Be a positive-adult presence throughout the class and assist the Director of Faith Formation in dealing with behavioral issues as they arise.
• Comply with Archdiocesan Protecting Youth Requirements (see above).

Confirmation Facilitators assist the Director of Faith Formation in leading the Confirmation I Program.  In order to serve as a Confirmation Facilitator, you must:

• Be available one Thursday night a month from 7-8:30 p.m.;
• Lead approximately two small group discussions/activities per class (small group discussion prompts and activity instructions will be provided, and no advance preparation is needed); 
• Be a positive-adult presence throughout the class, and help create a safe and welcoming space;
• Comply with Archdiocesan Protecting Youth Requirements (see above).

Peer Ministers are high school teens who have been confirmed and return to help run the program.  They serve as faciliators for small group discussions and activities within the Middle School and/or Confirmation programs  and they help lead the Confirmation retreats.  In order to serve as a Peer Minister, you must:

• Be available one Sunday, Monday or Thursday night a month from 7-8:30 p.m., or Sunday early evening (5-6:30 p.m.)
• Lead approximately two small group discussions/activities per class (small group discussion prompts and activity instructions will be provided, and no advance preparation is needed); 
• Be a positive peer presence throughout the class, and help create a safe and welcoming space;
• Comply with Archdiocesan Protecting Youth Requirements (see above).

Training and on-going support are provided for all of our Faith Formation volunteers.  Please consider serving in this rewarding ministry.  To volunteer or for more information, contact Monica LaFond (mlafond@olossharon.org, 781-784-2265) or Tzipora Stessman (tstessman@olossharon.org, 781-784-2265). 
 

Catechist Resources

On Being a Catechist

Ten Necessary Things for New Catechists (webinar)

A list of articles (and links) from Catechist, Catholic Digest, and Today's Catholic Teacher

The General Directory for Catechesis
The General Directory is available electronically via the link above.  If you would like a hard copy of the Catechism, contact the OLOS Office of Faith Formation.
 

Materials to Use in the Classroom

A Glossary of Prayers and Words for Children to Know

Printable Coloring Sheets

Blest Are We Catechist Resource and Materials Website

Stories of God's Love Catechist Resource and Materials Website

Lectionary Resource

Saints Resource
A glossary of saints by Feast Day, as well as a list of where they appear in the Blest Are We curriculum, which we use for our Faith Formation programs at OLOS Grades 1 thru 5.
 

Catholic Resources

The Catechism of The Catholic Church
The Catechism is available electronically via the link above.  If you would like a hard copy of the Catechism, contact the OLOS Office of Faith Formation.

The United States Council of Catholic Bishops
The USCCB website includes a full calendar of daily Mass readings for the next year, as well as a wealth of information about everything from the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church to issues the church faces and programs the USCCB offers to address the issues.

Busted Halo
Busted Halo is a unique media resource that utilizes a relevant and accessible voice to help people understand the Catholic faith, put it into practice in their everyday lives, and share it with others.   Busted Halo's  vision  is for a more joyful and meaningful experience of Catholicism that positively impacts people’s lives. Through articles, video, podcasts, radio, and social media, Busted Halo aspires to help Catholics embrace their faith more fully. 
 

Inspirational Resources

Ascension Presents
Ascension Presents is an evangelistic platform bringing entertaining, faith-filled, and dynamic presenters straight to your newsfeed. By providing engaging content for their audience that reflects the good, the true and the beautiful Ascension Presents hopes to bring their hearts closer to Christ.

IgnatianSpirituality.com
This website is a service of  Loyola Press, a ministry of the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It offers information on and experiences of Ignatian spirituality from Jesuit and Ignatian sources around the world.  It provides pathways into the major areas of Ignatian spirituality: prayer, spiritual direction, retreats and making good decisions.  

The Three Minute Retreat
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.