Facebook Phone YouTube

Catechist Intent

- Religious Education
  Educación Religiosa

The Essential Attributes of a Catechist

Definition of a Catechist
Catechists are called to share their faith, give witness, pray, model service, and build community. Catechists minister to adults, youth, and children in a variety of locations and programs such as Sacramental Preparation, RCIA, Family Programs, Scripture Study, and more. Through Word and example, catechists hand on the Catholic faith and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The vocation of the Catechist
The General Directory for Catechesis tells us that catechists have a vocation…a calling from the Lord rooted in Baptism to carry out His mandate to proclaim the Gospel. And furthermore, it states that “The Church awakens and discerns this divine vocation and confers the mission to catechize. The Lord Jesus invites men and women, in a special way, to follow him, teacher and formator of disciples.”

The Call to be a Catechist
The call and response to become a catechist are recognized in the local Church by the Bishop. The response to this call includes the willingness to give one’s time and talent, not only to catechizing others but to one’s own growth and understanding of the faith. The call to this ministry often comes through the pastor, catechetical leader, youth minister, pastoral associate, or another catechist.

Qualities of a Catechist
Catechists must possess and exhibit qualities or characteristics necessary to give credible witness to the Gospel. A catechist must: be a model of Catholic Christian faith and lifestyle; participate in the spiritual, theological, and methodological training and formation... know and abide by the parish and/or diocesan guidelines and policies promoting effective catechesis; and give sufficient preparation time for the catechetical task.

The New or Transferring Catechist Agreement:

Every Catechist must agree to:
- Read and sign a statement of intent.
- Begin formation requirements for a certificate in catechesis.
- Continue to deepen and develop his/her Personal Spirituality.
- Commit to continuing formation.
- Learn the Methodology and Ministerial Skills necessary to be an effective catechist.
- Learn how to provide a Safe Environment for all students.
To be a catechist, we need you to:
- Complete a Catechist Statement of Intent.
- Complete the EIM application and sign up for a workshop.
  - NEW APPLICANT / LOG IN TO MY ACCOUNT
  - Attend the Catechist Day - TBA
Questions contact Erik Diaz at ediaz@santacruzcc.org or (512) 295-1163.
The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
- Catechist Information
  
  Any person answering the call to serve as a Catechist at Santa Cruz Catholic Church is asked to fill out this Statement of Intent. A copy will be kept in your file at the RE Office.
- First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
- Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
- Email REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
- For identification purposes in the EIM Diocesan Database
- Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
- Maiden Name Please enter valid data.
- I would like to teach at the following time frame:
- I will assist as a? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- I am able to assist at? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- I am interested in grade level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- Sacramental Programs? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- I intend to serve my parish as a catechist beginning in of the year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
- I commit to serve those in my charge to the best of my abilities, learning and growing in my faith as I serve others.
  
  I commit to be active and fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
  
  I commit to integrating the tasks of Catechesis into my ministry with those I serve:
  
  Communicating the message of our faith
  
  Leading Participants to a deeper understanding and active participation in liturgy and worship
  
  Promoting moral formation
  
  Teaching prayer
  
  Building Christian Community and motivating participants to mission and service
  
  I intend to love, respect and pray for those in my care.
  
  I understand that I must follow the diocesan and parish Ethics and Integrity requirements for working with children and vulnerable adults.
  
  I intend to advance my knowledge and skills by participating in courses, workshops, conferences, and retreats.
  
  The Diocese of Austin and Santa Cruz parish encourages you to obtain your certification in catechesis. More information at https://austindiocese.org/certification-programs.
- I Agree Please select this field.
Submit

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.