Becoming a Catechist
What does it take to be a Catechist?
Expectations of those in the Catechetical Ministry
All those involved in the work of catechesis are role models of Catholic teachings and values. They are expected:
to be a practicing Catholic in communion with the Catholic Church who participates fully in the communal worship and life of the Church;
to present a prayerful, positive, Catholic role model for young people, families, and others;
to teach Catholic Church teachings; the Catechetical Session is not a forum for personal beliefs not in conformity with these teachings;
to complete diocesan requirements for those in catechetical ministry;
to comply with the policies for general conduct with children and youth defined in the document Keeping Communion(available upon request from Catechetical coordinators);
to comply with the Code of Conduct for Teachers of the Faith (Archdiocese of Singapore);
to continue his/her own faith formation through participation at workshops, courses, retreats, bible studies or other avenues;
to follow the curriculum set by the parish and to prepare sessions, organise activities, and seek assistance as needed toward that aim;
to work as a team with the Catechetical Coordinator, co-catechists, other members of the catechetical team, the pastoral staff, clergy and parents and to recognise that parents are the primary catechists of their children;
to be able to relate well with others, especially children, youth, and their parents;
to make a good faith commitment to know and follow the OFC Guidelines for Catechetical Ministries;
to make a good faith commitment to have excellent attendance with an earnest effort at securing a substitute and timely notification of co-catechist and Catechetical Coordinator when an absence is necessary;
to understand his/her obligation and responsibility to protect children and youth and agree to report known or suspected abuse of children or youth to appropriate Church leaders and state authorities in accordance with the Procedures outlined in the Keeping Communionand Policy and Procedure for Handling Sexual Abuse of Minors by the Clergy documents;
to never underestimate the power of prayer!
I'm Keen to be a Catechist, What's Next?
OFC conducts courses, through out the year, to help equip catechists with sufficient basic knowledge and methodology (pedagogy) on how to catechise, as well as, to use OFC's curriculum effectively.
Our recommendation is to complete the Foundational Catechesis Course (FCC) and Basic Catechesis Course (BCC).
The timeframe to complete the Foundational / Basic Catechesis Course (FCC / BCC) is 3 years, from the start of the first course module.
In the meantime, we suggest contacting your Parish Catechetical Coordinator for a chat to find out more about being a Catechist.
You may consider downloading this application form for submission, however, please check if your parish has its own version of the application form.
Recommended Courses & Events
Foundational Catechesis Course (FCC)
Basic
Catechesis Course (BCC)
Craft of Catechesis Workshop
(CCW)
- Planning Parent Formation
- Planning First Reconciliation/ First Holy Communion Retreat
- Planning Confirmation Retreats for Youths
- Orientation for Catechists / Catechetical Assistants
... and more
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Courses
In addition to the FCC and BCC, all involved in the RCIA Ministry are enouraged to attend the following
Catechist
Elective Course (CEC)
- Introduction to Virtues
- Sacraments
- Answering Questions of Faith
- Learning to Listen 2
- Liturgical Principles
- Praying the Divine Office
... and more
Archdiocesan Catechetical Coordinator Course (ACCC)
Specially crafted for Parish Catechetical Core Teams and Coordinators - Children, Youth, RCIA, Litugry of the Word for Children (LOWC)
- What is Catechesis?
- The Content of Faith – The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- The Subject of Faith – Christian Man
- The Sources of Faith – Liturgy and Scripture
- The Craft of Catechesis
Archdiocesan
Catechists’ Retreat
Events @ OFC
Launch of Catechetical Year
Thank you for attending the Launch of Catechetical Year 2020 - "Being Called".
"Catechists are first called to be discipled, then be a disciple to others," said Fr Terence Kesavan, Catechetical Director of the Office for Catechesis.
May we all pray for "a Church that is growing in its catechesis, a Church where the people are growing in their faith and knowledge".
Eligibility for Access to Catechetical Exchange
- 100% attendance for FCC01 Introduction to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods (Children's Track)
- 100% attendance for FCC01 Introduction to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods (Youth Track)
- Submission of FCC01 Assignment Paper
- 100% attendance for FCC01 Introduction to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods (Youth Track)
- Submission of FCC01 Assignment Paper
- as well as 100% attendance for FCC02 Learning to Listen and Facilitate