Catechists

A catechist is someone who passes on the faith. Catechesis comes from the Greek meaning “to echo”, because our first calling, as baptised Christians, is to transmit to others the Good News of Jesus Christ that we have received.

Indeed, our own teams of parish catechists are vital to the spiritual well-being of our parish. We are very grateful to those parishioners who are already very dedicated catechists – we couldn’t do what we do without them!

Each parish needs energetic catechists, who learn the art of how to best transmit the faith to each individual – their role is to help us each discover a life of closeness to God, where we allow God’s love to flourish within us and are better equipped in our Christian walk, so as to be an good example to others.

 

Our catechists assist with this ongoing formation in the faith in a variety of different ways:

RCIA: In this parish, there are catechists helping both adults and children take their first steps in the faith. Our wonderful team of RCIA catechists journey with individuals who wish to enter the Catholic Church or who have questions about their faith
Baptism: Similarly, could help prepare parents of infants being baptised, so as to help them appreciate the significance of choosing to bring their child into the family of the church.
First Holy Communion: We also have a dedicated team of First Holy Communion catechists, whose role is to help prepare primary aged children to discover the wonder of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of the Eucharist
Confirmation: Another important “rite of passage” is the sacrament of Confirmation, where our teenagers and young adults are invited to consider what it means to make their own commitment to their faith and to the Church.
Marriage: Our priest, as well as married couples volunteering as catechists, also help prepare engaged couples for the sacrament of Marriage.

We are currently especially in need of parishioners willing to accompany our young people, as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation and also in their journey towards adolescence and through the teenage years generally. But there are many other areas of sacramental preparation where your help is also needed.

If you are not sure, you might like to speak to someone who is already a catechist in the parish — no doubt, they would attest to how rewarding being a catechist can be!

If you feel moved to find out more and get involved (even if you are not sure how!), then please email danielabourke@rcdow.org.uk for more information! 

The role of catechist is of the highest importance.

Ad Gentes (Second Vatican Council)