To assist parents in their duty to educate their children in the faith, St Dorothy's provides a in class Faith Formation program, Word of Life, for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. We also offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3 to 12.
Catechists & Assistant Catechists
Our Faith Formation program depends on dedicated adults who are willing to help children grow in their knowledge and love of the Catholic faith. Catechists and Assistant Catechists work together to create a welcoming, organized, prayerful, and faith-filled environment for our students.
What Is a Catechist?
A Catechist is a person called to help pass on the Catholic faith to others. A catechist does more than teach lessons—they help children encounter Jesus Christ, understand the teachings of the Catholic Church, learn how to pray, and discover how to live their faith in everyday life.
Catechists serve as the primary classroom leaders and work in partnership with parents, who are the first and most important teachers of the faith.
Responsibilities of a Catechist
A Catechist is responsible for:
- Preparing for each class by reviewing the assigned lesson and materials ahead of time.
- Teaching the approved Faith Formation curriculum and faithfully presenting the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Beginning and ending class with prayer and helping students become comfortable with Catholic prayers and traditions.
- Creating a welcoming, respectful, and Christ-centered classroom environment.
- Arriving early enough to prepare the classroom before students arrive.
- Taking attendance and reporting absences according to parish procedures.
- Keeping students engaged and helping maintain appropriate classroom behavior.
- Communicating classroom needs, concerns, or student issues with the Faith Formation Coordinator or parish staff.
- Working closely with the Assistant Catechist and giving them meaningful ways to participate in the lesson.
- Helping students prepare for assessments, sacramental preparation, service opportunities, retreats, and other required Faith Formation activities when applicable.
- Following all parish and diocesan Safe Environment policies and procedures.
- Serving as a positive example of Catholic Christian life through words, actions, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church.
Catechists are not expected to know everything about the Catholic faith. Resources, curriculum, guidance, and support are provided. Most importantly, a catechist should have a willingness to learn, grow in faith, and share that faith with the children entrusted to their care.
What Is an Assistant Catechist?
An Assistant Catechist works alongside the Catechist to support the students, lesson, and overall classroom environment.
The Assistant Catechist is an important member of the Faith Formation team. The role is much more than simply being another adult in the room. Assistant Catechists actively help the Catechist teach, supervise, organize, and care for the students.
Responsibilities of an Assistant Catechist
An Assistant Catechist is responsible for:
- Arriving on time and being prepared to assist before students enter the classroom.
- Helping prepare and distribute books, worksheets, craft materials, supplies, and other classroom resources.
- Assisting with attendance, student check-in, and classroom organization as needed.
- Participating in classroom prayer and encouraging students to participate reverently.
- Helping students follow along with lessons and providing individual assistance when a child needs additional help.
- Supporting the Catechist with classroom management and helping students remain attentive and respectful.
- Leading small-group activities, discussions, readings, prayers, or other portions of the lesson when requested by the Catechist.
- Helping supervise students during transitions, restroom breaks, activities, and movement throughout the parish facilities.
- Helping clean and organize the classroom at the end of each session.
- Communicating concerns or important information to the Catechist rather than addressing significant issues independently.
- Being prepared to assist more directly with a lesson when the Catechist needs additional support.
- Following all parish and diocesan Safe Environment policies and procedures.
- Modeling kindness, patience, reverence, and Catholic Christian behavior for the students.
Working Together
The Catechist and Assistant Catechist should function as a team.
The Catechist has primary responsibility for preparing and leading the lesson, while the Assistant Catechist provides active support throughout the class. Both adults share responsibility for creating a safe, respectful, organized, and faith-filled environment.
Good communication between the Catechist and Assistant Catechist is essential. Whenever possible, they should briefly communicate before class about the lesson, activities, supplies, and any special needs for that day.
Our Mission
Faith Formation is not simply about completing a textbook or memorizing information. Our goal is to help children:
- Know Jesus Christ.
- Love Jesus Christ.
- Understand the Catholic faith.
- Develop a life of prayer.
- Participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
- Learn to live as faithful Catholic Christians at home, at school, in the parish, and in the world.
Every Catechist and Assistant Catechist plays an important role in that mission.
Thank you for saying “yes” to helping form the next generation of Catholics!
