POSITION DESCRIPTION
- ATRIUM CATECHIST
Accountability
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Coordinator and pastor.
Purpose
of Ministry
Present the essential truths and
teachings of our faith to the children in a manner faithful to the tradition
of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Participant
Group
-
Level I – children ages 3-6
-
Level II – children ages 6-9
-
Level III – children ages 9-12
Activities
and Responsibilities:
- To prepare the
environment and to make presentations that “call forth” the
child’s response.
-
To prepare the catechetical material and maintain order so as to foster
concentration, silence and contemplation.
-
Personally prepare album pages (presentation guidelines)
-
Assist in maintenance of the Atrium
-
Assist with and attend catechist meetings
-
Assist with and attend parent meetings
-
Maintain records for each child that include attendance, presentations
seen and observations/responses
-
Provide adequate notice to the other catechist if unable to perform
their tasks for a given session and arrange a replacement
-
Notify the coordinator as soon as possible if unable to perform their
duties over a longer term
-
There are at least two catechists, always the same persons with each
group of children during each session
-
Must have knowledge of and implement correct procedures as described
in “Volunteer Guidelines” if there is any suspected neglect
or abuse of a member of the program
Skills
and qualifications Required
-
Baptized, practicing Catholic
-
Minimum Level 1: Foundations Course required for the child 3 –
6 yrs
-
Level II course required for the child 6 – 9; prerequisite is
Level 1
-
Level III course required for the child 9 – 12; prerequisite is
level II
(These courses are offered jointly by the University of St. Michael’s
College and the Archdiocese of Toronto Catholic Office of Religious
Education)
-
The newly formed catechist will mentor or team with another more experienced
catechist
-
Displays an attitude of humility before the child so as to respect the
personality of the child. The child, particularly the religious life
of the child, is central to the interest and commitment of the catechist.
-
Is able to work with other catechists in a spirit of unity and harmony
and generously offer their talents and experiences for the good of all.
-
Requires a deep sense of spirituality with an ongoing desire for a growing
faith life and nourishment of the same.
Time
Commitment
Once per week from early October to Pentecost Sunday.
4 ½ hrs per week. (2 hours of preparation time, up to 2 hours of
Atrium session and ½ hour clean –up and record keeping each
week)
Duration
Commitment
3 year term renewable
Orientation/Training
Ongoing by pairing with or mentoring with an experienced catechist where
possible.
Diocesan workshops.
Quarterly Catechist meetings.
Support
-
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – Coordinator
-
Good Shepherd Catechesis Office, Catholic Pastoral Centre 416-934-3400,
gscatechesis@archtoronto.org
-
Pastor.
Supervision
Visits by Coordinator, Buddy System
Catechist
Evaluation
Weekly between the two catechists
working together.
Quarterly catechist meetings
Annual Volunteer Feedback & Review by Atrium Coordinator.
Participant
Follow up
Participant Follow-up Report (parent
survey) bi-annual
Parent Meetings – bi-annual
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