Catechists and Volunteers

• Children’s Catechist- prepares and teaches lessons every week (mid-August-May) to about 15 children.  Also attend Catechist training, meetings, and retreats.  Prays for the children daily.
• Catechist for Adults- prepares and teaches the class with a co-catechist or a small team (mid-August-May) to 10-50 parents.  Attends training and formation and planning meetings.  Prays for those they teach daily.
• Classroom Aide- assists the catechist every week with a classroom set up, lesson activities, and prays for the children daily.
• Substitute Catechist- is available to prepare and teach the class when a catechist is absent.  Usually once or twice a month.  Prays for the children they serve.
• Office Aide- assists the staff on Sundays or during the week with a variety of office tasks such as making copies, cutting, and stapling, and could include data entry or graphic design (if you have these talents!).  Prays for the catechists and families they are serving.
• Prayer Warriors- Prays daily and offers sacrifices for a catechist and their class.  Prays for them by name!  This is a great apostolate for grandparents, especially those who live out of town.
• Financial Support- sponsor a catechist to attend training, donate classroom materials and supplies, or provide scholarships for children in need
• Middle School & High School Catechist- Middle and High School Catechists help teenagers grow in their knowledge and love of God and their Catholic faith and prepare them to receive the sacraments. They also attend Catechist training, meetings, and retreats to live out the faith.
• Youth Ministry Core Team Member-  Core Members are the heart and soul of the youth ministry experience. The youth ministry Core Team is the group of volunteers who plan, prepare and execute the main teen gathering at the parish. A core member provides an opportunity to bring in a large number of teens for catechesis, community building, service, and social activities whereby they then go out to participate in their faith life within the parish.

We have a variety of programs.  Click on the links below to learn more!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (3-6 yr olds)

First Holy Communion

RCIA

Confirmation

Youth Ministry

Religious Education

Sacraments and Religious Education for Children with Special Needs

A Catechist is a practicing Catholic who strives for holiness in their daily lives.  

A practicing Catholic….

• Attends Mass every Sunday and Holy Day 
• Goes to Confession and receives Holy Communion frequently
• Adheres to the teachings of the Church 
• If married, is married in the Church

Who strives for holiness…

• Growing in prayer
• Studying the faith
• Adhering to the Church’s teachings on morality and behavior
• Striving to grow in virtue

All volunteers must be Safe Environment cleared at St. Monica.  Teen volunteers must provide a consent form signed by their parents. 

We asked our current catechists to share their experience as catechists this past year.  Scroll down to read a few of their responses!

What was the most rewarding part of being a catechist this year?

“Being able to help young people understand so many aspects of the faith that were confusing and foreign to me when I was in their shoes.”

“I enjoyed working with the parents. I encouraged the moms to talk to their parents about their faith as well. Several facetimed parents in Mexico to say the rosary together or to help/listen to the children say prayers.”

“Watching my students grow in their faith and become curious about what it means to identify as Catholic.”

“It was most rewarding seeing the children so reverently going to their 1st reconciliation.”

“Seeing my kids grow in their faith and wanting to know more as they learned.”

“I volunteer as a catechist because it fills me with so much joy and satisfaction. Even when everything else on my plate was too much and I felt overwhelmed, coming on Sundays would make everything feel worth it.”

What would you say to someone considering becoming a catechist at St. Monica?

“I would really encourage them to do it. Not because the more the merrier, but because in my personal experience, becoming a catechist at St. Monica changed my life. I would tell them that here we are not only a community but everyone feels like family. We truly care for each other and we will welcome anyone (speaking from personal experience because that's how I felt when I first came).”

“It is a wonderful ministry to become involved in! Do ensure that you are co-teaching with another catechist who is experienced so that you understand the program (this was a life-saver!)”

“It’s a great experience to volunteer your time to help God's Kingdom grow by teaching the faith to children. Also rewarding to see students personally grow in their faith as well.”

“As you help nourish the faith of the children, you will grow in your own faith. You will also be part of the group of catechists who will be walking alongside you in faith.”

“It is the most rewarding volunteer experience you could hope for.”

“You will grow as much as the students that you have.”

“I would say to just go for it!