Catechetical Ministries
Catechesis is an essential ministry of the Church and is centered on the Good News of Jesus Christ. St. Anthony & St. Rita's Parish offers volunteers the opportunity to respond to their Baptismal call and use their talents by sharing their Faith with the children of our Parish.
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW): Through this ministry, volunteers give children the opportunity to hear the Sunday scripture readings in a language they can understand.
- Catechist: Volunteer catechists assist the Director of Faith Formation with the religious education of children in kindergarten through 10th grade. ( Faith Formation sessions (more commonly known as CCD sessions)
- Catechist Aide: Aides assist the catechist during faith formation sessions and may occasionally serve as a substitute when needed.
- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA): Volunteers share their stories of faith with those inquiring about the Catholic faith. They support participants through prayer and action as they journey toward full communion with the Church. The OCIA process typically runs from September through Easter.
If you would like more information, or if you are interested in sharing your time and talents in any of these ministries, please contact Mary Chaplain at 508-758-3735 or the Parish Office at 508-758-3719
Catechists
The catechist is the person who unites, organizes and links all the great tools available together in order that our Catholic Faith can be made known in the lives of their students. Our Faith is full of life and has the potential to draw students into the life and mission of the Church. It is the person of the catechist who is the linchpin, the crux, and the one central to helping students encounter Christ and the Gospel Message.
There are a few different ways you can get involved in the teaching ministry – each with different levels of commitment that can accommodate varying personal schedule needs.
Faith Formation Classes
Catechists for Grades 1-10 in our Faith Formation program are always needed. Options for weekday afternoons, evenings and Sundays offer flexibility for all lifestyles. Classes run from September thru April. Can’t commit to full time? Substitutes are always welcome! For more information, contact Mary Chaplain.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Now called Order of Christian Initiation - OCIA)
OCIA is the process by which adults and children of catechetical age enter a multi-stage process by which they become fully initiated into the Catholic Church, being welcomed during the Easter Vigil and receive the sacraments of baptism, eucharist and confirmation. Catechists and Sponsors are needed for this important ministry with time commitments varying. Typically an adult-age, and smaller sized class, as a Catechist you are able to engage more deeply. Like Children’s Liturgy of the Word, engagement happens during the Mass on Sundays. For more information, contact PARISH OFFICE and also see the OCIA page of our website.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
CLOW takes place during the SCHOOL YEAR 9:30am Mass at St. Anthony’s. The Catechist/Prayer Leader leads the children in K-5 to a room where they hear the Sunday readings in words they can understand. They return to the congregation as the Gifts are being prepared. Catechist schedules are flexible. For more information, contact the Office.
TOP REASONS TO BECOME A CATECHIST:
- You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- Your baptism calls you to share in Jesus’ ministry.
- Children, teens and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus, and need to encounter good role models of faith.
- You have much to share with those you’ll teach and you’ll have opportunities to share faith with other catechists.
- Today’s catechetical textbooks/resources offer outstanding support.
- You’ll be challenged, you’ll have fun, and you’ll make new friends.
- You’ll be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus.
- You’ll be handing on a 2000-year old Tradition that changes lives.
- It’s our job: Jesus sent us to “go and teach all nations”
St. Anthony’s, Mattapoisett MA
St. Rita’s, Marion MA
