Ascension’s Faith Formation is rooted in the vision and mission of Ascension parish.
Our Faith Formation program is for all generations and all people. Faith Formation in the parish happens in the liturgy, prayer, within our homes, and by serving those in need. Ascension Faith Formation is a call to reach out beyond one’s self and community and answer our baptismal call to grow in our faith and share the Good News.
Our cathecists & Faith Formation volunteers at Ascension do not help students to simply KNOW ABOUT Jesus and our Catholic Faith, they help our students to truly ENCOUTNER Jesus in the beauty and rich tradition of our Catholic Faith!
Responsibilities of a Catechist:
Personal Qualities Needed:
Length of Commitment:
To be of service from September to May
Supervision/Support:
To have weekly contact with the Director of Faith Formation
Benefits of being a Catechist:
An opportunity to share your faith with youth; to guide their growth as Catholic Christians; to be challenged to grow as an adult Catholic; to recieve support of other adult leaders.
"God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth: that is, of Christ Jesus. Christ must be prolaimed to all the nations and individuals, so that this revelation may reach to the ends of the earth." ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church, #74
Catehist Training & Communication:
Catechists are provided with on-going training & support throughout the Faith Formation year.
Class Sessions:
Please take time to get to know your class and memorize their names. Knowing a student's name is important as it helps to make them feel known and recognized. It is important to know your faith story and the role God plays in your life. The best textbook your class will read and see is you as the catechist. It is OKAY to not know something, but say you willl find the answer for them (with older students discuss possinble answers and then find the answer, the Director will be around to help answer questions).
Lesson Plans:
There is a curriculum/lesson plan spe cifically designed around our calendar for the Faith Formation year at this parish given by the Director of Faith Formation. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the lesson plan before each class so that you know what is expected of the catechist, student, and any special activities or materials that may be needed for each session. You should try to take at least one hour to prepare for each session so you know the objective for each class. Please feel free to make adapations to the lesson to fit your style of teaching and the personalities/learning styles of your students. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to ask the Director of Faith Formation or a sesasoned catechist.
Class Visits:
The Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry will periodically make visits into classrooms to check on classroom teaching style, management, and support you as the catechist.
"The catechist is essentially a mediator. They faciliate communication between the people and the mystery of God, between subjects amonget themselves, as well as with the community." ~ General Directory for Catechesis, #156
If you would like more information or if are interested in serving Ascension as a Catechist or under any volunteer position, please contact our Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry. Your heart for service and ministry is a gift to us!