Catholic religious education has a long history, with a rich tradition of teaching and formation that dates back to the earliest days of the Church. In this tradition, the role of the catechist - one who teaches and forms others in the Catholic faith - has always been crucial, and has been seen as a sacred and noble calling.
The word "catechist" comes from the Greek word "katēchizō," which means "to teach orally." This reflects the ancient practice of catechesis, which was the oral transmission of the teachings of the Church from one generation to the next. Catechesis was an essential part of the Church's mission, and was seen as a way to pass on the faith and to help individuals grow in their relationship with God.
In the early days of the Church, catechesis was typically carried out by bishops and other clergy, who would instruct their flocks in the essentials of the faith. Over time, however, the need for more specialized and formalized catechesis became evident, and the role of the modern catechist began to emerge.
Today, the role of the catechist is to help individuals of all ages to learn about and grow in their faith. This often involves working with children and teenagers, who are at a crucial stage in their spiritual development. Catechists are responsible for teaching the core beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith.
At St. John the Baptist, we are always in need of volunteer catechists. We ask that you prayerfully consider joining this ancient ministry to help transmit the faith to future generations and contact Meg Cairns, Coordinator of Religious Education via email at meg@stjohncc.org to volunteer.
