the Formation of Disciples is where we begin.

The proclamation of the Word of God has Christian conversion as its aim:
a complete and sincere adherence to Christ and his Gospel through faith. Redemptoris Missio- Saint John Paul II 

The word catechetical comes from a Greek word meaning echo. All who hand on the Faith echo the Word of God, Jesus Christ, as proclaimed in Scripture and in the teachings of the Church. 
Qualities of an archdiocesan catechist include...

• a strong awareness of God’s grace in his/her own life
• realizes the importance of building Christian community
• participates regularly in the liturgy and desires to deepen her/his own prayer life
• deeply rooted in Christian convictions and church teachings
• is dedicated to service and communicates effectively with others
• is committed to ongoing personal formation

Pope Francis formally established the new lay ministry of catechist in the Catholic Church in an apostolic letter released in May 2021. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments published  the rite of institution to the ministry of catechist in December.

The catechist is a lay ministry distinct from the ordained priesthood, but that catechists, “by virtue of their Baptism, are called to be co-responsible in the local Church for the proclamation and transmission of the faith, carrying out this role in collaboration with the ordained ministers and under their guidance.”

More information on formal certification within the Archdiocese will be available soon.