Our Mission
As catechists at SS. Victor and Wenceslaus Parish, we are members of the Body of Christ, called by name to accompany our brothers and sisters in developing a more profound relationship with Christ and creating a community where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated. We will accomplish this by:
- Sharing our Catholic faith traditions and prayers - Preparing children, youth, and adults for sacraments - Partnering with parishioners, parents, and family members - Continuing to develop our own spirituality - Inviting our fellow Christians to discover their call to leadership and service. |
What is a Catechists?
Catechists are women and men who are members of our parish family and have agreed to represent all of us in a specific area of ministry, catechesis. In this ministry catechists work as assistants to the parents who are the primary catechist. Their role is to help, not to replace the vital role parents have as the primary catechists. It is their role to help the parent’s journey with their children as they deepen their faith and love for our Lord.
What Does a Catechist Do?
The primary goal of a catechist is to model God’s love to others. As a result, the primary requisite of a catechist is a love for God and a love for children. A catechist develops a lesson plan and uses that plan to teach in the classroom. By creating the lesson plan the catechist ultimately designs and structures experiences for students that help them grow in their personal faith and spirituality. The catechist passes on to students a set of shared meanings and values that are Catholic and Christian. A catechist also initiates others into the faith community, into its life, its worship, symbols and practices
Will I Be Trained?
SS. Viator and Wenceslaus' offers excellent training classes giving the catechist the opportunity to reinvigorate their understanding of the faith. Formal training classes are held each fall. Courses are offered on Scripture, Church Doctrine, Lesson Planning, Classroom Activities and a variety of other subjects. The office encourages all catechist to be certified under the guidelines of the Office for Catechesis of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
On-going support is provided by the Director of Religious Education. For new Catechist to feel comfortable and secure in the classroom, it is strongly recommended that they have at least 12 hours of training before classes begin.
On-going support is provided by the Director of Religious Education. For new Catechist to feel comfortable and secure in the classroom, it is strongly recommended that they have at least 12 hours of training before classes begin.
Will I Hace Teaching Materials?
The Religious Education Office provides to all catechist grade level Teacher Manuals, and Catechist Handbook and Resource Book with numerous activities according to the sacrament they teach. The classrooms are student friendly and bulletin boards are available to decorate to make the environment even more inviting.
What About the Time Commitment?
SS. Viator and Wenceslaus’ Religious Education Program begins in September and ends in May and meets once a week. Class hours for 1-12th grade are offered on Sundays from 11:15 am —12:45 pm (this includes Mass attendance). Catechists are are expected to be an integral part of the sacramental ceremonies such as First Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation.
What To Be a Catechist?
If you are interested in becoming a Catechist or participating in the Religious Education Program, please call Hector Obregon, Director of Religious Education at 773-286-4041 Sister Carmen ext. 401