300 - Catechetical Staff

The value sought - Catechists inspiring the church to live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus the Christ

Policies homepage

301.00: Each parish will recruit and train a sufficient number of catechists to serve the formation needs of the parish community (children and adults).
The role of the catechist
Recruiting tips
Form for recruiting volunteers
Application form for volunteers
Orienting new catechists
Supporting catechists

302.00: Catechists are members of the Catholic faith and model this in both words and lifestyle. This policy is further explained by the document Standards of Catholic Practice approved by Bishop Trautman on December 21, 2010.

Standards of Catholic Practice
Standards of Catholic Practice Form

310.00: All catechists will have a confidential personnel file at the parish.

Catechist Personnel File Contents

310.10: All records pertaining to the service of a catechist will be maintained in their personnel file by the religious education leader.

320.00: All catechists will meet Diocesan certification standards.

321.00: All catechists will be certified according to diocesan standards or be working toward this goal as defined in current Diocese of Erie Catechist Certification Guidelines approved by Bishop Trautman.

Two Ways to be Certified:

Echoes of Faith Plus (PDF)

The Office of Faith Formation is currently exploring additional catechist certification programs.  Please check back soon for more information and options.

321.10: Religious education leaders will keep records of catechist progress toward certification on the Diocesan form Diocese of Erie - Catechist Certification Record.

Catechist Certification Record Form

322.00: All catechists who have achieved full diocesan certification will participate in at least four hours of continuing education (classes/workshops) per year.

Continuing Education Record Form

323.00: All catechists will be in-serviced on the current Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children as approved by Bishop Trautman.

Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children

324.00: All catechists will be in-serviced on the diocesan Blood Pathogens Policy for Religious Educators.

Diocesan Policy for Blood Pathogens

330.00: All catechists are required to meet Diocesan instructional standards.

Catechist observation and assessment introduction

331.00: Catechists will submit a copy of their yearly Class Planning Schedule Form to the religious education leader outlining which lessons will be taught on which date. The religious education leader will be notified if this plan needs to be altered for any reason.

Class Planning Schedule Form

332.00: Each catechist’s teaching will be formally observed by the religious education leader or designate at least once a year.

332.10: Each time a catechist is observed the information will be recorded on a Diocese of Erie - Catechist Observation Checklist.

Catechist Observation Forms

333.00: No catechist will invite any person to enter a classroom or meet with students without first gaining stated approval of the religious education leader for each occurrence.

334.00: Each catechist will complete a Diocese of Erie - Catechist Effectiveness Checklist at the end of each year.

Catechist Effectiveness Checklist