“Catechists are very important for the mission of the Church to evangelize and pass on the faith (catechize),” said Maria Covarrubias, director of the Office of Catechetical Ministry. “They need to be properly formed in the teachings of the Church and we are committed to supporting them by offering opportunities for Catechist Certification and ongoing formation.”
Those unable to attend the inaugural session will have another opportunity when it is repeated at the Diocesan Pastoral Center Aug. 11-15. Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $15 per session. If more than five persons from a parish register together the cost is reduced to $10 per person/per session.
The five day institute focuses on one topic per day. The topics include Marriage, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation and Special Needs. Participants can attend one or more sessions.
Each session, taught by a master catechist, offers some formation on the topic and then provides practical tools that can be applied in formation classes at the parish. Participation in the Summer Institute can be applied toward recertification as a catechist.
“The Institute was important in providing us with the tools necessary so that we may share the faith,” said Yoseline Romero, catechist at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Montclair.
Romero, who is involved in all levels of catechesis at her parish, participated in all the sessions.
“Each one taught me something new,” Romero said. “You think that you have already been to a similar workshop, so you know everything. Each time you go, though, you gain something new that you can apply to your ministry or in your personal life.”
For more information or to register, contact the Office of Catechetical Ministry at (909) 475-5452 or visit www.catecheticalsb.org.