Section 2D:  Catechist

A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

Applicants for the ministry of Catechist are recommended by their Rector/Priest-in- Charge to the Bishop for licensing. The recommendation will outline the nature of the ministry envisaged and the qualities that the candidate would bring though exercising this ministry. The Bishop will refer candidates to EICS who will establish an appropriate training program. The Bishop may license a candidate prior to the completion of training. EICS will inform COMB of candidates who have been licensed.

The Catechist is a confirmed communicant in good standing or, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing. The Catechist functions with the permission of the Bishop and under the direct supervision of the Bishop’s Office. Once licensed, the Catechist functions at the discretion of the Bishop and under the direct supervision of the congregation’s Priest-in-Charge.

Once licensed the Catechist functions solely at the discretion of the Priest-in-Charge and is licensed to serve only in that congregation. The Catechist may be given special permission by the Bishop to serve another parish with the permission of that congregation’s Priest-in-Charge, or within a diocesan region if the Priests-in-charge in that region and the Bishop approve. The Catechist, under the direction of the Bishop and the Priest-in-Charge, will pursue continuing education as guided by the diocese and the Priest-in-Charge.

Training

Applicants for the ministry of Catechist will be trained under a program devised by EICS appropriate to this ministry, and, if necessary, modified according to the applicant’s previous education and experience. The program may be primarily self- study or distance study and may include reading material, seminars, webinars or in -person courses. The areas of study are:

• The Book of Common Prayer (and its authorized supplements) and also, the Hymnal (and other authorized music resources)

EICS Liturgy Module

• Church doctrine as set forth in the Creeds and An Outline of Faith, commonly called the Catechism

EICS Liturgy Module

• The Bible: its translations, organization, and its use for personal study

2 CDSP CALL Modules. taken from for example: Old Testament Overview; Introduction to New Testament Interpretation; The Anglican Bible, Scriptural Conversation and Formation; The New Testament – the Parables.

• Traditions and styles of prayer

1-3 zoom sessions with Priest from Convocation

• An overview of Church history including current events in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion

1 CDSP CALL module, such as: Changing Church: Mission, Leadership, and Beloved Community

• Familiarity with resources for personal study, including authorities for faith journeys in the Anglican tradition

Request CDSP to produce a module

• Safeguarding God’s Children (Praesidium Training)
• Anti-Racism Training

This would amount to 3 CDSP modules and 2-3 EICS modules. Total cost of CDSP modules is $615. Completion time 12-15 months.

Certification

The Catechist’s license may be renewed every three years with annual reviews held by the Priest-in-Charge. The Bishop may issue a license while training is on- going. The license can be revoked by the Bishop at any time upon request of the Priest-in-Charge.

Documentation

The Priest-in-Charge will maintain a confidential personnel file for the Catechist that shall contain the following:

• Documentation of training, examination and competency in the areas listed under “Training”.
• Certification of the Catechist’s completion of required diocesan training
• A copy of the application sent to the Bishop by the Priest-in-Charge
• A copy of the certificate from the Bishop licensing the person to be a Catechist

Documentation of licensing of Catechists will be maintained and displayed in the parish.

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