SECURE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
The Administration, catechists and staff are committed to maintaining a secure learning environment. To assure success of this goal, the following functions are performed:
+ All catechists and staff members will immediately report all suspicious activities or concerns, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to the Director of Religious Education.
+ All catechists and staff members will immediately report all security incidents to the Director of Religious Education.
+ All catechists and staff members will adhere to religious education program procedures regarding admission of non-program personnel into the building at all times.
+ All catechists and staff members will follow internal safety directives at all times.
+ All catechists and staff members will cooperate with / assist first responders as necessary.
(Please refer to the Saint Bede's Religious Education HANDBOOK)
PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN:
St. Bede's parish is in compliance with the Archdiocesan guidelines for child abuse. In addition to obtaining criminal background clearances, all of our volunteers are required to complete the diocesan classes on child protection.
SAFE ENVIROMENT:
In the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Article 12 calls for all dioceses to establish "Safe Environment" programs at all grade levels. This ongoing education is presented to the students in the parish and regional elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This is a mandated obligation from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with the lessons provided for our catechists. These lessons will be taught - toward the end of February. Copies of the lessons are available for review by visiting:
www.catholicschools-ohl.org
TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE A CATECHIST
1. It's what we are called to do. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20). By teaching the next generation about the Good News, you are fulfilling your part of the Great Commandment. It may be the most important thing you will ever do.
2. It's fun. Spending time with energetic, enthusiastic young people gives you renewed energy and vitality. Kids remind adults to live and laugh in the moment and get enthused about things like holy days and stories of the saints. Not to mention there's nothing like it when a kid "gets" one of the tenets of the faith, like the Real Presence.
3. You show your own family that you value religious education. Taking time out of your life to teach the faith shows your own children, grandchildren, siblings and family members that you put a high priority on religious education. You may find you are teaching them as much by example as you are by your lesson plans.
4. You will be practicing stewardship. In these difficult economic times, families are struggling with rising prices and shrinking incomes. Being a catechist is a way of being a good steward by giving a bit of your most precious resource - your time. You might not be able to donate as much money as you would like, but we all have time and talent to share.
5. A catechist is a role model. Ask young people who their role models or heroes are, and you'll get a litany of movie and sports stars. While looking good and being athletic are fine qualities, young people also need examples of ordinary people who do the right thing just because it is the right thing. As a catechist, you get to model behaviors young people might not learn anywhere else.
6. You become an active part of your parish. One criticism of Catholic churches is that they don't offer as much "fellowship" as some others. When you join the catechists in this parish, you enter into a community that will support you on your faith journey - we offer a special commissioning of catechists along with a pin and prayer journal, Catechist Magazine, a catechist retreat, a special recognition dinner and much more.
7. Your own faith will come alive. By acting on what you believe, you become a participant in building up God's kingdom. After all, Jesus told us not to put our light under a bushel basket, and that means not hiding it behind a missalette either. As a catechist, you will discover that prayer, liturgy and your own relationship with God will become more vibrant and meaningful.
8. Sharing the faith is an honor. It's estimated that fewer than 1 percent of Catholics are catechists. If you've been approached to be a catechist, or if you feel the call, you are being asked to do something special for God, for the Church and for your fellow Catholics.
9. Catechists tell the truth. In today's chaotic world, people are seaching for what is real and what isn't. Catechists speak the truth about God, faith and morals. The world needs the message of the Gospel and the way to true happiness; as a catechist, you offer a hungry world that sustenance.
10. The best way to learn is to teach. We all are called to continue to grow in our own faith, and the best way to learn is to teach. When you instruct others, your own understanding increases. If your own faith education ended years ago, the resources and materials you are exposed to as a catechist will surely refresh and expand your own knowledge.
IF YOU ARE FEELING THE CALL TO BECOME A CATECHIST - PLEASE CONTACT SHAWN TOBIN: (215) 357-2130
