Catechists

Catechists
Six Tasks of a Catechist
  • Proclaim message
  • Educate for community life
  • Prayer and worship
  • Provide service
  • Moral formation
  • Missionary initiation (evangelization)
What's in it for Me?
  • Grow and learn about your faith in an enriching environment
  • Prayer time with others
  • Time with God on a more personal level
  • Privilege to walk with young people on their faith journey
  • A sense of parish identity
  • Friendships with others involved in Religious Education
  • Opportunity to share your own faith story
  • Reality of living out your baptismal call
  • New meaning in your life by giving of your time, talent, and treasure
  • Satisfaction that you contribute to others in a truly valuable way
  • Mentoring young people in a variety of ways using the knowledge and skills you already have
  • Becoming a member of a faith-filled Religious Education community with shared goals and a common vision
Catechists
RE Catechists 2018-2019

St. Joseph the Worker Parish is blessed to have the following catechists!

Grade 1:  Maria Schmitz and Pete Schmitz

Grade 2:  Mary Beaves and Hannah Thill

Grade 3:  Jean Heiderscheit

Grade 4:  Jessica Snyder and Hannah Snyder

Grade 5:  Kristen Fanella and Meredith Recker

Grade 6:  Paul Schomberg

Grade 7/8 Boys:  Jacob Nilles and Stephen Ward

Grade 7/8 Girls:  Lauren Bollweg and Elizabeth Parsons

Grade 9/10:  Emma Schopp

Get Involved

If you are interested in becoming a catechist, contact Ann Sirianni:

Phone: 563-588-1433
Email: a.sirianni@dbqarch.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Having never been a teacher, how do I learn to teach?

Your DRE will assist you. Inservices are provided throughout the year that deal with effective teaching techniques.

Who will assist me with lesson plans?

Textbooks approved by the Archdiocese are designed for the non-professional teacher. Teaching manuals are user friendly and have a multitude of ideas on how to prepare and present lessons.

Without a background in theology, how am I expected to pass on the faith?

The role of catechist in not based on a professional background in theology, rather, the ability to share faith, live faith, and journey with young people as their faith develops and matures.

What if I don’t know the answers to the questions young people ask?

Resources are available through your DRE and the Archdiocese. You will learn together with the young people.

What about classroom management?

Your DRE and catechist colleagues can offer ideas on how to encourage and maintain a positive and respectful learning environment.

Other than the weekly session, how much time will be expected?

Each parish provides local inservices yearly, and there are two inservices provided by each DIOCORE (deanery wide collaborative efforts). Lesson  preparation time outside the classroom is necessary.