The CCD program teaches children in the after school faith formation program. The classes are offered weekly for various grades (1 through 8) on Sunday morning, Monday evening, and Wednesday afternoon and evening.  Curriculum includes catechesis on the Scriptures, Sacraments, Catechism, the Mass, and the Liturgical Year.  Special focus is given to sacramental preparation during grades 2 and 8. The texts used are published by Our Sunday Visitor and follow our diocesan guidelines for Religious Education.  Catechists are given training, an aide in the classroom, a teacher textbook with teaching tips, and many online resources, including sample lesson plans written by the Religious Education office. 

Volunteers in our CCD program are responsible for faith formation of our most treasured resource – our children.  Although each parent is the primary educator of their children in matters of faith, catechists provide an indispensable service to the children and their families by sharing their faith and giving their time to explain the teachings of the Catholic Church.  As an additional benefit, catechists certainly deepen their own faith through the experience of teaching it to others.

• Catechists have a weekly commitment during class time.  Classes start in September and finish the first week of May.  Catechists should arrive at least ten minutes prior to class and stay after class  for ten minutes to facilitate student pick-up.
• Catechists typically spend an hour a week preparing the lesson. The Religious Education office provides all the classroom material support such as copies, bulletin board decorations, supplemental catechetical material, craft items, etc.

• Catechists should be passionate about their faith and desire to share their love of Christ and the Church with children. They do not need to be experts in doctrine or theology.  Again, many catechists learn a great deal by teaching.  The texts we use are very helpful, even for someone with no teaching experience, and the Religious Education staff is always available for teaching tips or theological clarification.
• It is also important to be reliable, punctual, and diligent about giving notice if, on the rare occasion, a catechist requires a substitute teacher.

• Catechist Aides have a weekly commitment during class time.  Classes start in September and finish the first week of May.  Catechist Aides should arrive at least ten minutes prior to class and stay after class  for ten minutes to facilitate student pick-up.
• Some duties of the aide include making copies, helping with classroom management and activities, and occasionally leading the class lesson if he or she feels comfortable doing so.

• Aides should be passionate about their faith and desire to share their love of Christ and the Church with children.  They do not need to be experts in doctrine or theology.  In fact, being an aide is a great way to learn about teaching, and many volunteers who begin as aides become lead catechists in subsequent years.
• It is also important to be reliable, punctual, and diligent about giving notice if, one the rare occasion, an aide requires a substitute teacher.

• Volunteers for catechist child care have a weekly commitment during class time to watch children of catechists.
• There is a designated room used for child care, complete with toys, games, and a television, and snacks are provided for the children every week.

• Volunteers for this ministry should have a genuine love and concern for young children.  Providing this care benefits the entire CCD program since some catechists would not be able to teach otherwise.
• No preparation time is needed, but it is important to be reliable, punctual, and diligent about giving notice if, one the rare occasion, one will be absent.