The Children of Saint Angela Merici program is designed to meet the needs of our children in the parish with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our program combines elements of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, traditional Sunday Catechesis, and a specially designed adaptive program from Loyola Press. The Religious Education Department provides support with lesson planning and activity ideas.

Volunteers in our 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 indispensible 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.

Catechist
The Angela Merici Catechist is the lead teacher in the adaptive after school faith formation program.


How the Ministry Works:

• Catechists have a weekly commitment during class time (30 minutes). Classes start in September and finish at the end of April. 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. We use a special program from Loyola Press adapted to the needs of students with disabilities. 
• It is also important to be reliable, punctual, and diligent about giving notice should a catechist requires a substitute teacher.
• Experience with children with special needs is desirable, but not necessary.