Catechist/Leader
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 1 Philippians 3-6Diocesan Certification
Pathways – 2009 – New This Year for Catechist Formation:
A one-day, instructor-led, interactive program of prayer, learning and reflection for all parish catechists of adults, youth and children and Catholic school religion teachers. No lengthy writing is required! At the conclusion of the entire day (9:00am-4:30pm), which includes “Session One: Vocation, Creed & Scripture” and “Session Two: Methodology”, parish catechists are certified in accordance with “Called to Be Disciples.” Ongoing learning each year maintains certification. Click here for more information. Certified Pathways 2004 catechists need only complete “Session One” of the Pathways 2009 training day, which includes “Vocation, Creed, and Scripture”. Participation in Session Two (Methodology) is optional. Sessions are scheduled throughout the diocese and periodically occur at Incarnation. Registration online may be done by clicking here.
Diocese Policy for Volunteers Working with Children
As most of you know, working with children in the Catholic Church these days incurs some significant responsibilities for us all. Protection of these children is a very high priority for all of us. The current diocesan guidelines, as they pertain to us are quoted below:
“…Volunteers: All parish and non-school volunteers who work with or routinely are with or have access to minors shall be screened every five (5) years through a search by Volunteer Select (Division of Choice Point *) and through the Central Registry of Child Protective Services of the Virginia Department of Social Services…” Quoted from the Regulations for the Response to Claims of Sexual Abuse of Minors The Catholic Diocese of Richmond. To that end, all catechists and full-time helpers in the Christian Formation Program must:1. Complete a Social Services and a Background check. If you’ve not completed such checks in the past, or your checks are more than five years old, new packets will be sent to your home. Please complete them as soon as possible.
2. Complete a Diocesan VIRTUS training course. In late August/September, there will be on-site Virtus training at Incarnation and Charlottesville Catholic School. Dates, times and locations of all Diocesan VIRTUS training, as well as On-line registration can be found here.
