Christian Formation

Catechist Information

  1. A catechist is one who is moved by the Spirit to courageously respond to his/her baptismal call by echoing the faith. "The catechist is essentially a mediator. He/She facilitates communication between the people and the mystery of God, between subjects amongst themselves, as well as with the community." (General Directory of Catechesis, 156) The importance of the person of the catechist and the role of the catechist is seen in child's understanding and joy, as together they build the Kingdom of God.

  2. News for the 2008-2009 Year:

    1. Kick-off Potluck Dinner for all members of our Christian Formation Team (Catechists, Coordinators, On Site Managers, etc.) and their Significant Others. Friday, September 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please bring a dish to share. (We'll provide the dessert and drinks.) Nursery provided. Sue Dougherty, parishioner and vice-principle of Charlottesville Catholic School (CCS) will speak to us on "How to Facilitate an Encounter with Christ in the Classroom." Come for food, fellowship, and inspiration to start another year helping our families grow in faith.

    2. Catechist Workshops:
      For Catechists and Coordinators of Little Christians: August 27, at 7:00 pm in the Catechist Room Call if nursery is needed.
      For Catechists and Coordinators of Elementary Level (Grades 1 through 5): Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Tony Tambourino, Faith First Publications consultant, will give a talk on "Jesus as a Model of Prayer" in the classroom and on the "How To" of teaching the Faith First program. After Tony's talk, Catechists will have a planning session. Lunch will be provided. Call if nursery is needed.

  3. 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 four (4) 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 four years old, new packets will be sent to your home. Please complete them as soon as possible.

    2. Complete a Diocesan VIRTUS training course. We'll have on-site Virtus training at Incarnation this year by Christie Chiumento, one of our Youth Ministers. Dates, times and locations of all Diocesan VIRTUS training, as well as On-line registration can be found here.

  4. If you need additional books or other materials, call Nancy at the office or send her an email. If you need them the following weekend, please notify her by Wednesday.