A catechist is a person of faith who leads others in understanding the faith teachings according to the official teachings. 

The primary goal of a catechist is to model God’s love to others. As a result, the primary requisite of a catechist is a love for God and a love for children.

A catechist develops a lesson plan and uses that plan to teach in the classroom. By creating the lesson plan, the catechist ultimately designs and structures experiences for students that help them grow in their personal faith and spirituality. The catechist passes on to students a set of shared meanings and values that are Catholic. A catechist also initiates others into the faith community, into its life, its worship, symbols and practices.

St. Raymond provides teaching and resource materials. We ask catechists to commit to teaching a class for an entire academic year.  Classes begin in September and run through March.

We welcome any person of faith who wishes to lead others to grow in faith and understanding the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Email Christine Pershey, contact the parish office at 815-722-6653 or complete the form below. 

What is it?

Liturgy of the Word for Children (CLOW) is the story telling portion of the Mass for children 4 yrs – 3rd grade who attend the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass from September through May. 

No registration is necessary.

What exactly do they do?

Father calls the children and their leaders to the altar at the start of Mass then sends them to the sacristy where they welcome one another, pray together and listen to the readings and the Gospel, all of which are proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. An age-appropriate reflection on the Word is shared by the leader through stories, discussions, or pictures – whatever the leader finds most appropriate to convey the meaning of the scriptures. The children are then invited to share their own thoughts and ideas. After making a simple Act of Faith and offering their own Prayers of Intercession, they return to their families during the Presentation of the Gifts.

What is the schedule?

CLOW starts the Sunday following Labor Day and continues until the Sunday before Mother’s Day. There will be breaks around major holidays.

How can “I” help? 

Become an Adult Volunteer to lead the service. Leaders are scheduled on a rotating basis, resources are provided and previous teaching experience is not required (this is a faith-sharing ministry). Leaders undergo safe environment training through Protecting God’s Children (PGC) before they are scheduled.

Become a Teen Leader to help the adult leaders keep the children engaged. Teen leaders undergo teen appropriate safe environment training through PGC.

Email Christine Pershey, contact the parish office at 815-722-6653 or complete the form below. 

As part of the OCIA team, you will work with the Director of Faith Formation in helping accompany and catechize those who are in the OCIA process. You should feel a call to minister in evangelization and education of new members of our Faith, and be able to make some time commitment to the process. 

Email Christine Pershey, contact the parish office at 815-722-6653 or complete the form below.