This program is an initiative of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis that is meant to prepare catechetical leaders — already ministering in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston — to become official Catechists of the Diocese, ultimately by receiving the institutional Rite of Ministry of Catechist by the local Bishop. Participants in this program will become the men and women chosen by the bishop to be instituted in this ministry, in this diocese.
The ministry of catechist is an instituted ministry: a formal, vocational service within the Catholic Church. This ministry lasts for the entirety of life, independent of whether a person is actively carrying out that activity during every part of his or her life. The catechists collaborate with the local bishop and priests in the teaching of the faith to the local community.
The instituted ministry of catechist is for lay people, with prior experience of catechesis, who have a particular call to serve the Catholic Church as a teacher of the faith. Suitable candidates are those who have “deep faith and human maturity,” are active participants in the life of the Christian community, and are “capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion.” Baptized adult Catholics who have received the sacraments of first Holy Communion and confirmation can be instituted in the ministry of catechist and can, thus, be admitted into this program.
Each year a cohort of lay catechetical leaders is formed to accompany one another on the journey towards becoming instituted Catechists of the Diocese. The members of the cohort participate in monthly gatherings, write reflection papers on assigned readings, attend an annual retreat, and meet annually with the Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. The purpose of the cohort is primarily to help the candidates develop spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually, and professionally in the context of relationships with others who feel called by God to this ministry.
Additionally, all participants in the program must be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology, religion, or catechetics/catechesis. Approved academic institutions including the following: the University of Dayton, Franciscan University (Steubenville), the Catholic University of America, Catholic Distance University, as well as other accredited Catholic institutions, upon approval. The candidates must receive suitable biblical, theological, pastoral, and pedagogical formation.
Lay ministers that are welcome to join this program include the following: Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education, Youth Ministers, Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation Leaders, RCIA Leaders, Campus Ministers, and Marriage & Family Life Leaders. These ministers are considered catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and this program is intended for them.
At this time, the program is intended to last two years. However, participants must also complete their educational requirements before being instituted as ministers of catechesis.
For more information, please contact Daniel Maul at the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at 304-233-0880, ext. 376 or dmaul@dwc.org