Catechetical Ministry

Like Christ, catechists are story tellers and inspirers who share their faith experiences with children and teenagers, taking them on a faith journey to Christ.

Parish catechism

The parish catechism is divided into the children and youth sections. In the former, catechism is provided for children from 7 to 12 years old while in the latter, 13 to 16 years old. The children catechism is held on Saturdays (4.15pm - 5.30pm) and the youth catechism is held on Sundays (9.15am – 10.45am),

Due to the large number of children and few catechists, we are always on the look out for parent volunteers to assist the catechists in the classrooms. Their involvement is in the children section. They help to look after the safety of the children, keep the attendance, executing various supporting roles in classroom activities.

Youth facilitators assist the catechists in the youth section. They are youth aged from 17 to 25 years and are commissioned as youth facilitators after attending a 24-week formation programme. They are an invaluable part of the catechetical ministry in serving as the sounding board of the needs of and as an effective communication channel the youth.

To further diversify and rationalise the roles and strengths of each individual, there is a further category of level assistants. These are for parishioners who are comfortable with using their administrative, logistical and process skills. They serve in the respective level allocated across the classes in that level.

Family catechism

Family Catechism is a unique programme whereby the parents ARE the catechists and take turns to teach. The lessons are conducted at different homes on a rotation basis.

Lessons are usually held on Friday evenings from 8pm, lasting for about an hour followed by food and fellowship. We usually begin with songs of praise and worship, enthronement of the altar, lesson proper and fellowship thereafter. We use the same catechism books as the parish catechism, the "Called to Faith" series. We use the parish catechism curriculum as a guide. Sacraments are coordinated with the parish catechism schedule. We incorporate craft, creativity, role-plays and music to make our lessons more fun.

Currently there are 23 families participating in Family Catechism in our parish.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

The CGS is an approach to the religious formation of children.  It is rooted in the Bible and the liturgy of the church. It is framed on Maria Montessori's principles of education.  During each session, the children gather in an "atrium", a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful sensorial materials that the children work with.

The CGS in our parish is available for children aged 3 to 6 years.  A child who has been through the CGS may then opt to continue to CGS Level 2 which is for children preparing for sacraments.  These children typically will be aged 7 to 9 years. If you would like to know more about enrolling your child in CGS or about being a catechist of CGS, please email Geraldine Lim at geraldine [dot] lim [dot] tan [at] gmail [dot] com. You can also refer to the following websites (www.cgsusa.org or www.cgsaust.org.au) for more information about CGS and CGS courses offered.

Organizational structure

Our spiritual director is Rev Fr Christopher Lee. The ministry is led by three coordinators respectively coordinating formation, policies and resources. Each level is in turn led by a level coordinator. The CGS and Family Catechists have their respective coordinators as well.

Becoming a catechist

Aspiring catechists will undergo a Basic Catechist Course before being commissioned as Catechists. It is held on Saturdays from 2 to 4 pm. It is conducted in modules stretching over a period of about 24 weeks – 12 weeks of formal lessons and 12 weeks of classroom attachment.

Application forms are available from the parish catechist office located beside the parish house. The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm, Saturdays from 3 to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 12 noon.