Catechist Handbook
Thank you for serving as a catechist in the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Religious Education Program.
Your ministry is a beautiful and important part of the life of our parish.
Catechists help children and young people come to know Jesus Christ,
learn the teachings of the Catholic Church, grow in prayer, and live as disciples.
The Catechist Handbook provides important information, expectations, and procedures for all catechists.
Please review the handbook before the start of the catechetical year
and refer to it throughout the program.
Mission of the Catechist
A catechist is more than a teacher. A catechist is a witness of faith who helps children encounter Jesus Christ, grow in prayer, learn the teachings of the Catholic Church, and live as disciples.
Catechists are called to engage the child in the way God teaches: with love, patience, relationship, invitation, repetition, mercy, and care for the whole person. Children learn best when they feel welcomed, seen, encouraged, and invited into the lesson.
The textbook is an important tool, but it is not the whole lesson. Catechists bring the lesson to life through prayer, Scripture, discussion, activities, personal witness, and age-appropriate connection to the child’s life.
Our goal is not simply to “cover the chapter,” but to help each child know that God loves them, that the Church is their home, and that faith is meant to be lived.
Parish Curriculum
St. Catherine of Siena Parish uses faithful, age-appropriate Catholic curriculum resources to support formation at each grade level. Catechists are expected to prepare weekly lessons from the assigned parish curriculum, using the textbook and catechist guide as the foundation for each class. The textbook is a tool that helps catechists teach the faith clearly, faithfully, and in a way children can understand.
Our parish uses OSV Allelu! for Pre-K and Kindergarten, OSV Alive in Christ for Grades 1–6, and Decision Point for Grades 7–8 Confirmation formation. These trusted Catholic resources help children encounter Jesus Christ, learn the teachings of the Church, grow in prayer, and live as disciples.
Alive in Christ includes a strong focus on the kerygma, the core saving message of Jesus Christ, along with Scripture, Tradition, missionary discipleship, family resources, digital tools, and catechist support. The program has been found in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through Decision Point, middle school students prepare for Confirmation through video-based lessons, prayer, reflection, discussion, and real-life application of the Catholic faith.
Our Religious Education program also follows the general goals of the Diocese of Trenton Religious Studies Curriculum Guidelines.
For a fuller explanation of each program, grade level, and curriculum resource, please see the Religious Education Curriculum page.
Supplemental Resources
The assigned parish curriculum is the required foundation for weekly lessons. Supplemental resources may be used only to support the lesson, not replace it.
When preparing a lesson, catechists should include:
- the main lesson from the assigned curriculum
- the age-appropriate benchmark for the unit and chapter
- prayer and Scripture
- a simple activity, discussion, or reflection
- a connection to Sunday Mass, Catholic life, or family faith
Catechists should help children become active participants in the lesson. The goal is not only for students to hear the catechist speak, but also to help them wonder, ask questions, share thoughts, make connections, and discover how the lesson relates to their own lives and faith.
Catechists are not to go over the children’s heads with theology that is too advanced for their age. A good lesson is faithful to Church teaching and simple, clear, engaging, and understandable for the child’s grade level.
Catechists should use only approved Catholic resources. Please refer to the parish External Links and Approved Supplemental Resources page for approved websites, videos, activities, prayers, and handouts.
Information, handouts, and materials provided for the class should be sent home in the student’s orange folder when directed by the Religious Education Office.
When in doubt, ask the Pastoral Associate before using outside materials.
Information, handouts, and materials provided for the class should be sent home in the student’s orange folder when directed by the Religious Education Office.
When in doubt, ask the Pastoral Associate before using outside materials.
Sacramental Preparation Notes
Catechists in sacramental grades may receive additional guidance, timelines, forms, and procedures from the Religious Education Office throughout the year. These may include family meetings, retreat information, prayer expectations, sacramental practices, and parish-specific requirements.
Catechists should follow the parish curriculum and any additional sacramental preparation guidance provided by the Religious Education Office.
Questions regarding sacramental preparation should always be referred to the Pastoral Associate or Pastor.
Weekly Lesson Format
Each lesson should be prepared from the assigned parish curriculum and follow the weekly teaching format provided by the Religious Education Office. Each class should include:
- Opening prayer
- Scripture, Sunday Mass connection, or liturgical season connection
- Main lesson from the assigned curriculum
- Grade-level benchmark or key teaching for the unit/chapter
- Student discussion, activity, reflection, or prayer experience
- Connection to Catholic life, service, sacraments, or family faith
- Closing prayer
Catechists should prepare in advance, review the lesson, gather supplies, and adapt activities to students’ needs.
Books are to be sent back and forth with students unless otherwise directed. Class handouts that are placed in your Orange folder are to be sent home through the child's folder.
Catechist Arrival and Preparation
Catechists should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of class. Before students arrive, catechists should:
- review the lesson and opening prayer
- check the classroom and teaching cart
- gather needed materials and supplies
- write any needed notes or bathroom pass procedures on the board
- make sure the room is welcoming, orderly, and ready for students
Beginning class in a calm and prepared way helps set the tone for prayer, respect, and learning.
Classroom Management
Catechists help create a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, prayerful, and welcoming for every child. Good classroom management begins with preparation, clear expectations, consistent routines, and a calm, caring presence.
Catechists should use our Catholic faith to set the example. A simple classroom reminder is WWJD — What Would Jesus Do? Students should be encouraged to treat others with kindness, patience, respect, forgiveness, and care.
Classroom expectations should be simple and consistent:
- We listen respectfully.
- We speak kindly.
- We participate.
- We keep our hands and bodies safe.
- We treat our classroom, church, books, and supplies with care.
- We pray with reverence.
Effective classroom management is often gentle and quiet. Catechists may redirect students by:
- standing near a child who is not paying attention
- making eye contact
- saying the child’s name calmly
- giving a quiet reminder
- moving closer to the student while continuing the lesson
- asking a student to help with a task
- redirecting the class with a question or activity
- changing pace when students need movement or engagement
- offering positive praise when students are following directions
- using the Peace Bench when a child needs a quiet reset
Discipline should always protect the dignity of the child. Catechists should never embarrass, shame, threaten, or argue with a student. The goal is to help the child return to prayer, learning, and respectful participation.
Peace Bench
The Peace Bench may be used when a student needs a moment to calm down, reflect, pray, or reset. The Peace Bench is not a punishment. It is a place for peace, reflection, and respectful conversation.
Students may be guided to the Peace Bench to:
- take a quiet moment
- reflect on their choices
- prepare to rejoin the group
- resolve a disagreement respectfully
- pray or breathe before returning to class
Additional Classroom Support
Catechists should not wait to share classroom concerns with the Religious Education Office. If a class is becoming difficult to manage, if a student is struggling, or if a catechist needs help, please ask for support early.
The Pastor, the Pastoral Associate, or a member of the Religious Education Office may come into the classroom to observe, support the catechist, assist with behavior, speak with a child, or help the class return to a peaceful learning environment.
Catechists should not feel that they must manage every situation alone. Asking for help is part of creating a safe, loving, and successful classroom.
Catechists should never remove a child from the program, contact parents independently about discipline, or create a behavior plan without the Religious Education Office.
Parish Learning Spaces
Our parish provides several spaces to support faith formation, prayer, creativity, worship, and community. Catechists may be invited to use these spaces as part of a planned lesson or group activity. Each space offers unique opportunities to help children encounter Christ and experience the Catholic faith beyond the classroom.
The Church
The church is our primary place of worship and one of our most important teaching spaces. Catechists are encouraged to use the church whenever appropriate to help students become familiar with the sanctuary, sacred symbols, liturgical seasons, prayer, reverence, and the celebration of the Mass. Opportunities for church visits, guided tours, prayer experiences, and sacramental preparation should help students feel comfortable and at home in their parish church.
Our Lady of Grace Prayer Room
This space is set aside for quiet prayer, Marian devotion, small group prayer, Rosary experiences, Scripture reflection, and helping children learn reverence in a sacred setting.
Created in Christ Art Studio
This space supports faith-filled creativity through Catholic art, seasonal projects, saint activities, Scripture-based art lessons, sacramental preparation projects, and hands-on learning.
Garden of Grace
Our outdoor garden space may be used for prayer, reflection, creation lessons, Scripture connections, seasonal devotions, and small group activities when weather and supervision allow.
Catechists should use these spaces only when scheduled or approved, and students must always be supervised according to parish and diocesan safe environment expectations.
Classroom Care and Clean-Up
Catechists are responsible for leaving the classroom clean and ready for the next class or parish group.
Before leaving, catechists should make sure:
- student materials are collected or sent home as directed
- parish supplies and materials are returned to the cart assigned to your classroom
- trash is thrown away
- tables and desks are cleared
- chairs and desks are reset; do not move the desk configuration
- boards are cleaned if used
- lights are turned off if appropriate
- any damage, spills, or concerns are reported to the Religious Education Office
Our classrooms are shared parish spaces. Leaving them clean and orderly is part of our respect for one another and for the parish community.
No Food Policy
For the safety of all students, food, candy, gum, and drinks are not permitted in PREP classrooms unless approved by the Religious Education Office. This policy helps protect children with food allergies and keeps our classrooms safe, clean, and focused on learning.
Catechists should not bring in snacks, treats, or food rewards for students. Any special celebration or activity involving food must be approved in advance by the Pastoral Associate.
Attendance, Late Arrivals, and Early Dismissals
Catechists are responsible for marking attendance clearly and accurately on the class attendance sheet according to parish and Diocese of Trenton procedures.
Late arrivals and early dismissals should be recorded according to parish procedure. We take attendance in two places: Office copy, then placed on the clipboard outside the classroom - 10 minutes after the start of class. Classroom copy, red folder.
Catechists should not take on the responsibility of counting absences, approving early dismissals, or determining whether a student has met attendance requirements.
These matters are handled by the Religious Education Office.
Parents with questions about attendance, make-up work, or dismissal should be referred to the Religious Education Office.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
For the safety of all students, catechists must follow parish arrival and dismissal procedures at every class session.
Catechists should be present and ready to receive students before class begins. Students should be welcomed into the classroom at the scheduled arrival time.
Arrival Procedures by Session:
Sunday - 10:00 AM - Click Here
Monday Afternoon - 4:15 PM - Click Here
Monday Evening - 6:00 PM - Click Here
Tuesday Afternoon - Click Here
Dismissal Procedures by Session:
Sunday - 11:15 AM - Click Here
Monday Afternoon - 5:30 PM - Click Here
Monday Evening - 7:15 PM - Click Here
Tuesday Afternoon - 5:30 PM - Click Here
At dismissal, students may only be released according to parish procedures. Catechists should not release a child to an unauthorized person or allow a child to leave the building unattended.
If a parent or guardian is not present at dismissal, the child must be brought to the Religious Education Office. Catechists should not remain alone with a child or make private arrangements with a family.
Missing Work
When a student is absent, families should refer to the At-Home Guide on the Parent Corner page of the parish website for the weekly lesson. Missed work should be completed at home and returned to the Religious Education Office.
Bathroom Policy
Students should use the restroom before class whenever possible. If a child needs to leave during class, the catechist will issue a bathroom pass, write the child’s name on the board, and erase it when the child returns. No more than two students may be out of the classroom at a time for restroom use.
Restroom trips are not permitted during the last 10 minutes before dismissal. All bathroom use must be handled in accordance with parish safe environment procedures.
Safe Environment
All catechists and volunteers must follow the Diocese of Trenton and parish safe environment policies at all times. Catechists must complete all required safe environment training, background screening, forms, and procedures before serving with children.
Catechists should refer to the parish VIRTUS / Safe Environment page for required training information, forms, deadlines, and links.
Safe environment expectations include:
- Follow the two-adult rule.
- Wear your VIRTUS badge in the classroom and other parish areas.
- Avoid private one-on-one situations with students.
- Use approved parish spaces only.
- Keep classroom doors visible and accessible according to parish procedures.
- Never meet privately with a student outside the program.
- Report safety concerns immediately.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with children and families.
- Follow the Diocese of Trenton Code of Conduct expectations.
- Live and teach in a manner consistent with the Catholic faith.
Under no circumstances may catechists share personal cell phone numbers with students, communicate with students through personal text messages, connect with students on social media, share home addresses, visit students at home, invite students to their homes, organize unauthorized field trips, or arrange off-site meetings.
All communication with families must follow parish procedures. The Pastoral Associate is to be included in any communication involving student concerns, attendance issues, behavior concerns, dismissal questions, sacramental preparation, safe environment matters, or any situation requiring follow-up with a parent or guardian.
Confidentiality
Catechists may become aware of personal, academic, behavioral, or family concerns involving students. These matters should always be handled with discretion and shared only with the Pastoral Associate or the Religious Education Office when needed.
Catechists should not discuss student or family situations with other catechists, parents, or parishioners unless directed to do so by the Religious Education Office.
Inclement Weather / Program Changes
In the event of inclement weather or a parish schedule change, catechists should wait for communication from the parish or Religious Education Office regarding cancellations, closures, or adjusted procedures.
Catechists should not make independent decisions about canceling class or contacting families on their own. Official updates will be communicated through parish procedures.
Emergency Procedures
Catechists must be familiar with parish emergency procedures, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place, and lockdown procedures.
Fire Emergency
In the event of a fire alarm or fire drill:
- Remain calm.
- Take the red folder with the attendance sheet.
- Lead students quietly to the assigned exit.
- Meet in the back parking lot by the yellow chain.
- Keep the class together.
- Do not allow students to return for personal items.
- Take attendance once outside.
- Report missing students or concerns immediately.
- Wait for instructions before returning to the building.
Lockdown or Shelter-in-Place
In the event of a lockdown or shelter-in-place:
- Remain calm and quiet.
- Follow parish emergency instructions.
- Keep students away from doors and windows. Line up against the open classroom wall.
- Silence phones and devices.
- Use the whistle on the lanyard only for lockdown/emergency use, if needed according to parish procedures.
- Do not open locked doors for parents, students, visitors, or anyone outside the room.
- Wait for official instructions from parish leadership or emergency personnel.
Communication
The Religious Education Office will communicate important updates, schedules, reminders, and lesson information throughout the year. Catechists are asked to check email regularly and respond when needed.
Catechists should not contact students directly through personal phone, text, email, social media, or any private communication platform.
If a parent raises a question about attendance, dismissal, sacramental preparation, behavior concerns, curriculum, program policy, or safe environment, the catechist should refer the parent to the Religious Education Office.
Substitute Procedure
If a catechist is unable to attend class, the Religious Education Office should be notified as early as possible. Catechists are not to arrange their own substitute.
For this reason, catechists are to follow the curriculum lesson guide provided so that the class learning remains consistent.
Catechist Formation
Catechists are encouraged to continue growing in their own faith through prayer, Sunday Mass, the sacraments, Scripture, parish formation opportunities, and catechist gatherings. Please see the Catechist Formation page for a full description of offerings.
The more we grow in our own relationship with Christ, the more joyfully and faithfully we can share the faith with others.
A Word of Thanks
Dear Catechists,
Thank you for saying “yes” to the beautiful ministry of catechesis. Your time, preparation, patience, and witness of faith are a gift to the children and families of St. Catherine of Siena Parish.
Each week, you help our children encounter Jesus, learn the teachings of the Catholic Church, grow in prayer, and feel at home in their parish. The curriculum gives us a strong foundation, but your kindness, encouragement, and example help bring the faith to life.
Please know how grateful we are for your service. You are not alone in this ministry. The Religious Education Office is here to support you, pray for you, and walk with you throughout the year.
With gratitude and prayers,
Laura Randazzo
Pastoral Associate
