For Catechists

Forms for Use by Catechists  with PATHWAYS

For Catechists Beginning PATHWAYS

Forms for use by Catechists with PATHWAYS

Technology Information - How to Use PATHWAYS on CD or Online

Self Evaluation Guide for Catechists of Adults, Youth, Children  Revised 090106

Response Form for Catechists of Adults, Youth, Children  Revised 090106

Mentor Information

How to Circulate the Affirmation & Witness Page   Electronically

Viewing Guide for the "Video Workshop for Teachers of Youth", St. Mary's Press

For Catechists Beginning PATHWAYS

Welcome to Catechetical Ministry! 

The goal of the PATHWAYS for Catechist Formation program is catechesis with grace and competence! 

Your parish is grateful for your willingness to share in this ministry.  You walk fully in the footsteps of Christ as teacher and listener. You walk fully in the footsteps of Mary, the Mother of God, as disciple, and as lover of Christ. May God’s Spirit fill you with love and confidence as you serve God’s people as catechist.

What is PATHWAYS? 

• PATHWAYS is a diocesan catechist certification program of study, prayer and reflection. 

• PATHWAYS catechist certification is designed in two phases, PARISH & SENIOR levels

• Catechists of Adults, Youth or Children each have a specialized program designed specifically to meet their needs. 

• PATHWAYS uses many types of resources in the curriculum plan.

• Catechists work through this study program individually or in groups, according to your parish plans. 

• PATHWAYS requires written responses shared with a mentor and evaluated by a trained reader.

• Diocesan certification is recognized with the completion of the PARISH and SENIOR levels of PATHWAYS

How to Begin PATHWAYS

• Contact your parish catechetical leader to register to begin PATHWAYS before you begin your work.

• Select a mentor to share this journey for formation with you. 

• Choose to work with PATHWAYS online, on CD or in print.  Read about the benefits of each one.

• Choose ONE Self Evaluation Guide (Adult, Youth or Children) to complete.  The Self Evaluation Guide is your curriculum of study.

• Use the Response Form (Adult, Youth or Children) to type your responses to each of the focus questions listed in the Self Evaluation guide. 

• Review the technology requirements appropriate for your choice of format, online, CD, print.  Follow the simple steps for using the Self Evaluation Guide and Response Form together.

• Your Catechetical Leader will provide you with all the required resources you will use with the Self Evaluation Guide.

• Review the Self Evaluation Guide Completion Time Estimates to plan your study program.

• Begin your PATHWAYS Self-Evaluation guide as soon as you are registered.

Working Through Your PATHWAYS program

• If possible, gather occasionally with other catechists working on PATHWAYS. This helps you maintain your momentum and offers you the wisdom and creative ideas of others.

• Take notes in the video booklets while viewing the required videos.  Your notes will enable you to respond to the focus questions in the study guide with ease.

• Explore some of the web sites referenced in the Self Evaluation Guide you chose.

• Take advantage of the many additional training articles available to you in the Resource List in your Self Evaluation Guide.

• Talk to your mentor often…they really want to support you!

• Be patient with yourself and take the time you need to develop your skills and knowledge.

• Be affirmed at the depth of your faith and the movement of God’s Spirit in your life   

How to Complete the PATHWAYS program    

• Follow these simple steps to complete the Affirmation and Witness page of your Response Form.

• When you have completed your Response Form contact the PATHWAYS Registrar, Cheryl McLean to request your Reader assignment cmclean@richmonddiocese.org.  Email is the preferred means to exchange your work with your assigned Reader.  For catechists without email, call  Cheryl McLean, 804-622-5253 to request a Reader assignment.

• Email your completed Response Form to your assigned Reader. Read more about the Role of Reader and the Evaluation Process.  Catechists without email, please mail your Response Form to your Reader.

• Your Reader determines the certification requirements are met and notifies the Registrar of your certification. Your Reader may invite further clarification/work and will offer suggestions to assist you in completing the Response Form.
• Your Reader will return your Response Form with their comments.
• Your Catechetical Leader will present the Diocesan Certification certificate and Catechist pin to you.

Your Ongoing Growth Plan

• As soon as the SENIOR level of PATHWAYS is available, you are cordially invited to begin this phase of the diocesan certification program. 
• In the meantime, your experience with PATHWAYS can be a valuable inspiration to other catechists beginning this certification process.  Offer your enthusiasm and support to other catechists as you are able.
• Continue your growth through the ways you selected on page 17 "Beginning A Growth Plan As A Catechist" using the Echoes video/booklet "The Person of the Catechist".
• The Diocese of Richmond and your parish community are grateful for your commitment to the ministry of catechesis.  May God bless you abundantly!