ST.

THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS CHURCH, SALMIYA, KUWAIT

GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Prov 11:25

Ver 3b
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
CATECHIST’S ATTENDANCE ......................................................................................................................... 2
TRAINING & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................................... 2
CATECHIST’S PROFILE .................................................................................................................................. 3
NEW CATECHISTS ........................................................................................................................................ 3
LESSON PLAN .............................................................................................................................................. 3
SHIFTING OF CATECHISTS............................................................................................................................ 4
MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 4
SACRAMENTS & ANNUAL EVENTS .............................................................................................................. 4
CLASS ROOM .............................................................................................................................................. 5
PEP BADGES ................................................................................................................................................ 5
COMMUNICATION ...................................................................................................................................... 6
ELECTIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 6
ADMISSION & RE-ADMISSION .................................................................................................................... 6
CHILDREN’S ATTENDANCE .......................................................................................................................... 7
PARENTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
CHILDREN’S PROFILE & INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 8
CIRCULARS .................................................................................................................................................. 8
ACTIVITY AND PRAY BOOK ......................................................................................................................... 9
FEES PAYMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 9
TRANSFER ................................................................................................................................................... 9
USHER ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

CATECHIST’S ATTENDANCE

1. Teacher’s Attendance & Register

1.1. Always sign the Teacher’s Attendance Register before you go to class.
1.2. Failing to sign the Attendance Register will unfortunately be considered as “Absent”.
1.3. Absence without prior intimation is taken seriously. A periodic report of such
absenteeism is submitted to the Parish Priest.

2. Leave & Leave Forms

2.1. Strive for consistent and regular attendance, and avoid taking regular leave during the
term.
2.2. ALL leave (even for just a day) needs to be intimated via a leave application Form.
2.3. Submit your Leave form by e-mail to your respective Class Leader, co-teacher and to the
Core Team Secretary. This will help with appointing a substitute.
2.4. An attendance report is regularly submitted to the Parish Priest.

3. Punctuality
3.1. Teachers are encouraged to be present at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement
of the class. This will help you be better prepared and get focused on the class ahead.
3.2. Plan your lesson well so you can finish the class by 9.20am (or at least begin the closing
prayer at that time).

4. Latecomers
4.1. Late-coming is highly discouraged and flagged accordingly.
4.2. A Late-comers report is periodically submitted to the Parish Priest.

5. Dress Code
5.1. Teachers are required to wear semi-formal clothes and dress modestly.

TRAINING & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

6. Yearly Refresher Course

6.1. It is compulsory for all Catechists to attend the Vicariate Catechist Courses conducted
each year as it will refresh your spiritual development and your teaching skills.
Attendance records are maintained for administrative purposes.
7. Retreats
7.1. Retreats form an integral part of a Catechist’s Training & Spiritual Development.
Accordingly, all Catechists must attend the annual Retreat.
8. Exemptions
8.1. If for any reason a Catechist is unable to attend either the Annual Refresher Course or
the Retreat, permission must be obtained from the Parish Priest.

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GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

CATECHIST’S PROFILE

9. Catechist’s Profile Sheet

9.1. Maintain and update your own Catechist’s Profile Sheet and submit the same as and
when requested.
9.2. Catechists must advise the secretary of the Core team of a change in their contact
information i.e. mobile number or E-mail address.

NEW CATECHISTS

10. Joining the Catechism Ministry:

10.1. Anyone who wishes to join the Ministry is required to submit the following to the
Catechism Coordinator:
10.1.1. A letter from the Parish Priest and an Application Form available in the parish
office.
11. Orientation
11.1. An orientation for new teachers is held before the commencement of the new
catechetical year.

12. Basic Course

12.1. All new Catechists must attend the Basic Course. Current Catechists may also attend the
Basic Course as a refresher.
12.2. The Basic Course provides guidance on many aspects of our faith as well as basic
teaching skills that are required to be an effective Catechist
12.3. Thereafter, Catechists are required to attend the annual Training (please refer to Points
in “Training and Spiritual Development”)

13. In-House Training:

13.1. It is compulsory for all new catechists to attend the in-house training conducted every
year.
13.2. Catechists who have not attended the in-house training are urged to do so.
13.3. All catechists are welcome to attend the in-house training even if they have attended it
before.

LESSON PLAN

14. Lesson Plan

14.1. The Basic Course provides training on preparing a Lesson Plan.
14.2. Moving forward, Catechists need to prepare their lesson plans as per the guidelines
provided in the Basic Course.
14.3. The Lesson Plan needs to be submitted to Parish Priest and the Core team.
14.4. The Lesson plan must be submitted 3 months after months after undergoing the In-
House training. After receiving the comments from the parish priest, they can be given
an opportunity to teach if they are ready and feel comfortable.

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GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

SHIFTING OF CATECHISTS

15. Teachers shifted to a new class

15.1. Teachers transferred to a new class shall be given the opportunity to teach as soon as
they feel comfortable in doing so.
15.2. Teaches are required to return all allotted books to the administration when they are
shifted to a different class year.

MEETINGS

16. Quarterly Meetings

16.1. All Catechists must attend the Quarterly Meetings as it will help you stay abreast of
developments.
16.2. If you cannot attend, you must inform the Parish Priest prior to the meeting.
16.3. Attendance at the Meetings is recorded.
16.4. If you are assigned for Mass animation, please coordinate with the Mass Animation In-
Charge to ensure all Mass Guidelines are adhered to (e.g. assignments to non-catechist
adults).
16.5. Comprehensive Minutes of the Meetings are prepared by the Secretary of the Core and
circulated to all. It is important to read the Minutes and maintain a copy as a reference
for important decisions and outcomes.

17. Class Meetings

17.1. Class Teachers must meet at least once a month.
17.2. The minutes should be filed for future reference and as a record of any decisions.
17.3. Class Leaders are requested to inform the Core Team of their monthly meetings so
Father can attend these meeting whenever possible. Please note that Father needs to
be notified at least a week in advance.

SACRAMENTS & ANNUAL EVENTS

18. FHC & Confirmation

18.1. These two events are organized by the Catechism Ministry.
18.2. Teachers assigned duties are requested to acknowledge their acceptance of same.
18.3. Teachers are requested to be present and come on time for the practices as and when
required.
18.4. Those unable to assume responsibilities are requested to inform the Core Team at the
earliest so as to enable better planning.
18.5. All are encouraged to help decorate the church for these events.

19. Christmas Party for Children

19.1. All are encouraged to help with organizing and arranging this event.

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GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

CLASS ROOM

20. Class Board

20.1. The Class board should be hung outside the class room door during class hours only.
Please remember to remove the class board at the end of the class.
20.2. The class board must be returned on the last day of catechism class.

21. Classroom
21.1. Every class must have an altar on the table to create a spiritual atmosphere. Involve the
children in preparing the altar by requesting them to bring holy pictures, a crucifix etc.
for the altar.
21.2. At the end of the class, teachers are required to check for any books, papers, religious
materials, etc. left behind and ensure the room is tidy
21.3. Teachers should ensure that the white board is clean at the end of the class.

22. Teacher’s additional duties

22.1. While one teacher is teaching the other should:
22.1.1. Monitor the children.
22.1.2. Check the Activity Book.
22.1.3. Check the Attendance Register esp. the Notes and Follow up column for comments
like fees not paid / baptism certificate not submitted etc.
22.1.4. Update the Attendance File without distracting the Main Teacher.

23. Class Timings

23.1. All classes will commence at 8:00 am

23.2. Classes 1, 2 and 13 will conclude at 9:10 am; others at 9:20 am.
23.3. Please plan your lesson carefully to wind up well in time with a Closing Prayer.
23.4. By 9.30 am all the children should be out of the school to be in time for the 10.00 am
Holy Mass.

24. Support from the School

24.1. If a Catechist requires anything from the School, they should inform the parish priest or
the Core Team at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance. This will enable appropriate and timely
communication to IEAS school administration.

PEP BADGES

25. PEP Badges

25.1. All Catechists are required to display their badges at all times. Volunteers may stop you
for identification.
25.2. A new Catechist will be provided a PEP badge.
25.3. Temporary day badges are provided and must be returned at the end of the class.

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GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

COMMUNICATION

26. Communication Channel

26.1. Catechists are requested to refrain from communicating directly with the parish priest
for any requests. Approach the Core for any request or assistance you may need.
26.2. It is preferable to use Email/WhatsApp for ALL official Communication and to
communicate any suggestions etc. Verbal communication is best avoided for these
matters.
26.3. Action on suggestions for improvement will be taken after discussions with those
concerned.
26.4. Check your Email and WhatsApp messages regularly so as to stay abreast of all ongoing
matters.
26.5. Check your Webpage periodically to ensure that all your information is accurate and up-
to-date.
26.6. Restrict WhatsApp messages on the group to Catechism-related matters only.

27. Communication Flow

27.1. To enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry, the Communication flow within
the Ministry will follow a 3-tier system:
27.1.1. All Emails from the Core will flow from Core  Class Leaders  Class Teachers
27.1.2. The reverse flow will be as follows: Class Teachers  Class Leaders  Core

ELECTIONS

28. Elections for CORE Members

28.1. Elections for Core Team Members will be held every three years.

29. Elections for Class Leaders

29.1. Elections for Class Leaders will be held yearly.

ADMISSION & RE-ADMISSION

30. New admission
30.1. New admission forms are available on the Parish website (www.salmiyachurch.com)
under the forms section.
30.2. Forms need to be printed, filled and submitted during Catechism days along with the
necessary documents at the IEAS Fee counter.
30.3. All requirements are printed on the form (for further clarification you may request the
parents to speak to the concerned)
30.4. A transfer letter is required if the child has attended catechism in another parish or
country.
30.5. Admission to a Sacrament Class will only be given with a transfer letter from previous
parish submitted.
31. Re-admission
31.1. Re-admission form is for students promoted to class 9 onwards.
31.2. Forms must be submitted on the stipulated time in order to get all the logistic
organized.

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GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS
STCJ, KUWAIT

CHILDREN’S ATTENDANCE
32. Class Attendance Register
32.1. The Class Register File should be taken from the Reception and returned after class.
32.2. If you have a class meeting, please assign a teacher to return the Class Register File.
32.3. If you forget to return the Class Register File, please inform the Coordinator concerned
and return it as soon as possible.
32.4. Students are NOT permitted to handle the Class Register including taking attendance,
returning the Class Register file to Reception etc.
33. Attendance
33.1. Always cross check the attendance with a head count (done by the co teachers)
33.2. Verify if any name has not been called out
33.3. Only children whose names appear in the Attendance Register may attend the class.
33.4. New Admission slips will be sent with child to the teacher or filed in the class register on
which attendance will be taken for that month.
33.5. Mark those Present with ‘P’ and those Absent with an ‘A’ in RED only.
33.6. Children whose attendance column is left blank will be marked as Absent by default.
33.7. Avoid over-writing the attendance; use a corrector or make your comments in the notes
column.

34. Absence
34.1. To ensure safety of the children, an Absence Letter from the parent is always required.
34.2. The Letter should contain
34.2.1. Students full name
34.2.2. Class
34.2.3. Date of absence
34.2.4. Reason for absence
34.2.5. Signature of parent
34.3. Attendance after ANY absence will be permitted only with an Absence Letter from the
parents. A corresponding remark must be noted in the Register.
34.4. If a child is absent on 2 consecutive Fridays, make a POLITE call to the parents.
34.5. Children returning after absence for 3 consecutive Fridays need the parent’s letter to be
signed by the Parish Priest before the child resumes class.
34.6. Absence of 4 consecutive Fridays without intimation will result in the child’s name being
removed from the Register.
34.7. To have the name reinstated, a letter from the parents to the Parish Priest is required.
34.8. Handling of Absence Letters
34.8.1. Place the Absence Letter in the Class Register file – transparent sheet.
34.8.2. A notation “excuse note submitted” needs to be included in the Notes column.
34.8.3. The Excuse Notes must be filed by the Coordinator.
34.9. Class Exemptions/Excuses
34.9.1. Children participating in the Choir for sacrament days will be marked present,
provided their name appears in the list provided by the choir master.
34.9.2. Siblings of children receiving Sacraments can be marked Present, provided a prior
notification has been sent by the sibling’s class teacher.
34.9.3. Children participating in the Catechism Bible Quiz will be marked present, provided
their names appear in the list provided by the MBQ coordinator.
34.9.4. In all other circumstances, children will be marked Absent.

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STCJ, KUWAIT

35. Leaving Early

35.1. For safety reasons, no child is permitted to leave the class early unless the parent has
informed the Catechist.
35.2. Should a child need to leave early, the Catechist must send the child down with a note
for the Volunteer which will then be submitted to the Receptionist. This note will be
filed in the Class Register.
35.3. The note must contain the following information
35.3.1. Child’s full name
35.3.2. Class
35.3.3. Reason
35.3.4. Teachers signature and
35.3.5. Date
35.4. The parent is required to pick up the child from the reception.

PARENTS

36. Parents
36.1. Parents must arrange to meet the teachers before or after class.
36.2. Parent will not be entertained during class hours.

CHILDREN’S PROFILE & INFORMATION

37. Documents
37.1. Check “Teachers follow up” and “Notes” column in the class register for the following
37.1.1. Baptism certificate missing
37.1.2. Transfer letter not submitted
37.1.3. Fees not paid
37.1.4. Prayer test date

38. Changes in Student Name or contact information

38.1. Any name correction must be supported by a copy of the Baptism certificate.
38.2. Any change in parent’s contact information must be corrected in the Register File in the
Notes Column
39. Prayers Test
39.1. For New Admissions for classes 2 and above (this includes child transfer from other
country or parish), a Prayers Test shall be scheduled.
39.2. The test results should be submitted via email at the earliest.

CIRCULARS

40. Circulars
40.1. Circular kept in the Class Register MUST be circulated on the SAME DAY.
40.2. Catechists must attempt to communicate the message of the Circular to the parents of
Absent children.
40.3. No copies of the Circular must be retained in the Class Register.

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STCJ, KUWAIT

ACTIVITY AND PRAY BOOK

41. Activity Books

41.1. Balanced activity books received on the 1st day of catechism must be returned to
Administration after 4th Friday.
41.2. Activity books will be provided to children class 3 and above.
41.3. All NEW admission children will be provided with their complimentary copy of an
Activity and Prayer book
41.4. Activity books and Prayer books can be purchased at the fee counter.

FEES PAYMENT

42. Fees Payments

42.1. Check the Fee Payments status on the 1st Friday of every month (as it will have the
updated fee status on the new sheet)
42.2. If you hand over the fees to a Volunteer make sure to note his/her name. Request for a
fee receipt and hand over the same to the child. (Volunteers will not be held
responsible).
42.3. Do not keep students’ fees in the Class Register.
42.4. Do not keep students’ fees with you.

TRANSFER

43. Transfer
43.1. Students who are transferring to another Parish or Country are required to fill a
Transfer Certificate Form available at the reception.
43.2. Student who wish to receive sacraments (FHC and Confirmation) in another parish or
country are required to fill a Transfer Certificate form available at the reception along
with the consent form.
43.3. Students who wish to transfer between Latin Rite and Syro Malabar Rite may do so
ONLY ONE, with a letter signed by parents (This letter will be signed by both the priest
in charge and coordinator in charge.)

USHER

44. Ushering During Children’s Mass

44.1. Teachers are requested to attend the children’s 10.00 am Holy Mass and assist with
ushering and monitoring the younger children who need supervision.

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