Catechetical Office Resources

This page contains numerous resources for download as a support to catechetical leaders and pastors by the Catechetical Office, including these frequently searched resources:

Administrative Handbook (aka "the red book")
Parent Handbook
Catechist Handbook
Revised Guidelines for Catechesis / Directrices Catequéticas (PreK through 8)
Forms for use with Catechists
Forms that help to run a program
Compensation and Benefits
Helpful Links
Pastor Resources

Administrative Handbook for Parish Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education (aka "the red book"): the entire Administrative Handbook for Parish Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education is online in pdf format.

Introductory Pages (all)

• Handbook Cover Page
• Credits
• Table of Contents: Parts One and Two

   

• Part One Cover Page
• Total Parish Catechesis
• Authority Structures
• Direction of Parish Religious Education Program, Kindergarten through Eighth
• Direction of Sacrament Programs
• Family Catechesis
• Catechesis for Children and Youth with Disabilities
• Personnel Guidelines for Catechists
• Program Requirements
• Emergencies  and Crisis Management
• Safe Environment
• Use of Internet and Social Media for Catechesis

 

Part Two: Professional Development (all sections)

• Part Two Cover Page
• General Directory for Catechesis: Key Concepts
• Profiles of Catechetical Leaders
• Professional Formation of Catechetical Leaders

 

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Parent Handbook: Directors/Coordinators should use this template as the basis and model for the Parent Handbook of their Parish Religious Education program.   Contact your regional office for the Handbook in MS Word Format.

Catechist Handbook: Directors/Coordinators should use this template as the basis and model for the Catechist Handbook of their Parish Religious Education program.  Contact your regional office for the Handbook in MS Word Format.

Revised Guidelines for Catechesis /Directrices Catequéticas: the official guide to religious education in the Archdiocese of New York that details the religious education content to be taught at each grade level. Copyright, 1996, 2016, Archdiocese of New York, Department of Education.

Catechist Forms

• Catechist Application Form: a sample packet for directors and coordinators to give to prospective candidates to the ministry of a catechist.

 

• Catechist Certification Applications: upon completion of the requirements, directors and coordinators submit this paperwork so that their catechists are awarded certification:
  • Application for Level One Catechist Certification
  • Application for Level Two Catechist Certification
  • Application for Level Two Catechist Certification Renewal

 

• Catechist Job Description: ministry responsibilities for the catechist.

 

• Observation/Evaluation of Parish Catechist's Lesson: a form to help directors and coordinators as they observe and evaluate their catechists.

 

• Applications to honor catechists at our annual service in November:

 

• Application for Certificate of Appreciation: honoring those catechists who have served for 10, 15, 20, 25 etc. years in the catechetical ministry in the Archdiocese of New York.

• Application for Medal of Honor: honoring those catechists who have served for 30, 35, 40 or more years of service

• Application for Years of Service Award (for those who have already received the Medal of Honor).

Program Resources
 

• Crisis Management Plan Report: each year directors and coordinators are responsible for developing an emergency plan.
  • Crisis Management Plan Report: download for printing and to fill out with a pen or typewriter.
  • Crisis Management Plan Report: MS Word format; right-click the link and select "Save Target As...

 

• Guide to Formation for Parish Catechetical Leaders and Catechists: a handbook explaining the various formation programs offered by the Catechetical Office for catechetical leaders and catechists.

 

• Models for Parish Religious Education: helping our parishes effectively form young people and their families for discipleship as part of the Catholic church using diverse models of program organization.

 

• Monthly Checklist for Directors/Coordinators: a handy list of monthly reminders to help directors and coordinators keep on top of their program responsibilities.

 

• Opting out of Public School Mandated Sex Education: help for parents who wish to know more about how to opt their children out of public school sex education.

   

• Whatever Happened to CCD?: a brief history of the catechetical ministry.
  • English: PDF Format /  Word Format
  • ¿Qué Sucedió Con CCD?: PDF Format /  Word Format

Program Forms
 

• Attendance Register: prints on 11" x 17" paper.

 

• Bus Companies: please check with the Archdiocesan insurance office for an updated list. 646-794-3024. 

 

• Child Information Record: Registration Form in English and in Spanish for use when registering children into the Parish Religious Education program. In MS Word format, so the Director/Coordinator can make the changes necessary for the individual parish program, always with the permission of the Pastor.

 

• Family File (The Pink Card): prints on 5"x8" file cards; they will be off-center on 8.5"x11" paper.

   

• Media Authorization Form: form used to obtain the permission of parents/guardians so that images (e.g. pictures, videotape) of the children in their programs may be taken/used.  En espanól:  Permiso de Medios de Communicación

 

• Order form for Catechetical Supplies: order Attendance Registers, Family File Cards, Permanent Record Cards, Released Time Cards, Progress Cards and Catechetical Personnel Application.

• Permanent Record Cards (The Yellow Card):  prints on 5"x8" file cards; they will be off-center on 8.5"x11" paper.

 

• Progress Reports: printable report for use in the religious education program.

 

• Safe Environment Forms: all forms are available from the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Office.

Compensation and Benefits
 

• Compensation Guidelines for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: the salary of the Lay Director or Coordinator of Religious Education is determined according to the Compensation Guidelines, approved by the Presbyteral Council and published by the Catechetical Office.

 

• Health, Life and Disability Benefits for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: in negotiating salary and benefits with the Pastor, the Director/Coordinator may inquire about the benefits listed in this document.

 

• Agreement of Employment for Lay Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education: the position of the Parish Director/Coordinator of Religious Education is a professional position and therefore, the Director/Coordinator is a “salaried employee” not an “hourly employee.”

 

• Application for a Director/Coordinator of Religious Education: the application to be filled out by a new director/coordinator and submitted to the Catechetical Office.

 

Catechetical Office Newsletter: check out our current and back issues of  News and Views for Catechetical Leaders.

Catechist Formation Review: this review of Catechist Level One course material provides the catechist with an opportunity to check her/his knowledge and clarify her/his understanding of the material.

Chastity Education: the Family Life/Respect Life Office website has Parent Guides to Human Sexuality, Chastity Speakers, and resources for teachers and parents.

Conformity Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series: a download of the most current listing of religious education texts and series that have been found in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church; published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Safe Environment Resources: resources provided by the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program ensuring the safety of children and young people who have been entrusted to our care in our parishes, schools, religious education classes, and other programs.

The Catechetical Leader of the Third Millennium: a download of the October 2012 statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State supporting quality catechetical leadership in our changing parishes and world.

Mandated Sex Education: help for parents who desire that there children opt-out of sex education in public schools.

Pastor's Guide: a downloadable guide for pastors in helping in the selection and hiring of the parish director/coordinator of Religious Education.

Compensation Scale: a downloadable copy of salary scale of Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education.

Health, Life, and Disability Benefits: a download copy of benefits of Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education.

Agreement of Employment: a downloadable copy of an agreement of Lay Directors /Coordinators of Religious Education.

The Catechetical Leader of the Third Millennium: a download of the October 2012 statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State supporting quality catechetical leadership in our changing parishes and world.