Catechesis:

Catechesis is the act of handing on the Word of God intended to inform Catholics and candidates for initiation into the Church about the teachings of Christ, transmitted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church He established on earth.

Catechesis also involves the lifelong effort of forming people into witnesses to Christ and opening their hearts to the spiritual transformation given by the Holy Spirit.

A catechism is the name given to a written work that contains a summary of all the beliefs of the faith that is used as a teaching tool.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

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Those who volunteer to teach in our parish programs are the catechists of the parish. Cate­chists are expected to participate in a variety of teach­ing and learning programs which are provided both by the Parish of Saint Mary, Mother of the Church and the Archdiocese of New York. All parish catechists volunteer their time, talents and energies to this important work. Any parish member interested in entering the cate­chetical ministry are invited to do so by calling the Reli­gious Education Office (845-896-6430).

Catechists must agree to submit a background check, attend a Safer Spaces seminar, provide references, and follow the topics listed in the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guide­ lines when presenting their classes. Catechists are en­couraged and expected to attend the educational, spir­itual, and methodological courses of the Catechist For­mation Program which leads to certification by the Archdiocese. Resources and educational opportunities are also provided on the parish level.