Catechists come in different forms and expressions of service, yet they share one mission: to proclaim Christ, nurture faith, and accompany others in their journey toward God.

From parish catechists and Religion teachers to youth, missionary, specialized, and instituted catechists, each one responds to the call of the Church by bringing the Gospel closer to people in different communities and circumstances.

Parents 

Parents are recognized as the “first catechists” of their children because they introduce them to the faith through daily witness, prayer, and Christian living. (cf. CCC 2223–2226)

Parish Catechists 

Parish Catechists teach the faith in parish settings, often preparing children, youth, and adults for the reception of the sacraments (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, etc.), and are the most common type of catechists.

Religion Teachers 

Religion Teachers accompany students in discovering and deepening their faith by teaching Catholic truths, nurturing their relationship with God, and guiding them in living out Christian values within the school community.

Youth Catechists

Youth Catechists accompany adolescents and young adults in their journey of faith through youth ministry, retreats, Bible studies, and other formation activities, helping them encounter Christ and grow in their relationship with God through approaches that speak to their experiences and realities.

Missionary Catechists

Missionary Catechists bring the message of the Gospel to communities, especially those with limited access to priests, by teaching the faith, accompanying families, preparing people for the sacraments, leading prayer gatherings, and helping nurture Christian communities. Their ministry has played an important role in the Church’s work of evangelization throughout history.

Specialized Catechists

Specialized Catechists accompany particular groups within the Church, such as persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, prison inmates, migrants, refugees, and those in hospitals, by adapting their approach to meet the unique experiences, needs, and circumstances of the people they serve. Through their ministry, they help ensure that every person has the opportunity to encounter Christ and grow in faith.

Permanent or Instituted Catechists

Permanent or Instituted Catechists are lay men and women who, through a formal institution by the bishop, are entrusted with a stable ministry of catechesis in the Church. Established by Pope Francis through the apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium in 2021, this ministry recognizes their dedicated service in proclaiming the faith and accompanying others in their journey toward Christ, alongside the many volunteer catechists who share the same mission.

Through their dedication, witness, and love for the faith, catechists become instruments of evangelization, helping others encounter Christ and grow as His disciples.