“There are different gifts, but the same Spirit;  there are different ministries but the same Lord.” 1 Cor. 12:4

The Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry presents this handbook to the women and men in the Diocese of San Diego who have so generously answered the call to serve as leaders in the ministries of evangelization and catechesis.  In our diocese, we have been blessed with a virtual “ministry explosion” as increasing numbers of persons accept the call to lead and serve in lay ecclesial ministry as Directors of Catechetical Ministry and Coordinators of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Evangelization, Adult Faith Formation, Small Church Communities, Youth Ministry, Preschool, Special Religious Education, Infant Baptism, Sacraments, Children’s Initiation, etc.  It is our hope that this handbook will be a useful tool and resource to these leaders as they carry out their respective ministries.

The chapters of the handbook are divided and tabbed for quick reference.  The posting of this handbook on our webpage allows for easy access and ease in updating.  When pages are updated an indicator will be placed on the handbook link to advise which items have been updated.  A click on a heading in the table of contents will bring the reader directly to that page.  Pages also contain links to policies, guidelines and practical helps.

The handbook has been revised to be consistent with the National Directory for Catechesis, published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2005.

• The initial chapters in this handbook provide valuable background information for the ministry of evangelization and catechesis and practical assistance in carrying out these ministries.
• The policy chapter contains mandatory directives for all parish programs of catechesis, youth ministry, and evangelization.  Policies also state the parameters that must be adhered to for catechetical and evangelization programs.  Many of the policies derive from Canon Law, from requirements set by the California Catholic Conference, from conditions set by diocesan insurance or pension plans, or from county, state and federal legal codes.  Policies of evangelization and catechesis were initiated in the Commission for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry and have been signed into policy by Bishop Brom.
• The Guideline section guides parishes in carrying out the policies and includes procedures and forms to assist parishes in implementing policies.  If a specific form is mentioned in a policy (e.g. universal forms for insurance purposes), that form should be used.