Job Description
The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Job Summary
The Level I Atrium Catechist serves the youngest children of All Saints Catholic School by helping lead a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Atrium for Preschool and Kindergarten students. This role is rooted in reverence for the child, love for Sacred Scripture and the liturgy, and a deep respect for the spiritual life already present in each child.
The Atrium Catechist prepares and maintains a sacred, beautiful, ordered environment where children can encounter Jesus Christ, especially through the image of the Good Shepherd, the parables of the Kingdom, prayer, silence, Scripture, and the signs of the liturgy.
This position requires two trained catechists working together to offer five sessions per day, two days per week, serving Preschool and Kindergarten classes throughout the school year.
Mission of the Role
The mission of the Level I Atrium Catechist is to help young children fall in love with Jesus Christ and His Church by creating a prayerful environment where they can listen, wonder, work, and respond to God’s love.
The catechist is not simply a teacher of religious facts, but a humble guide who helps the child encounter the Lord through Scripture, liturgy, silence, beauty, and hands-on sacred work.
Job Responsibilities
Prepare and lead Level I Atrium sessions for Preschool and Kindergarten students
Serve approximately five groups per day, two days per week.
Present approved Catechesis of the Good Shepherd materials in a reverent, faithful, and age-appropriate manner.
Guide children in prayer, silence, Scripture reflection, and liturgical work.
Help children engage with materials such as the Good Shepherd, the sheepfold, the altar, baptismal materials, parables, gestures of the Mass, and seasonal presentations.
Maintain a peaceful, prayerful, and ordered atmosphere in the Atrium.
Job Requirements
Prepare and Maintain the Atrium Environment
The catechist will:
Ensure the Atrium is clean, beautiful, organized, and ready before each session.
Set up materials before students arrive and restore order after each session.
Maintain sacred materials with care and reverence.
Communicate material needs, repairs, replacements, or supply requests to the Director of Faith Formation or school leadership.
Help cultivate the Atrium as a true place of prayer, not simply a classroom.
Collaborate with School and Parish Leadership
The catechist will:
Work closely with the Director of Faith Formation, school principal, classroom teachers, and parish leadership.
Coordinate class schedules and transitions with Preschool and Kindergarten teachers.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with school staff.
Support the broader Catholic identity and sacramental life of All Saints Catholic School.
Participate in occasional planning meetings, formation conversations, or updates as needed.
Support the Spiritual Formation of the Child
The catechist will:
Respect the dignity, attention span, developmental stage, and spiritual capacity of each child.
Encourage wonder rather than rush toward answers.
Allow children to respond through prayer, silence, work, art, and contemplation.
Help children recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows them, loves them, calls them by name, and gives His life for them.
Model reverence, patience, gentleness, and joy.
Maintain Safe Environment Standards
The catechist will:
Follow all Archdiocesan, parish, and school child safety policies.
Complete and remain current with all required Safe Environment training, background checks, and compliance requirements.
Maintain appropriate classroom management and supervision.
Report concerns according to parish, school, and Archdiocesan procedures.
Ensure that the Atrium remains physically safe, orderly, and appropriate for young children.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.