The apostolic work of the catechist springs from the Sacrament of Baptism
through which all believers come to share in the prophetic ministry of Christ and
the evangelizing mission of the Church. It is strengthened by the Sacrament of
Confirmation. The call to the ministry of catechist is a vocation, an interior call,
the voice of the Holy Spirit. Catechists need to be practicing Catholics who
participate fully in the communal worship and life of the Church and who have
been prepared for their apostolate by appropriate catechetical training.

- National Directory of Catechesis, 54, B, 8