Catechist Certification

WHAT IS A CATECHIST?

A catechist is a person of faith called to hand on the living tradition and teachings of the Catholic Church. To be faithful to this sacred calling, a catechist studies church doctrine, develops appropriate teaching skills and nurtures his or her spiritual life and personal faith formation.

The qualities of a catechist include:

■ A strong awareness of the working of God’s grace in their lives and a growing faith life in response to that grace;
■ A personal commitment to Jesus Christ who is the center of the message;
■ A strong understanding of love for the Church, evidenced by a personal commitment;
■ A person who can nurture the development of Christian community;
■ An ability to appreciate different types and stages of individual growth and development;
■ An ability to communicate effectively with persons to be catechized;
▪A willingness to continue their own religious formation;
▪A person who integrates a vision of justice in his/her formation and catechetical ministry

Q: How do I become a catechist at my parish?

A: Talk to your PCL (Parish Catechetical Leader), or if you don't know who that is or how to find them, give us a call 915-262-4700

Q: I am currently a catechist and would like to get some training or formation to be more effective in my ministry.

A: Upcoming Training

CATECHIST CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Catechist Certification Program offers adult formation to help catechists attain the knowledge, skills, and abilities for catechetical ministry. The program challenges catechists to grow, theologically, spiritually, and in the foundational skills of a catechist.

Certification – 65 hours
Theology (29 hours) + Skills (20 hours) + Spirituality (16 hours) + Practicum

Theology

Theology - the message or content of Catechesis
The theological section provides an introduction to the principle major themes of our Catholic faith and key church teachings. This section follows the first three sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These main categories are the Profession of Faith, Celebration of the Christian Mysteries, and the Life in Christ. The fourth section on prayer is addressed in the spirituality section of the program.
Elements of the Christian message according to the document of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis.

Skills

Skills - the process of catechesis and understanding the person being catechized
The section assists the catechist in understanding and using catechetical skills, for example, catechetical methodologies, lesson plans, multiple intelligences, group management skills, and use of media and technology in the classroom and home. Catechists will also gain a better understanding of the specific age group they are catechizing which includes the stages of moral, intellectual, psycho-social, emotional, and physical development. Finally, the major catechetical documents which provide a foundation and direction to catechesis will be explored.

Spirituality

Spirituality – The Catechist as a person of faith
The Spirituality phase of certification focuses on prayer and the spiritual life of the catechist and of those being catechized. Therefore, one component addresses the spirituality of the catechist for personal growth and the other component focuses on how to teach and nurture a life of faith and spirituality on those being catechized. Some of the topics covered include: understanding and use of scripture for prayerful reflection, growth in prayer, and reflection on ones faith life, and communication/listening skills. In addition to these topics retreats and days of reflection are offered.

Practicum

Practicum
The practicum phase offers catechists the opportunity to further develop their catechetical skills through observation, evaluations, self-assessment, and catechetical experience. These forms are available thru this website.