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Introduction to the Catechetical Ministry
These courses are two hours each and are intended for those persons with no previous teaching experience and/or no educational course background. As a prerequisite to beginning the certification process, the Catechist should satisfactorily complete three introductory courses on theology of the catechist and a pedagogical course on the child as learner and a methodology course on the appropriate grade level taught.
Course 1 - Getting Started as a Catechist
This course will introduce basic essentials needed for beginning the catechetical ministry:
1) creating the right physical environment
2) nurturing the social environment
3) creative activities for learning
4) planning for success.
Course 2 - The Roles of the Catechist
In this course the role of the catechist will be explored. The catechist has four main roles:
1) storyteller
2) teacher-companion
3) leader of prayer
4) witness for justice
Course 3 - The Person of the Catechist
The vocation of the catechist, qualities of the catechist, growth as a catechist and trusting in the work of the Spirit are all addressed in this course.
Course 4 - Introduction to the Learner
The varied human moral and faith development dimension of the learner is explored in this course, three areas of focus are:
1) how to build knowledge and construct learning
2) how humans grow psychologically and relate to others
3) how humans grow in ability to think and act
Course 5 - Methodology
There are four grade level modules that address methods, techniques, and strategies for helping particular grade levels to grow in faith and knowledge. Each level deals with:
1) overview of human growth and development
2) a description of abilities of the child at a particular grade level
3) demonstrations of effective learning strategies for the grade level addressed
Basic Level
Course B1 - The Creed
"This synthesis of faith was not made to accord with human opinions, but rather what was of the greatest importance was gathered from all the Scriptures, to present the one teaching of the faith in its entirety. And just as the mustard seed contains a great number of branches in a tiny grain, so too this summary of faith encompassed in a few words the whole knowledge of the true religion contained in the Old and New Testaments." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, as cited in CCC, no. 186)
We profess our statement of beliefs every time we pray the CREED. Explore anew the history of our CREED and its profound relevance of each statement in the CREED to our lives as Jesus' disciples.
Course B2 - Catholic Understanding of Scripture
This course will engage participants in an introduction to the Catholic understanding of Sacred Scripture. We will explore the structure and content of the Bible, examining how Scripture leads us deeper into the mystery of God and his own self-revelation. Through discussion and participation in this course, the goal is for individuals to recognize and understand the central significance of Scripture in Christian life, worship, and catechesis.
Course B3 - Christology
This course will explore Christology, the study of who is Jesus Christ, especially in today's society. It will help provide clear knowledge of Jesus and help bring the catechist into a prayerful relationship with Jesus.
Course B4 - Sacraments and Worship
This course will help catechists see the sacred within the ordinary and appreciate how the Catholic Church's seven sacraments celebrate life and put them in touch with God. It offers an opportunity to explore the rich tradition of sacramental theology and practice that is fundamental to Catholicism. It seeks to engage catechists in an encounter with this essential dimension of Catholic life so that they can better appreciate the meaning underlying the sacraments and their own lives.
At the end of this course the catechists will be able to show understanding of what realities of human life are celebrated by each of the seven sacraments and identify the symbols in each of the seven sacraments and the key aspects of each ritual.
Course B5 - Personal Morality
“The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God.” ---excerpted from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
This awareness of each person’s dignity encourages and enables us to consider how we use our freedom for our own good. This course will include a reflection on natural law, conscience, virtue, and the elements of the moral act. This course will also explore the challenges of living a life of holiness in modern society and the great treasury of resources that can assist Christians in daily life.
Course B6 - Social Morality
“The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God.” ---excerpted from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
This awareness of each person’s dignity encourages and enables us to consider how we use our freedom for the good of society. This course will explore the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching as outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the complementarity of charity and justice and contemporary issues of peace and justice.
Course B7 - Introduction to Church History
This course will engage individuals in the story of our Catholic faith. We will explore the successes and struggles of God's people - the Church - over time to know God and to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of a constantly changing world. The life of the Church comes alive in this course as we discuss the emergence of Christian belief, the growth of the Church, and its remarkable impact on human history.
As one is introduced to the importance of Scripture, the development of Catholic teachings, incredible saints and movements, the mission of the Church and its place in the world, the hope is that participants will recognize more readily the presence and action of God in all times and in all places.
Course B8 - Ecclesiology and the Mission of the Church
This course is about the Church and her mission in today's world. It presents the theology of the Church and uses the experience of the Church's family as its vision.
Renewal
Once basic certification has been achieved, catechists are required to complete ten hours of renewal credit each year. The Office of Religious Education offers courses for renewal as well as other opportunities for personal and professional development. While these classes are offered for renewal credit, any interested adult may participate in these formational opportunities.
Advanced LevelCourse A1 - Hebrew Scripture
This course will allow the catechist to "unpack" the Biblical text by examining the literature of the Hebrew Scripture in the literary styles in which it was written. Modern biblical scholarship as historical - critical method, form, source and literary criticism will be used.
Course A2 - Christian Scripture
This course builds on the basic principle presented in Hebrew Scripture Course. The catechist will explore Christian Scripture as the early faith documents of the first and early second century church.
Course A3 - Church History
This course will explore how the church has evolved over the last 2000 years, examining the structural, liturgical, theological and moral aspects in her historical development.
Course A4 - Sacraments
This course builds on Introduction to the Sacraments, B4, and further explores the richness of symbols of Sacraments. It allows the catechist to deepen this theological understanding of the sacraments and the implication of sacramental life in their ministry.
Course A5 - Prayer and Worship
This course will also help the catechis examine the element of ritual in liturgy. It will also expose the catechist to various prayer forms as they grow in their prayer life. This course will also help the catechist in the classroom by experimenting with various prayer styles and prayer space styles.
Course A6 - Morality
This course explores the meaning of a moral person based on Catholic social teaching and moral teaching. A theological framework for making moral decisions and how to lead others to the moral decision making process will be examined.