Catechist Formation & Certification
Like all Christians, Catechists are called to continual conversion and growth in their faith. Lay men and women who answer the call to serve as religious education catechists and Catholic school teachers provide a tremendous service to the Church. Because they lead their students by constantly striving to follow Christ ever more closely, catechists are required to complete a minimum of six (6) hours of faith formation in any of the following ways:
-
The Newman Institute's "Foundations of the Faith" sequence offers catechists a concrete path toward continuing education and Diocesan Certification. The "Foundations" mini-courses are offered locally at parishes and schools.
- The University of Dayton's online courses lead to an Online Certificate. This sequence of courses serve as the equivalent to Diocesan Certification.
-
Faith formation experiences provided locally and at diocesan-wide events will continue to fulfill the requirements for Parish Recognition. The six hour minimum can be fulfilled in a variety of ways.
Catechist Formation and Certification Brochure (Color) (B/W) |
Diocesan Certification: Foundations of the Faith
| Course | Session |
|---|---|
I. New Evangelization |
1. Encountering Christ and Being Sent |
| 2. Proposing and Re-Proposing Christ | |
II. Methods of Faith Formation |
1. Understanding Students and Leading Them to Christ |
| 2. Planning an Engaging Catechetical Session | |
III The Creed |
1. I Believe in God The Father |
| 2. I Believe in Jesus Christ | |
| 3. I Believe in The Holy Spirit | |
IV The Sacraments |
1. The Sacramental Economy & The Liturgy |
| 2. The Sacraments of Initiation | |
3. The Sacraments of Healing |
|
| 4. The Sacraments of Service | |
V Moral Life in Christ |
1. The Vocation of the Human Person |
| 2. The Commandments - Love of God | |
| 3. The Commandments - Love of Neighbor | |
VI Christian Prayer |
1. Prayer in the Christian Life |
| 2. The Lord's Prayer - "Our Father" |
Completion of this sequence of courses results in Diocesan Certification in the Foundations of the Faith.
Online Certificate: University of Dayton VLCFF
As an online alternative, catechists may complete courses through the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community of Faith Formation (VLCFF) website: http://vlc.udayton.edu/courses/
| Course | Session |
|---|---|
| I | Survey of Catholic Doctrine |
| II | Introduction to Scripture |
| III | Images of Jesus |
| IV | Sacraments |
| V | Introduction to Catechesis |
| VI | Introduction to Prayer |
Completion of this sequence of courses results in a University of Dayton Certificate in Catechesis, and is the equivalent of diocesan certification in Foundations of the Faith.
Parish Recognition: Ongoing Faith Formation
Catechists and Catholic school teachers should participate in faith formation events that support their ministry.
They should pursue faith formation in the areas of spirituality, theology and methodology.
Faith formation experiences can be recorded on the Catechetical Record Form and submitted to the catechetical leader .
| Catechist Initial Formation Day |
| Scripture Study |
| Parish Events |
| Diocesan Events |
| Retreats |
Completion of 6 hours per year in Foundations of the Faith, parish or diocesan events results in Parish Recognition of ongoing faith formation.
