National Certification Standards for Catechetical Leaders
(Developed by NCCL, NALM, NFCYM)
Effective ministry depends upon competent ministry.
Certification standards describe a profession’s focus and activities, the values to
which it is committed, and the responsibilities for which it is accountable. The
five-certification standards presented here reflect the broad areas of ministerial
competence needed for today’s parish catechetical leaders. The vision statement
for each certification standard describes its intended values, concepts, and
priorities. The core and specialized competencies distinguish the specific
knowledge, skills, values, traits, or attitudes needed to fulfill the certification
standards. The certification standards and core competencies are both
foundational and common to parish ministry. Specialized competencies address
skills and responsibilities of a particular ministry.
These certification standards promote credibility, stability, and consistency. It is
vitally important that their intent and limitations be clearly understood. The
certification standards provide direction and a framework for ongoing formation.
They can be a valuable resource for developing position descriptions, especially in
identifying required qualifications. Position descriptions are established in accord
with the needs, objectives, and circumstances in a particular parish at a
particular time. Therefore, these standards are not intended for use as a position
description for any specific minister.
Parish Catechetical Leaders can draw on these certification standards as they
seek to continuously grow in discipleship and service. The Diocesan Religious
Education Office is available to assist in personal assessment and the
development of a personal growth plan. Please contact the Associate Director for
Leadership and Formation.
National Certification Standards Downloads:
Download Entire National Certification Standards (NCS): Word PDF
Download Sections of the National Certification Standards (NCS):
NCS Introduction: Word PDF
NCS Standards One and Two: Word PDF
NCS Standard Three: Word PDF
NCS Standard Four: Word PDF
NCS Standard Five: Word PDF
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