The role of catechist:

The catechist plays an integral role in the ministry of the Church at the service of the Word of God. “At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, „the only Son from the Father...full of grace and truth,‟ who suffered and died for us and who now, after rising, is living with us forever. It is Jesus who is „the way, and the truth, and the life,‟ and Christian living consists in following Christ” (Catechesi Tradendae, 5). Catechists teach the faith, pointing always to Christ and His Truth, and form their students in knowledge and practice of our religion, through which we worship God.

In order to accomplish this goal, all catechetical employees and volunteers, e.g. principals, teachers, catechists in religious education program, must work towards becoming certified catechists from the time they begin their employment.

The parish program for catechetical formation will help volunteers and employees develop the skills and theological understanding that will be necessary to become great catechists. The focus for CCD catechists will be theology and pedagogy. The focus for school staff will be theology and philosophy of Catholic Education.

Parish and approved diocesan courses, workshops, institutes, conferences and online courses will be offered to assist catechists in attaining certification. Half of the required courses can be done independently, to get credit, fill out the form and turn it in to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Each catechist is encouraged to participate in the catechist formation program and to be working towards their next level of certification. 20 hours of courses is the expected minimum each year.

The standards for Lumen Christi employees will be determined by the principal.

Levels of Certification:

• Provisional catechist certificate -10 hours of basic training
• Basic Catechist certificate -30 total hours
• Catechist certificate -100 total hours
• Advanced catechist -200 total hours
• Master catechist - 300 total hours

Catechist Independent Learning Form

There are two types of courses that can be used for your certificate, gathered and non-gathered. Whenever you take a class offered by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis you will receive credit for your participation, this is a gathered activity. A non-gathered course would be an online course, watching a DVD, or a course outside of St. Benedict’s adult education program. If it is approved, you can get credit for it but you need to turn in a short reflection on the experience. This form is linked above.

CCD Teachers

Use these forms to document your progress. When you have reached a new level, turn in the completed reporting form to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Provisional Catechist Certification Reporting Form

  - Start with these basic courses to give you the tools and confidence you need to enter the classroom.

 Basic Catechist Certification Reporting Form

  - The next step is to begin working on this certificate.

Lumen Christi Employees

Use these forms to document your progress. When you have reached a new level, turn in the completed reporting form to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Provisional Catechist Certification Reporting Form

   - Start with these basic courses to get you ready to work at a Catholic School.

Basic Catechist Certification Reporting Form

   - The next step is to begin working on this certificate.