Diocese of Providence Catechist Certification Program

Who is the Catechist Certification Program for?

 

The Catechist Certification Program is offered to parish catechetical leaders, parish catechists, and Catholic school teachers who seek further study of the Catholic Faith. The purpose of the program is to help participants enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. The courses, seminars and workshops will help raise one’s awareness of the life of a disciple and the call to service rooted in love. Additionally, the Certification program helps to give Catholics called to catechetical ministry tools for effectively handing on the Faith to others.

 

At the end of each Level One: Foundational course you will either design a lesson plan on a topic which will be applicable to the grades you teach. At the end of each Level Two: Master Catechist course you are required to write a short reflection paper. This process of formation can also you to grow in your ability to communicate the Catholic Faith in the classroom and beyond. Whether you serve as a volunteer, or you are in a paid position, as a baptized Catholic and as a teacher you are a part of a mission that is greater than yourself.

"Catechists make a necessary contribution to the spread of the Christian faith. They perform a fundamental evangelical service and are called to create suitable conditions in which to invite people to receive the Christian message" (Guidelines for Parish Religious Education and Faith Formation Programs of the Diocese of Providence 3.8).

Diocesan Catechist Certification Requirements

All catechists are encouraged to receive Level One and Level Two Certification (cf. Diocesan Guidelines 3.10). Catechetical leaders are expected to receive Level One and Level Two Certification before pursuing Level Three Certification (cf. Diocesan Guidelines 3.9). Note: Level Three Certification is an extended formation that is offered to Catechetical Leaders. It is not intended for catechists.

Level One: Foundational Catechist Certification

Courses 
Salvation History: Old Testament – 6 weeks
Salvation History: New Testament – 4 weeks
Jesus: Word of the Father – 5 weeks
Sacraments: Masterworks of God – 4 weeks

Seminars
Christian Living –  3 weeks
Christian Prayer – 3 weeks

Workshops
Six Methodological Workshop hours at either the
Annual Faith Formation Convocation – 3 hours
                                        OR
Annual Catechist Morning – 3 hours

 

Level Two: Master Catechist Certification
(Level One Certification is a prerequisite)

Courses
Life in Christ: 10 Commandments & Beatitudes – 5 weeks
The Creed – 5 weeks
The Church – 4 weeks
The Liturgy and Liturgical Seasons – 3 weeks

Seminars
The Holy Spirit – 2 weeks
The Spirituality of the Catechist – 2 weeks
Best Practices of Circle of Grace – 2 hours
Retreat – 4 hours

 

Workshops
3 Methodological Workshop hours at either the
Annual Faith Formation Convocation – 3 hours
                                 OR
Annual Catechist Morning – 3 hours