Level 3: Catechetical Leader Certification

This certification process is intended for current catechetical leaders and other parish leaders with the permission of their pastor. 

"There is an expectation that parish catechetical leaders will pursue and obtain Diocesan Catechetical Leader Certification" (Diocesan Guidelines 3.9). 

All parish catechetical leaders are expected to receive all three levels of Diocesan Certification:

  • Level One: Foundational Certification
  • Level Two: Master Catechist Certification
  • Level Three: Catechetical Leader Certification.

If you have received a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Theology, please contact the Office of Faith Formation.

The role of catechetical leader is vital to catechetical ministry in the parish. Your journey toward Catechetical Leader Certification will help you to grow in your understanding of the calling to serve in this role, it will contribute to your own ongoing faith formation, and you will receive training which is requisite to your position. 

"The goal of the certification process is to enable parish catechetical leaders to be visionary, grow in administrative skills, and fully understand their call to support the catechetical mission of the Church. The process is consistent with the norms and standards approved by the Diocese of Providence and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The three levels of certification for parish catechetical leaders include foundational certification, master catechist certification and catechetical leader
certification" (Diocesan Guidelines 3.9).

Pre-requisites: Level One and Level Two Diocesan Certification. 

Level Three Requirements:
The Effective Catechetical Leader - 4 week Seminar
The Ministry of Catechesis - 4 weeks
Catechetical Methodology and God’s Pedagogy – 4 weeks
Understanding Evangelization and Catechesis – 3 weeks
Family Catechesis – 3 weeks
Stages of Faith Development – 3 weeks
Retreat Day – 4 hours