Catechetical Master Plan: Training and Certification FAQs
Naturally the unveiling of a new process causes questions. Below are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions regarding the training and certification process. As always if you have any further questions, please consult with your principal, faith formation leader, or email us at the Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation.
Why do I need training and certification?
The majority of dioceses in the United States require that those involved in catechetical roles in parishes, schools, or the home receive diocesan catechetical certification. The reason that dioceses require certification of those involved in faith formation is to ensure that the faith is transmitted appropriately and uniformly across the diocese. Many catechists have enthusiastically embraced a certification process for our diocese because they believe that it will assist them in their role of transmitting the faith in the present culture.
How long will training and certification take?
There are four different levels to the training and certification process. Each one will take a different amount of time to complete:
Orientation Level: Participants will have to attend a two-hour workshop in the fall and a two-hour workshop in the spring of their first year in faith formation.
Basic and Permanent Levels: There are five workshops each in the basic and permanent certification levels. A participant must attain their basic certification, before entering any permanent workshops. Each workshop in the basic and permanent levels is six hours in length. Participants will have three years to complete basic certification and an additional three years to complete permanent certification. So in total participants will have seven years to complete 64 hours of course work in which they will attain orientation, basic, and permanent certification.
On-going Formation: After successfully completing basic and permanent certification all participants are required to attain six hours of on-going formation every two years through a diocesan sponsored/approved conference or workshop.
Who is required to attend training and certification?
All principals, assistant principals, teachers, catechists, youth ministry volunteers, and RCIA team members, are required to attend some aspects of training and certification. Additionally, all leaders in faith formation, who do not have training or education in a theological field, are also required to attend.
When will all this start?
All involved in catechesis in the diocese should be gathering past trainings and certifications to give to their principals or faith formation leaders for submission to the Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation for grandfathering credit. Applications for grandfathering will be taken until January 20, 2010. Basic and Permanent Certification courses will begin in the Fall 2010.
What will the courses/workshops look like?
The make-up of the courses/workshops will not have a uniform look. The look of each workshop will be dependent upon how the master catechist of that workshop wants to convey the requirements. A workshop could contain lecture, various activities, group work, group discussion, journaling, reflection, and of course prayer.
Will there be any out of course work expected?
Again that is dependent upon the master catechist. He/she could recommend further reading or in a rare occasion reading in preparation for the course.
I hope that some of these answers relieve any anxiety that a catechist may be feeling. It is important for all catechists to know that we, the staff of the Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation are here to assist catechists, and training and certification is here to assist catechists in transmitting the faith in the present culture.