Catechetical Certification Process Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Office of Evangelization and Catechesis Office of Youth Ministry Office of Catholic Schools
Second printing, Sept. 15, 2016 Copyright @ Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Foreword Bishop Edward M. Rice Feast of St. Bonaventure July 15, 2016 Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers and, if he listens to the teacher, it is because the teacher is an authentic witness. Pope Paul VI (1975) I am pleased to announce this revision of the diocesan Catechetical Certification Process. I am especially excited that it is a collaborative effort among several diocesan offices: Evangelization and Catechesis, Youth Ministry, and Catholic Schools. The revision efforts included consultation with pastors, parish catechetical leaders, principals, parish catechists, youth ministers, and school teachers. The end goal of all the efforts put forth in this revision is the enhancement of doctrinal competence for those involved in faith formation. Highlighting best practices in catechetical methods will offer practical assistance within the dynamic of transmitting the faith. However, as quoted above, the most authentic catechist, teacher, or minister is the one who is first and foremost a witness to their personal faith in Jesus Christ. In his letter, The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis states, The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Prior to any dogmatic training or catechetical certification, each person must have as their foundation their own encounter with the Lord. Thank you for responding to the Lord s call to be part of the New Evangelization throughout the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. May all you do begin with your own encounter with the Lord Jesus, so that through Him, with Him, and in Him, we may be authentic witnesses to those we meet. This revised Catechetical Certification Process is guided by several important recent Church documents: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994; General Directory for Catechesis, 1997; and the National Directory for Catechesis, 2005. It offers several different paths for certification and takes into account the unique needs of our diocese while respecting the varied life situations of those in catechetical ministry. The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ. All evangelizing activity is understood as promoting communion with Jesus Christ (NDC, 80). I am eager for you to develop a personal plan of formation, using the diocesan Catechetical Certification Process, so that you will grow in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ and become ever more competent in forming disciples. The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis is ready to assist you in developing a plan which will meet your needs while preparing you for the important and essential ministry of catechesis. Thank you for your efforts in echoing the Good News and building up the Body of Christ. 1
From the Directors Ministry to and the formation of souls is a noble The development and support of catechetical leaders endeavor. and catechists Your has been willingness a priority of to the serve is itself a diocese for many years. This current process is unique witness in that it is to customizable the faith we for proclaim. each person, Thank you! while remaining faithful to the Church. I hope you will look upon this as an opportunity to grow in knowledge The development of the teachings and support of of our catechetical faith, become lead-ers skillful and catechists catechist, has been and most a priority of all, of the to fall diocese more more deeply for many in love years. with This the current Master process Catechist, unique Jesus in Christ. Karen that it is M. customizable Pesek, Director, for each person, while remaining of Evangelization faithful to the Church. and Catechesis I hope you will look Office upon this as an opportunity to grow in knowledge of the teachings of our faith, become a more skillful catechist, and most of all, to fall more deeply in love with the Master Principals Catechist, and Jesus teachers Christ. seek to improve through Karen M. Pesek, Director, professional development. Our new Catechetical Office of Evangelization and Catechesis Certification Process will allow principals and teachers to work in groups or by themselves to enhance their growth in their faith. I want to thank everyone Principals for and their teachers participation seek to improve in this formation through process. professional development. I want to encourage Leon you to take Witt, advantage Superintendent of the opportunity of Catholic afforded Schools with the diocesan Catechetical Certification Process. The program was designed to be convenient and of the highest quality for the Ministry to youth and development the formation of best of young practices souls in ministry. If you is a noble endeavor. Your want willingness to grow in your to serve faith and is itself a witness to the faith we proclaim. Thank you! invigorate your ministry to children, this is truly a great opportunity! Leon Witt, Superintendent, Trusting that all involved want to offer their best Diocesan Catholic Schools for the good of those we serve, I want to encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity afforded with the diocesan Catechetical Certification Process. The program was designed to be convenient and of the highest quality for the development of best practices in ministry. If you want to grow in your faith and invigorate your ministry to youth, this is truly a great opportunity! Troy Casteel, Coordinator, Office of Youth Ministry 2
Summary Who should be certified? Parish catechetical leaders: (CREs and DREs) Parish catechists: Preschool through 8th grade High School Religious Education Sacramental Preparation (Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation) Youth Ministry RCIA and Adult Faith Formation Special Needs Catholic school administrators Pre-school through 8th grade Catholic school educators and staff; including non-catholics. Catholic High School theology teachers What does it mean to have Catechetical Certification? This Catechetical Certification Process develops confident and competent Catechists to inspire and form the learner to know, love, and share Jesus. Catechetical No methodology, no matter how welltested, can dispense with the person of the catechist in every phase of the catechetical process. Only his (or her) own human and Christian qualities guarantee a good use of texts and other work instruments. (General Directory for Catechesis, #156) Certification means the individual has completed the requirements to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pass on the Catholic faith to others in the name of the Church. When does this happen? The process begins as soon as you have answered God s call to become a parish catechetical leader, catechist, youth minister, or signed your contract to teach or administrate in a Catholic School. It begins with a brief Quick Start process and basic certification, then culminating, if you desire, with advanced levels of certification. Where does this process take place? Opportunities to become a Certified Catechist exist in schools and parishes, Online, through participation with a small group that meets in a parish or school, or individually in the comfort of your own home. Why should I participate? The ministry of the Catechist is integral to the life and vitality of the Church. This process is a way for the Catechist to grow in the faith, and to develop confidence in the role of forming disciples in the name of the Church. Becoming certified indicates that a level of knowledge, education, formation, and skills have been attained according to set standards and competencies. 3
Summary (cont d) How does our Holy Father, Pope Francis, describe a catechist? a Christian who is mindful of God, who is guided by the memory of God in his or her entire life and who is able to awaken that memory in the hearts of others. Pope Francis, Homily to Catechists, Sept. 29, 2013 Purpose and Goals This process of certification is provided for all those in catechetical ministry in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau through the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the Office of Youth Ministry. In accredited schools, these standards are the requirements to fulfill the religion teacher certification. By following this process, the teacher in the Catholic school is fulfilling the tasks designated in the Catholic School Manual. This process is a means of enabling all Catechists in the diocese to attain the qualifications necessary for catechetical ministry. The certified Catechist will assure the Catholic community that he/she has participated in the necessary education, both theological and methodological as well as spiritual formation, as required by the General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis. Catechesis lays the foundation for the building of the faith. This is not, therefore, an optional activity. (General Directory for Catechesis, #64) Philosophy and Mission So what is catechesis? Catechesis cannot be approached as purely an academic subject like math or science. Catechesis involves instruction about the Catholic faith and also strives to help us deepen our relationship with God and his Church. Catechesis shows us as to how Catholics should live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. When it comes to passing on faith, at the end of the day, it cannot just be about passing a religion test: it must be about transforming lives to be more like Jesus Christ. So what are the tasks of catechesis? To promote knowledge of the Catholic faith. There is a lot of stuff we need to know! We cannot be expected to live our lives as Catholics, as disciples of Jesus Christ, if we do not know what we believe. 4
Philosophy and Mission (cont d) To promote meaningful participation in the Mass and the other sacraments. The Eucharist defines who we are. Showing up at Mass is a start. But we are looking for active, conscious participation. That means we have some knowledge of the liturgy. To present and discuss the teachings of the Church on moral issues. Examples of moral issues are: the dignity of life; our responsibility to care for the earth; marriage; war; poverty; the death penalty. Our moral formation cannot be based on what we read in or hear on the secular media: Internet, radio, television, newspapers, or magazines. To be taught to pray. Prayer invites the learner into a relationship with God. Prayer is conversation, both speaking and listening. When catechesis is permeated by a climate of prayer, the entire Christian life reaches its summit (General Directory for Catechesis, #85). To educate for community life. Learners are helped to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in their parish community and in society. To develop missionary initiation. We are sent out as missionaries at the end of every Mass: The Mass is ended, go in peace glorifying the Lord with your lives. Christians need to be prepared to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, by word and deed, to all those they encounter. Sound impossible? It would be if we were going about this on our own. But we re not. This is not our work, it is God s work, and with God s grace, God s work will be done, in and through the Catechists. the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only he can lead us to the love of the Father in Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity. (Catechesis in our Time, #3) 5
Qualities of the Catechist The ideal qualities of a Catechist are described in the National Directory for Catechesis #54: A love of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and of Christ s Church, our Holy Father, and God s holy people. A coherence and authenticity of life that is characterized by their faithful practice of the faith in a spirit of faith, charity, hope, courage, and joy. Personal prayer and dedication to the evangelizing mission of the Church. A missionary zeal by which they are fully convinced of the truths of the Catholic faith and enthusiastically proclaim it. Active participation in their local parish community, especially by attendance at weekly Mass or liturgy. A devotion to Mary; the first disciple, and the model of Catechists, and to the Most Holy Eucharist, the source of nourishment for Catechists. In all the ministries and services which the particular Church performs to carry out its mission of evangelization, catechesis occupies a position of importance. (General Directory for Catechesis, #219) Levels of Certification Overview: 1. Quick Start 2. Basic 3. Intermediate 4. Advanced 5. Master Catechist 1. QUICK START Within two months of beginning catechetical ministry: A) Enroll in Catechist Certification Process B) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy C) Complete Getting Started Module of Echoes of Faith, or Complete the Catechesis 101 Online Course via My Catholic Faith Delivered D) Read: The Catechist Toolbox, by Joe Paprocki, and complete the reflection sheet, and submit the reflection to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. (Book provided at no cost by the diocese.) 6
Levels of Certification (cont d) 2. BASIC CERTIFICATION Within three years of beginning catechetical ministry: A) Be in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Complete Echoes of Faith Plus or Echoes of Faith Online, including Next Steps Catechist Modules (3) Getting Started Roles of the Catechist Person of the Catechist Methodology Modules (2) The Learner Methods (Appropriate for the grade level being taught)* Adult Faith Formation (if appropriate) * See page 17-18 for methodology appropriate for parish high school Catechists or Catholic high school theology teachers. Theology Modules (6) I Believe, We Believe Liturgy and Sacraments Catholic Morality The Scriptures Prayer and Spirituality The Church C) Show evidence of your ongoing spiritual formation Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor Or Within three years of beginning catechetical ministry: A) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Complete the Online course Faith Foundations via My Catholic Faith Delivered C) Show evidence of your ongoing spiritual formation Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor 7 All the baptized, because they are called by God to maturity of faith, need and therefore have a right to adequate catechesis. (General Directory for Catechesis, #167)
IF THIS IS YOUR MINISTRY Principal Teacher Parish Catechetical Leader (CRE/DRE) Catechist Youth Minister Yes No Are you currently certified by the diocese or working on renewal? Yes See Columns 4-8 for Renewal or Advanced Certification. No Are you in the process of being certified by the diocese? Yes Yes No Have you completed 9 hours or more of the requirements under the previous process? Have you completed the Quick Start? Yes Complete form to be grandfathered in for your previously completed work, then see columns 2-3. No See Column 1 for Quick Start to begin the new certification process. Yes See Columns 2-3 for Basic Certification. See Column 1 for Quick Start to begin the new certification process. No 8
IF THIS IS YOUR MINISTRY Adult Faith Formation Sacramental Prep For: Baptism Reconciliation First Eucharist Confirmation Matrimony Yes No Have you considered becoming a catechist or would you like to enrich your faith life and the faith life of those around you? Yes Have you completed the Quick Start? No Continue praying about how God is calling you to enrich your faith life. Yes No See Columns 2-3 for Basic Certification. See Column 1 for Quick Start to begin new certification process. Column numbers refer to the Catechist Certification Resources Page on the diocesan Website 9
Levels of Certification (cont d) Or Within three years of beginning catechetical ministry: A) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Survey of Catholic Doctrine (five-week VLCFF course) C) Introduction to Catechesis (five-week VLCFF course) D) Show evidence of your ongoing spiritual formation E) Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor 3. INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATION A) Be in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Basic certification plus two five-week Online VLCFF courses or one five-week and two three-week VLCFF courses. Recommended courses for parish Catechists and Catholic school educators: Survey of Catholic Doctrine Bible Basics Introduction to Practical Morality Introduction to Catechesis C) Show evidence of your ongoing spiritual formation Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor 4. ADVANCED CERTIFICATION A) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Earn one or more of the following certificates offered Online through the University of Dayton VLCFF program. Catechesis I Catechesis II Youth Ministry Special Needs Adult Formation Leadership Foundations for Leadership in Ministry I Foundations for Leadership in Ministry II 10
Levels of Certification (cont d) C) Show evidence of ongoing spiritual formation Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor 5. MASTER CATECHIST A) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Have earned within the past 10 years, from a Catholic University, a Master s Degree in Theology, Religious Education, Divinity, or Pastoral Ministry. If earned prior to 10 years, evidence of continuing formation will need to be submitted C) Show evidence of ongoing spiritual formation Small faith group participation Parish mission participation Pilgrimage or retreat participation Meet regularly with a qualified spiritual director approved by your pastor Grandfather Clause Valid July 1, 2016 June 30, 2019 If certified under the former certification process prior to June 30, 2016, OR if you have completed nine or more hours toward certification within the past five years, complete the course of study as outlined on your Individual Learning Plan for Renewal or Certification. If this is not completed within three years, the catechist will need to begin the process again. Go to www. dioscg.org for forms or contact the diocese. Certification Renewal After completing the appropriate level of catechetical certification for the position, as listed below, the Catechist can select to work on a higher level certification or simply renew Catechist certification every three years. Please contact the diocese to discuss the options which include Online course work, books, Webinars, and workshops. Please note that many of the options available for renewal may lead to more advanced levels of certification. 11
Recommended Levels Parish Catechetical Leader (DRE/CRE) Parish Elementary Catechist Youth Minister Christian Initiation Catechist (RCIA) Adult Faith Formation Catechist Catholic School Administrator Catholic School Educator Catholic High School Theology Teacher Advanced/Master Basic Intermediate Basic Basic Intermediate Basic Intermediate/Master Leadership Goals Catholic School Administrator Courses These courses may be taken as scheduled through the University of Dayton, or as part of a special diocesan cohort. Goal: Intermediate Level Certification, including the following VLCFF Online courses: Catholic Culture and Identity (three-week seminar) This online E-seminar is specifically designed for Catholic school administrators, faculty, staff, board members and families to enhance their understanding of what it means to be a Catholic School in the 21st Century. The course presents the newest standards, benchmarks, and Catholic Church teaching for nurturing the Catholic ethos of our Catholic schools. This online seminar was designed by Bro. William Campbell, SM, PhD, who has been a Catholic School Principal, Superintendent, former NCEA staff, and now serving on the Marianist Provincial Council. He articulates the basic practical wisdom that can animate profound conversations within the Catholic school community. There are a variety of models for implementing this Online E-seminar for an effective planning process within the Catholic School. Overview of the GDC and NDC (three-week seminar) Two Church documents that are responsible for guiding and reflecting the practice of catechesis in the 21st Century are the GDC-General Directory for Catechesis (1997) and the NDC-National Directory for Catechesis (2005). The vision of each of these two documents is closely aligned with the other. This seminar will address how these documents echo each other and where they are unique. The accountability for the message of the documents will be examined in this three week seminar course. Plus one additional five-week course, through VLCFF (your choice). 12
Leadership Goals (cont d) Non-Catholic Teachers in a Catholic School This requirement for non-catholics who teach in Catholic schools helps to assure that all educators in the Catholic schools of the diocese have a sufficient knowledge of the teachings and practice of the Catholic Church to foster and support the mission of the Catholic school in which they teach, to support the essential faith-based environment of a Catholic school, and will allow them to be employed as an educator in diocesan Catholic schools. Like all the faithful, Catechists are called to holiness. Because of their ministry and mission, however, the call to holiness (for a Catechist) has a particular urgency. (National Directory for Catechesis, #54) Requirements are minimal and renewal is not necessary. A) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy B) Complete the VLCFF Online course Catholic Beliefs Or A) Complete the Echoes of Faith modules: Echoes of Faith: I Believe, We Believe module Echoes of Faith: Liturgy and Sacraments module B) Be in compliance with the diocesan Safe Environment Policy Principals or Pastors may have additional requirements for their parish school. Parish Catechetical Leadership (DRE/CRE) Goal: Master Level Certification Or Advanced Level Certification with one or more of the following certificates from the VLCFF: Certificate in Catechesis, Level 1 Certificate in Catechesis, Level 2 Certificate in Foundations for Leadership in Ministry, Level 1 Certificate in Foundations for Leadership in Ministry, Level 2 Certificate in Adult Formation Leadership 13
Leadership Goals (cont d) Those with Master Level Certification are encouraged to consider earning one or more of the above certificates for renewal. Youth Minister Recommended Courses Goal: Intermediate Level Certification, which includes Basic Certification plus specific Youth Ministry courses. A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry (VLCFF) A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry is a five-week course introducing students to the vision and principles for developing a comprehensive framework for youth ministry. Students will explore the historical development as well as contemporary models of the Catholic Church s efforts to young people and their families. Finally, students will be introduced to a leadership system for creating a stable, vibrant, and lasting ministry within ministry setting. Choose two others: Attend at least one annual diocesan Youth Ministry Leaders Conference.* Planning Youth Ministry Events (VLCFF) Prayer and Worship with Adolescents* (VLCFF) Principles for Addressing Diversity Issues in Youth Ministry* (VLCFF) Relational Ministry with Youth* (VLCFF) The biannual National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry*, NFCYM (Consider earning the VLCFF Certificate in Youth Ministry, which is an Advanced Level Certification.) *High school catechists and Catholic school theology teachers may use one of these options to fulfill the methods requirement for basic certification, or read one of the following books and submit a reflection. Use the forms on the diocesan Website. You are encouraged to take other courses from this list, or read other texts listed below for renewal. *The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory and Practice, by Robert J. McCarty, 2005 14
Leadership Goals (cont d) *Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, published by the USCCB, 2002 *Effective Practices for Dynamic Youth Ministry, by Thomas East, 2004 What Now? 1. Fill out the Enrollment form available on the diocesan Website; www.dioscg.org. If you are already certified, or have begun work for certification but not finished, please fill out the form as well. 2. For those who have begun work toward certification but have not yet finished, credit is possible for previous work. Please fill out the prior work form and send it in with the enrollment form, both of which are on the diocesan Website, www.dioscg.org. Personal Reflection Evangelization is basically one really hungry person telling another really hungry person I found the food, and there is enough for us all. Deacon Greg Kanda Do those you catechize hear from you how Jesus and the Church he founded is feeding you spiritually? We don t draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely they want to know the source of it. Madeleine L Engle Do those you catechize see in you the light of Christ, the light you received at your Baptism, a light so lovely that they say, I don t know what she has, but I want some of it also? 15
Notes
In catechesis it is Christ alone who teaches anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ s spokesman, enabling Christ to teach with his lips. Every catechist should be able to apply to himself the mysterious words of Jesus: My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. St. John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, 6 Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806 (417) 866-0841 www.dioscg.org