THE CATECHIST CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The National Directory for Catechesis strongly encourages initial and on‐going formation of parish catechists. It states: “[s]ince effective catechesis depends on virtuous and skilled catechists, their ongoing formation should enhance the human, spiritual, and apostolic qualities and catechetical skills they bring to their ministry… Diocesan pastoral programs must give absolute priority to the formation of lay catechists” (NDC 55 E). Listed below are the courses that comprise the Catechist Certification Program for the Diocese of Rockford.
COURSES FOR CERTIFICATION
PREREQUISITES
Protecting God’s Children™ 3 hours
The Catechist and the Learner 2 hours
The Tools of the Catechist 2 hours
TOTAL 7 hours
LEVEL I
Catholic Understanding of Sacred Scripture 2 hours
Understanding Church 2 hours
The Sacramental Life of the Church 2 hours
Catholic Moral Life and Decision Making 2 hours
Catholic Prayer in the Classroom 2 hours
TOTAL CLASS HOURS 10 hours
Plus Classroom Observation
LEVEL II
The Creed and the Trinity 2 hours
The Mass and the Theology of Eucharist 2 hours
The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes 2 hours
Catholic Social Teaching 2 hours
Mary, the Saints and the Afterlife 2 hours
Catholic Customs and Traditions 2 hours
Elective classes (unspecified) 10 hours
TOTAL CLASS HOURS 22 hours
Plus Spiritual Formation and classroom observation
RENEWAL every 3 years
18 hours of electives
Plus Spiritual Formation and classroom observation