Diocese of Providence Catechist Certification

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.

At the end of each course you will either design a lesson plan on a topic which will be applicable to the grades you teach. Or, you have the opportunity to write a short reflection paper to synthesize your thoughts and discuss how you can practically use what you've learned as you continue to hand on the Catholic Faith.

The Diocesan Guidelines for Parish Religious Education and Faith Formation states: "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).

Catechist Certification Requirements:

All catechists are encouraged to receive Level One and Level Two Certification (cf. Diocesan Guidelines 3.10).

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

Click here to sign up for our current course offerings.

 

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

Click here to sign up for our current course offerings.