Diocesan Catechist Recognition Process

1. The Call to be a Catechist – a course that is foundational for Phase I, it allows the catechist to demonstrate an understanding of the rudiments of the Theology of the Catechetical Ministry. Certain areas are explored such as: the sacred call of the catechist and how that call continues to affect the Church, the definition of catechist and catechesis, and the importance of catechesis and its sources. An emphasis is made of the need to embrace, affirm, and empower the person of the catechist. (2 1/2 hours)
2. Skills and Theory – this module helps the catechist to understand the catechetical process and the necessary initial skills to create and conduct a faith formation session. Components of this module include: the nature and tasks of catechesis, stages of faith development, lesson planning, the use of creative techniques, class management and the use of prayer in the catechetical setting. (2 1/2 hours)
3. Sacraments – this module allows the catechist to demonstrate an understanding of the rudiments of Sacramental theology. In addition, the catechist would understand the sacred nature of ordinary life and how life events reveal the presence of God, why Jesus is the SACRAMENT, and how the sacraments are a distinguishing feature of Catholicism. The distinguishing characters of the seven sacraments are explained. (2 1/2 hours)
4. Scripture – this module enables the catechist to comprehend a rudimentary familiarity with the Bible and an elementary understanding of the Bible’s meaning. The writings of the Bible, literary forms, the expression of truth as revealed in the Word of God, and the use of the Bible for personal growth are explored. (2 1/2 hours)
5. Creed – this module teaches the basic tenets of the Catholic faith as found in the Creed. The catechist is shown that faith is more a response than a concept; the Trinitarian character of the Christian faith and religion is discussed by using examples from daily life. (2 1/2 hours)
6. Morality – this module demonstrates an understanding of how Christian morality is rooted in Scripture. Attention is drawn to the meaning of the Ten Commandments and to the Sermon on the Mount as a moral document for Christianity. The continual need for “conversion of the heart” and the role the catechist plays in recognizing this need is emphasized. (2 1/2 hours)

Task I – Promoting Knowledge of the Faith

• “The Person and Mission of Jesus Christ”
  Based on the Gospels, this module explores the historical/cultural world of Jesus and demonstrates how that world was influenced by his person and teachings.
• “At the Heart of Catechesis: Jesus Christ”
  The Catechist will be able to internalize the question, “Who do you say I am?” This will be facilitated by experiencing Jesus in Scripture, then and now.
• “The Catechist: A Faithful Disciple”
  This module helps the catechist to acquire a renewed understanding of Christ’s presence in the Church, the sacraments and the liturgy.

Task 2 – Liturgical Education

• “Fashioning a Eucharistic People”
  This module helps the catechist to acquire a renewed understanding of Christ’s presence in the Church, the sacraments and the liturgy.
• “Using the Lectionary (Cycles A,B,C) in the Liturgical Year”
  In Addition to experiencing the rhythm of the liturgical cycle, the catechist will become familiar with major themes of the Scripture and will be able to explain, utilize and appreciate the lectionary process as a reference in faith formation.

Task 3 – Moral Formation

• “Catholic Social Teachings”
  This module enables the catechist to acquire a more holistic understanding of christian service encompassing concrete action.
• “Contemporary Moral Issues”
  In the process of connecting discipleship, interior transformation, and moral formation as one reality, the catechist realizes that evangelization includes both the proclaimed word and the lived word.

Task 4 – Teaching to Pray

• “Prayer” and “An Experience of Prayer”
  Realizing that prayer is an attempt to enter consciously into God’s presence, catechists are exposed to the definitions and forms of prayer.
• “The Lord’s Prayer”
  The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes Tertullian that the Lord’s Prayer “is truly the summary of the whole Gospel” (2761). The catechist experiences, through this module, the richness of this prayer taught and given to us by the Lord Jesus, the master of prayer.

Task 5 – Education for Community Life

• “Community of Disciples”
  This module will help the catechist to acquire a renewed vision of genuine Christian communities by studying the meaning, mission and models of the Church.
• “Ecumenism: A Call to Repentance, Respect and Reconciliation Within the Christian Community”
  Helps the catechist to encourage open attitudes toward members of other Christian churches and ecclesial communities.

Task 6 – Missionary initiation

• “A Common Call to Witness”
  This module defines the call of the baptized follower and explores the role of the laity in service to the Church through various ministries which are rooted in Christ the Servant.
• “Response to the Call According to States of Life”
  In conjunction with the material covered in “A Common Call to Witness” this module exposes the catechist to the ways one may serve the Church within a specific “state in life.” This would include the ordained, married, religious and single states.

Phase III completes the Catechist recognition process by encouraging catechists to embark on continuing formation. Catechists should speak with their Regional Coordinator to create an educational portfolio from acceptable formation events to complete their formation.