Catechist Corner

Posted By Carlos on May 17, 2009

I’ve always found stories with two titles intriguing, like Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus & The Mummy, or Ramses the Damned.  So, since I couldn’t quite decide between two titles for this post, it got two.  Now, while my students and family may have their own opinions, I don’t think I’m technically crazy; however, it does seem that I’m certifiable.

Allow me to explain.  The Archdiocese of Boston, like many diocese throughout the country, has a certification program for catechists.  It’s primary purpose is to allow catechists to become formed in their own adult faith. It provides the opportunity to update and renew a catechist’s understanding of Catholic teachings in an adult context. Additionally, it can provide greater confidence to both a catechist’s ministry and personal growth as a disciple of Christ.

The Archdiocese offers three ways to obtain the certification, all of which consist of three courses.  Option 1 is through courses taught by an instructor for a total of 17 two-hour sessions. These courses are held at various locations throughout the Archdioceses.  Option 2 is through a video series that is led by a facilitator.  This would be for a total of 16 two-hour sessions and also are held at various locations throughout the Archdiocese.  Both of these require traveling to various parishes and is dependent on a parish sponsoring them.  Because of my schedule, I’m concerned that timing may be challenging for both these options, so I decided to go with Option 3.

The Archdiocese has also partnered with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer online learning courses for adults.  Among their many courses are two that qualify for the certification program.  They are Catholic Beliefs, which focuses on Catholic doctrine and the process of theology through which doctrines develop in the Roman Catholic Tradition, and Introduction to Catechesis which focuses on the purpose, tasks, and content of catechesis.  In addition to these two courses, they offer many more on various subjects, ranging from basic to advanced levels, that can help any individual grow more deeply in their faith and knowledge.  Additionally, if you live in a partnering diocese like I do, you get over a 50% discount to their modest course fees.  Ultimately,  I would still have to go to one live two-hour session called “Roots of Our Faith” to complete the certification requirements, but that’s quite manageable and I guess someone should meet me face-to-face before certifying me, huh?

I will begin taking my courses in July with that session’s registration period opening up next week and I will only be taking one course per 5 week session.  I’ve heard very good things about the VLCFF so I’m looking forward to starting my course in July.  It’s been a while since I’ve been in a school setting where I wasn’t the one teaching and I’ve never taken an online correspondence course before, so I hope I can adjust not only to a school environment again, but to taking a course that is not in a classroom setting.  I ask for your prayers in that regard.

Thanks and God bless.

Categories: Personal Growth
Tags: Catechist, Certification, Continuing Education, Ministry