"To "be" catechists! Not to "work" as catechists. Catechesis is a vocation: "Being a catechist", is the vocation. Not "working" as a catechist."
~ Pope Francis, Congress on Catechesis.
This is the first dimension of catechist formation. Being a catechist is a vocation. While catechists can begin their formation by taking any course outlined in the process, it is recommended that catechists begin with the "The Vocation of the Catechist".
Related Course: "Vocation of the Catechist"
This course will help catechists:
"The catechist will be able not only to communicate the Gospel accurately, but also able to make those being taught capable of receiving it actively..."
~ General Directory for Catechesis, 112
“Catechists do not merely instruct their students about Christ;
they lead them to him.”
~ National Directory for Catechesis, 241
In order to be an effective catechist, one must know how to communicate the Gospel to the young people, adults and families that have been entrusted to our care. This demands that catechists have an understanding of the factors that impact effective transmission of the message. "Metholology" courses are aimed at equipping catechists with the skills and techniques necessary for the mission.
Related Course: Methodology for Teachers
This course will help catechists:
!
"This synthesis of faith should be such as to help the catechist to mature in his own faith and enable him/her to offer an explanation for the present hope in this time of mission."
~ General Directory for Catechesis, 241
Courses:
Spotlight: Morality:
Unfolds the fullness of God’s law revealed through Christ. Founded in God’s roadmap for happiness, this Pillar covers the elements of moral decision-making.
Spotlight: Faith:
Takes the learner on a journey from the beginning of God’s loving creation of mankind to the Church’s divine understandings of the End Times.
Spotlight: Liturgy & Sacraments:
This course offers an overview of the Seven Sacraments as rooted in salvation history and the coming of Christ.
Spotlight: Prayer and Spirituality:
Prayer and Spirituality is friendship with God, and this Pillar navigates us through the joys and difficulties of the spiritual life.
Spotlight: Scripture (Old & New Testament):
This series on Sacred Scripture will give you an overview and introduction to this intriguing book; a book that has not only changed the world but is also given a divine role to play in each of our lives.
We are always growing in faith and skills. As catechists, we have an obligation to provide the best catechesis to the young people and families entrusted to our care. Therefore, once initial formation has been completed catechists and teachers should attend at least one event or course for continuing formation each year.
Ongoing formation for catechists helps them:
~ National Directory for Catechesis, 55
E-Learn offers a number of Ongoing Formation courses, which can be accessed here. Also, check out our calendar for other events offered by the Catechetical Office.
Currently, the formation process for teachers in catholic elementary schools is the same as for parish catechists. In addition to the courses available for parish catechists, there is a unique methodology course for school which can be found on RCAN Online.
Catechist Formation Process Summary & FAQ
Although you can begin with any course, it is recommended that you begin with the "Vocation of the Catechist".
Formation is a process by which we grow in the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective catechists.
Catechist formation is necessary because we desire to serve the young people entrusted to our care to the best of our ability. Investing in this process equips you for the mission and will help you grow in your own relationship with God.
Catechists in the Archdiocese of Newark are expected to seek an Initial Catechist Certification and ongoing formation. There are three areas of certification that must be completed in order to achieve Basic Certification: 1) Vocation of the Catechist, 2) Methodology and 3) Doctrinal When all three areas of formation (Vocation, Methodology and Doctrinal) are completed, the catechist has completed this initial formation process. (Click here for a detailed explanation and course offerings in each area.)
Catechists are encouraged to begin with the "Vocation of the Catechist" course. However, in order to help you achieve your basic certification in the most efficient way possible, you may take courses in any order as your personal schedule permits.
Everyone works at his/her own pace. Catechists should aim to have taken the "Vocation of the Catechist" and "Methodology" within the first two years of their ministry as a catechist/teacher. On average, Initial Certification can take between and 4 years to complete.
Courses from any track may be used to fulfill requirements. You can mix and match the type of courses that you take according to your personal preferences and the your availability. (e.g. You may take the a live course for the "Vocation of the Catechist" and then take courses for other areas online.)
Certificates are distributed and track on RCAN Online. You can track your progress by logging in here and clicking the certification arrow to the left of your screen.
We are always growing in faith and skills. As catechists, we have an obligation to provide the best catechesis the young people and families entrusted to our care. Therefore, once initial formation catechists should take at minimum of 3 hours of continuing formation. CLICK HERE to see the many different continuing formation opportunities offered by the Archdiocese of Newark (e.g. Catechist Convocation, Bible/Men’s/Women’s conferences, online course work, etc.) Contact your parish catechetical leader or DRE for opportunities at your local parish.
Patricia Rodriguez - Director, Catechetical Office
patricia.rodriguez@rcan.org
973-497-4297