Diocesan Catechist Certification Program Guidelines

Diocese of Orlando Office of Faith Formation PO Box 1800, Orlando, FL 32802-1800 (407) 246-4912 50 E. Robinson St, Orlando FL 32801 Diocesan Catechist Certification Program Guidelines Program Overview The Diocesan Catechist Certification Program [DCCP] is a faith formation program for catechists of the Diocese of Orlando. It serves all those involved in parish-based catechetical ministry (catechesis of adults, young adults, youth and children). Courses are offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Classes are scheduled in every deanery. The schedule of classes is the result of catechetical needs submitted by parish catechetical leaders and Catholic School principals in the Spring of each year. A similar process takes place to identify classes for June each year, published in a separate schedule. Equivalency. The diocesan equivalency process determines which courses, workshops, in-service sessions from an accredited Catholic university / institution or formation program of another diocese may be equivalent to a course (courses) in the Orlando Catechist Certification Program. Equivalency Submission instructions and form are available on the diocesan website http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/rel-ed-diocesan-catechist-certification. DCCP Hours. Recording of DCCP hours has been discontinued in favor of recording completion of courses. At the end of each DCCP course, participants will be recorded with a completion or non-completion. In determining progress toward certification, attention should be given to the number of courses completed in each certification level (see the next section). This change will allow for the transition to revised courses and on -line learning, while keeping the previous years of completion records intact. Previous hours and completed courses will continue to be honored. See also the policy regarding Specialty Catechesis Courses. LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION AND COURSES ORDINARY CATECHESIS The purpose of the Diocesan Catechist formation program is to give a comprehensive and systematic catechetical formation of a basic nature over a period of time. It functions as a school for ordinary catechists, per GDC 249. There are three [3] levels of certification: Basic, Advanced and Master. A catechist moves from one level to another by satisfactorily completing a series of six courses sponsored by the diocese. Diocese of Orlando Office of Faith Formation Catechist Formation Contents Program Overview ----- 1 Levels of Certification - 1 Specialty Catechesis --- 2 Record Keeping--------- 3 On-Line Courses ------- 3 About Schedules and Fees -------------- 4 Course Descriptions --- 4 Since 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. National Directory for Catechesis, p. 238 1 P a g e

Basic Certification is granted to catechists who have completed the 6 courses listed below. Basic Certification Courses Ministry and Catechesis 101 We Believe: Catholic Faith and Life 102 Introduction to Scripture 103 Leading People to Sacraments: Sacramental Catechesis 104 We Live Our Faith: Catholic Moral Teaching 105 We Celebrate Our Faith: Catechesis and Liturgy 106 Advanced certification is granted to catechists who have completed 6 of any of the following courses after receiving a basic certification. Advanced/Master Certification Courses A Journey Through the Old Testament 201 A Journey Through the New Testament 202 Who Do you Say I Am? The Person of Jesus 203 Celebrating and Living the Sacramental Life 204 Celebrating the Eucharist: The Source and Summit of Our Faith 205 Ecclesiology: The Mystery of the Church 206 The Catechumenate 207 Catechesis & Social Ministry 208 Catechetical Documents of the Church 209 Catechesis & Human Development 210 Catechesis & Sexuality 211 Adult Faith Formation 213 Church History 214 World Religions 215 Prayer and Spirituality 216 Master Certification is granted to catechists who have completed another 6 courses from the above courses after receiving an advanced certification. Specialized ministry formation is available in the following areas: Catechumenal Ministry Ministry for Sacramental Preparation Youth Catechist Peer Ministry Adult candidates for Specialized Certification must achieve ordinary Basic or Advanced certification, as indicated below. A Specialized Ministry Certificate is granted upon completion the specialized program of studies and the required Basic or Advanced level. Specialized ministry courses are complementary programs that are different from the courses offered in the ordinary program. Specialized ministry courses cannot be used to obtain hours for catechist formation in the Basic, Advanced and/or Master levels of ordinary certification. Participant records of those who have been granted ordinary credit in the past for specialized courses will continue to be honored. Youth catechist peer ministers receive recognition of their completed courses a certification is not awarded. Catechumenate Ministry Catechists whose ministry involves participation in the periods of formation of the baptismal catechumenate and/or full communion (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA]) are expected to obtain basic and advanced certification. The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation will also provide specialized formation and networking for all those involved in any way with the implementation of the Rite of Christian SPECIALTY CATECHESIS Initiation of Adults in their parish. Catechumenal Certification is granted to catechists who have completed the ordinary Basic and Advanced level certification and the following specialized courses: Overview of the RCIA for Catechumenate Ministers - Course 520 The Period of Evangelization for Catechumenate Ministers - Course 521 The Period of Purification and Enlightenment for Catechumenate Ministers - Course 522 The Period of Mystagogy for Catechumenate Ministers - Course 523 PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTAL CAT- ECHESIS Catechists involved with the sacramental preparation for Confirmation, First Communion and/or First Penance must be certified basic level catechists, including Course 104: Leading People to Sacraments: Sacramental Catechesis; Certification for Sacramental Preparation is granted to those with an ordinary Basic Certification upon completion of the following specialized certification courses that pertains to their ministry: Confirmation Catechesis Course 310 First Communion Catechesis Course 307 Reconciliation Catechesis Course 309 YOUTH CATECHIST PEER FORMATION The Office of Faith Formation offers courses specific a l l y f o r y o u t h i n h i g h s c h o o l w h o a r e a s s i s t i 2 P a g e

to assist in formation classes for children. This program will not take the place of adolescent catechesis but will enable youth to be valuable contributors and assistants in parish programs. This program will introduce youth to understanding the ministry of catechesis as a vocation. Please note: Diocesan Policy for youth activities applies to registration for YCCP classes for youth. Only youth who have been registered will be admitted to the class. Three courses are currently offered for Youth Catechist Peer Formation. Participants will receive a letter acknowledging their completion of each course. YCCP Smells, Bells, and Colors of the Church Year - Course 401 YCCP Celebrate Liturgy - Course 402 YCCP Introduction to Scripture - Course 403 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RECORD KEEPING Faith Formation Office The Faith Formation Office: Records completed courses, fees collected for classes, and equivalency certification for registered catechists. Transmits course completion letters and Basic, Advanced, or Master Certificates to Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCL) or Catholic School Principals. Notifies the Office of Catholic Schools when a Catholic school teacher has completed a course. Parish or School Level PCL or Catholic School Principal Local parish / school leaders Update the Faith Formation Office concerning catechists or teachers status and information. Keep files, which include completion letters and certificates, on all catechists. On-line courses, suitable for DCCP credit, are available from the University of Dayton. UDayton, a Catholic Marianist University, sponsors the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). This e-learning initiative supports adult faith, catechist, and lay ecclesial leadership formation. The table of VLCFF courses equivalent to DCCP Courses is posted on the Diocesan web site. http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/rel-ed-diocesan-cat echist-certification On-Line Courses VLCFF offers an option to take quality faith formation courses via distance learning anytime and anywhere via the internet. Courses are 4 6 weeks in duration and range from basic to advanced material. The courses are asynchronous, meaning that there is no set time to be on-line. However, this is not independent study nor learning by correspondence. Each course is a small group, up to 15 participants, and i s d e s i g n e d t o b e an experience with a virtual learning community. Each week has assigned readings, on-line discussions and a quiz or assessment. P l a n o n 5 h o u r s o f w o r k r e a d i n g o r Register catechists or teachers for classes by collecting fees and transmitting the registration form to the Office of Faith Formation. Award completion letters and certificates to their catechists. Keep track of courses that catechists have completed to facilitate future planning within the deanery and with the Faith Formation Office. Personal Level - Catechists or Teachers Each catechist / teacher: Keeps a personal file that includes all Diocesan Catechist Certification Program completion letters and certificates. Advises their local parish or school leadership of their desired classes. A Personal Record Keeping form is published with each DCCP schedule for individual use. on-line each week. Courses are available seven times a year. Due to a partnership arrangement with the Diocese, courses offered for Diocese of Orlando participants c o s t $ 4 0 p e r c o u r s e. T h e r e a r e a f e w -week 3 seminars that cost $30 each. Enrollment takes place on the UDayton website at vlc.udayton.edu. Visit the course descriptions, check out the calendar of courses, bec o m e a n e w s t u d e n t ( c r e a t e a e p g r i o s f t i e r l e f ) o r a n d a r course on the VLCFF site. You must pay at enrollment by credit card or by sending a check/ money order. VLCFF courses will earn a stated amount of CEU (continuing education units), generally 2.5 CEU. For Catholic School teachers, the Office of F a i t h F o r m a t i o n will transmit the completion hours to the Office of Schools to record the Master In-service Points (MIP) earned, generally 25 hours. For courses predetermined to contain equivalent material to current DCCP courses, completion of VLCFF courses will be considered completion of DCCP courses and so recorded. 3 P a g e

DCCP Schedules and Fees Schedule of Classes and Registration Each year the schedule of classes is sent to parish and Catholic school catechetical leaders. Every catechist/teacher should be provided a copy of the schedule for the year as well as a copy of this DCCP brochure. Regular updates of the schedule and other information of interest is published weekly or as needed in the Office of Faith Formation ebulletin. All participants for classes must register through the parish PCL or Catholic School Principal [or one designated by them]. All registrations must take place on the official registration form and sent to the Office of Faith Formation with payment by the required deadline. [Wherever possible we request this information by the 15th of the month preceding the class]. Class Fee Cost per person per class is $15.00 per person. Fees are due with the registration, payable to the Diocese of Orlando, Attention: Office of Faith Formation. Participants are asked to bring their own bag lunch for all classes. Ministry and Catechesis Course 101 Through our baptism we are called to hand on the faith through our active participation in the Church s ministry of formation. This introductory course examines the nature and vision of catechetical ministry as set forth in the various catechetical documents of the Church. Special attention is given to the revised General Directory for Catechesis [GDC] and the National Directory for Catechesis [NDC]. We Believe: Catholic Faith and Life Course Descriptions ORDINARY CATECHESIS Basic Certification Courses Course 102 The course will focus on the nature, purpose, W e a r e c a l l e d t o h a n d o n t h e f a i t h o f methods, t h e C h and u r c goals h. B of u t sacramental catechesis within to do this effectively we must both know and live this the context of the meaning of sacraments in the faith. Many times there is a gap of grand canyon Church. Special attention will be given to sacramental catechesis for Baptism, Confirmation, First proportions between what the Church teaches and what we think the Church teaches. This course will Communion, and First Reconciliation for those baptized Catholic as infants as well as to the Catechu- examine the major teachings of the Church in terms of both knowledge and our own spiritual development. Topics covered include Trinity, Jesus Christ, the menate for children of catechetical age. Holy Spirit, the Church, Sacraments, Grace, the Moral Life, Mary and the Saints, and Death, Judgment and Eternity. Introduction to Scripture Course 103 Biblical signs constitute one of the four main sources of catechesis. This course introduces the catechist to basic beliefs about the Catholic understanding of scripture. Special attention is given to the chief signs that are to be emphasized in catechesis: the creation account, which culminates in the establishment of God's kingdom; the covenant made by God with Abraham and his descendants and God's covenant with Jesus, the exodus from bondage to freedom; the passage from death to life accomplished by Christ's paschal mystery. Leading People to Sacraments: Sacramental Catechesis Course 104 Although there is a close relationship between sacramental catechesis and religious education, sacramental catechesis is a distinct component within the catechetical ministry of the Church. The purpose of this course is to examine the unique activity of sacramental catechesis in the Church especially as it has been defined by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. We Live Our Faith: Catholic Moral Teaching Course 105 "Catechesis in morality is an essential component of catechetical ministry" (NCD). Therefore catechesis includes the Church's moral teaching which has been an integral part of the Catholic message throughout the ages. This course will focus on the basic principles that underlie the Catholic approach to morality. What makes an action moral? What is sin? What is conscience? Why are there commandments and Beatitudes? Various approaches for teaching morality is included with this course. We Celebrate Our Faith: Catechesis and Lit- 4 P a g e

urgy Course 106 Liturgical signs constitute one of the four main sources of catechesis. Therefore catechesis has the task of preparing people and communities for full, conscious, and active liturgical and sacramental celebration and for profound reflection. The purpose of t h i s c o u r s e i s t o e n a b l e c a t e c h i s t s t o f o r m p e o p l e i n t o t h e l i t u r g i c a l l i f e o f t h e C h u r c h a n d n o t o u t t. o f The i course will focus on basic principles of liturgical theology, the wealth of liturgical celebrations for use in the Church, preparing liturgical celebrations for all age groups, and the dominant liturgical symbols of the Church. Special attention will be given to coordinating liturgical celebrations in light of the liturgical year and the use of liturgical prayer within the Catholic School or parish Religious Education program. A Journey Through the Old Testament Course 201 The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture. Christians venerate these scriptures as the Word of God. This course will examine God's loving self-revelation from creation down through the ages until the coming of Jesus Christ. Special attention will be given to the three collections in the Hebrew Scriptures: the Pentateuch, the prophets, and the Writings. Advanced and Master Certification Courses A Journey Through the New Testament Course 202 God's revelation is ultimately expressed in the incarnation, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit (NCD 53). This c o u r s e w i l l e x a m i n e t h e b o o k s o f t h e N e w T e s t a m e n t. Special attention will be given to the Gospels which enjoy preeminence as principal witness of the life and teachings of Jesus, and the principle themes found in t h e e p i s t l e s a n d t h e A c t s o f t h e A p o s t l e s. will also focus on the literary characteristics of the books in the New Testament as well as providing an introduction to critical exegesis. Who Do You Say I Am? The Person of Jesus Christ Course 203 At the heart of catechesis is the person of Jesus Christ. This course will explore the various approaches that have responded to this question over the centuries. Special attention will be given to the contemporary state of Christology in the Church today and our own call to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Celebrating and Living the Sacramental Life Course 204 Through our baptism we are called to live the sacramental life. Our full, conscious and active participation in the sacramental life is the way we most fully celebrate our faith This course will explore the nature and meaning of sacraments in the Church today. Special attention will be given to the sacraments of healing [reconciliation and anointing of the sick] and marriage. Celebrating the Eucharist: The Source and Summit of Our Faith Course 205 "Liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the font from which all her power flows" (Constitution on the Liturgy, 10). This course will provide a brief historical account of liturgical development in the Church up until the present time. Special attention will be given to the celebration of the Eucharist and how it forms and transforms us into a Eucharistic people. Ecclesiology: The Mystery of the Church Course 206 The Church is a mystery, and as a divine reality inserted into human history, it is also a kind of sacrament. This course will examine the nature and meaning of Church throughout the centuries. Special attention will be given to the understanding of Church as proclaimed in the documentation of Vatican Council II and contemporary theological writings. The Faithful T Revolution: h e c o u r s Vatican e II videos: Human Dignity and The Genius of the Heart examine the dramatic changes fostered by The Second Vatican Council and its continuing effects on history and the modern world. The Catechumenate Course 207 With the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults all unbaptized persons of catechetical age and older are led to full initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) through the catechumenal process. This course will provide a brief overview of the rite and its meaning and purpose. Special attention will be given to the relationship of the Catechumenate to Parish Programs in Religious Education and the Catholic School. Catechesis and Social Ministry Course 208 Catechesis supports the ministry of service which is linked to efforts to achieve social justice in our world today. This course will describe the basis of the Church's social ministry, sketch the development of Catholic social teaching and identify its principal themes, and explore many of our contemporary social issues that confront Catholic Christians in our contemporary culture. Special attention will be given to recent issues that affect us today: immigration, as- 5 P a g e

sisted suicide, death penalty, violence, etc. Catechetical Documents of the Church Course 209 Since Vatican Council II the Church has promoted the priority of catechesis for the strengthening of her internal life as a community of believers and of her external activity as a missionary Church (Catechesi Tradendae, CT). The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth examination of the major catechetical documents of the Church. Special attention will be given to the General Directory for Catechesis [GDC] and the National Directory for Catechesis [NDC]. Catechesis and Human Development Course 210 Catechesis must be adapted to the age, culture and the developmental states of the learner. This course will examine the various stages of human development and how catechesis is meant to help at each stage so as to lead to full identification with Jesus. Methods appropriate to each particular age are studied and shared. Catechesis and Human Sexuality Course 211 The Second Vatican Council stated that children and young people should be given positive and prudent sexual education that includes moral, spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical dimensions. This course will examine the context, content and methodology of a Catholic approach to teaching sexuality. Special attention will be given to approved catechetical materials for all age groups. Adult Faith Formation Course 213 This course is based on the Pastoral letter from the U.S. Bishops Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us that shows the plan and implementation leading to a mature faith for today s Catholics. Participants will examine the various principles and goals of adult faith formation and will assess the present status of adult faith formation in their parish. It will enable participants to make decisions regarding the specific strategies that would help their parishes and schools to strengthen its program for adult faith formation and create a network of adult religious educators among the parishes and Catholic schools who can support and be resources for one another. Church History Course 214 Church History is based on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Church History records how Christians have lived out the Gospel message, shaping the Church and the world. Today Church History gives Christians a sense of identity and helps them to continue to live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. World Religions Course 215 Because the desire for God is written in the human heart [CCC27], the search for God is a part of who we are as humans. This course provides an overview of the major world religions and the desire for God. Emphasize will be on the aspects where Catholic Christianity and non-christian religions converge and where they diverge. The course will increase awareness of other religions traditions creeds, cults, codes and prayers and the relationship of other religions to the Catholic Church. Prayer and Spirituality Course 216 One of the fundamental tasks of catechesis is that catechesis teaches the Christian how to pray with Christ [NDC page 61]. Catechesis calls the disciples to pray with the sentiments of Jesus prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, filial confidence, supplication, and awe. The Our Father is a summary of the e n t i r e G o s p e l, a n d h a n d i n g i t o n i s a t r u e c a t e this course catechists will explore and understand the relationship of Catechesis, prayer and spirituality; Christian prayer life and spirituality; How catechists are models and leaders of prayer. Specialty Formation / Certification Youth Catechist Peer Formation YCCP Smells, Bells, and Colors of the Church Y e a r Course 401 This course provides training for youth in high school w h o a r e a s s i s t i n g o r w i s h t o a s s i s t i n f o r m a t i o n c l a s s e s for children. The liturgical year and the character of the seasons are described. Symbol, ritual and sign are defined and distinguished. The primary and secondary symbols of the church are explained and their use in the environment explored. The use of the liturgical calendar and liturgical colors are placed in context. YCCP Celebrate Liturgy Course 402 This course provides training for youth in high school w h o a r e a s s i s t i n g o r w i s h t o a s s i s t i n f o r m a t i o n c l a s s e s for children. Liturgy is defined and the types of liturgy are distinguished. Ten principles of liturgy are explored. The course enables participants to plan a L i t u r g y o f t h e W o T r h d e. y ar e a l s o e n a b l to e d identify young people to help with parish liturgies and direct them to proper person to offer their assistance. 6 P a g e

YCCP Introduction to Scripture Course 403 This course provides training for youth in high school who are assisting or to wish assist in formation classes for children. The ABC of Biblical Literacy is explored. T h e cycles of scripture in liturgy are explained and demonstrated. The connection and inter-use of Storytelling and scripture are made evident and contemporized. Catechist for Sacramental Preparation Certification First Communion Catechesis Course 307 This course provides training for parish catechists for sacramental preparation so that they may lead their parish s children, youth and adults to truly celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The course provides instruction for the formational journey by detailing four catechetical sessions, based on The Order of the Mass: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion rite. Practical examples of the prayers, theological background, environment, suggested activities and handouts are discussed or modeled to give the participants ideas for adapting to the needs of their parish Reconciliation Catechesis Course 309 This course provides training for parish catechists for sacramental preparation so that they may lead their parish s children, youth and adults to truly celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The course provides instruction for the formational journey by detailing four catechetical sessions, based on the fourfold actions of the Rite: contrition, confession, penance and absolution. Practical examples of the prayers, theological background, environment, suggested activities and handouts are discussed to give the participants ideas for adapting to the needs of their parish. Confirmation Catechesis Course 310 This course provides training for parish catechists for sacramental preparation so that they may lead their parish s youth and adults to truly celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The course provides instruction for the formational journey by detailing six catechetical sessions, based on the six principal t h e m e s o f t h e R i t e : b o r n A n e w i n B a p t the Gift of the Spirit, In the Strength of His Love, The Oil of Salvation, More Like Christ, In the Unity of Faith. Practical examples of the liturgical prayers, theological background, environment, suggested activities and handouts are discussed o r m o d e l e d t o ve g i the participants ideas for adapting to the needs of their parish. Contact Information Diocesan Office of Faith Formation Diocesan Catechist Certification Program [DCCP] Registrar, Catechist Formation: Mr. Michael Becker, M.R.E. Phone: 407-246-4912; Fax: 407-246-4935 E-mail: mbecker@orlandodiocese.org 7 P a g e