Certificates
I. PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE
Provisional certification requires the completion of the following 24 hours of classroom study: CCC, RSF, CR, FC (may substitute FCE)II. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Full certification requires the completion of the following 114 hours of classroom study or their equivalent through approved transfer of credit.
A. Scripture Component (30 hours). Any five of the following: OT, PPW, SG, JN, PL, RSF
B. Tradition Component (36 hours). CH1, CH2, VII, CR, CHR, CCC
C. Christian Life Component (36 hours). SL1, SL2, CM, PS, FD, HF
D. Methodology Component (6-10 hours). BSK (optional), TCC (may subsitute FC or FCE)
E. Electives (2-6 hours). 2-6 classroom hours drawn from new or prior Catechetical School courses, Mile Hi Congress, approved parish programs, etc.Course Descriptions (1999-2000)
BSK — BASIC SKILLS FOR NEW CATECHISTS (4 HOURS). This class is for new catechists to aid them in teaching and passing on the faith to young people. Some of the topics covered in this class will be the call to ministry and the qualities of a Christian teacher. Practical applications include communication with parents, room environment, lesson planning, prayer, and how to’s. Come and get energized and equipped for your new catechetical ministry.
CCC — INTRODUCTION TO THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (6 HOURS). Designed to familiarize adults with our Catechism. There will be a brief overview of each of the four Pillars of the Catechism, as well as a history of catechisms and their importance in our faith tradition. Pope John Paul II says "The Catechism of the Catholic Church is offered to every individual who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us and who wants to know what the Catholic Church believes."
CH1 — CHURCH HISTORY, PART I (6 HOURS). This two-part course gives a brief overview of the history of the Catholic Church. There is much richness and beauty in our Church, as we see the Holy Spirit active in our life story. In order for the Church to move and grow we must know about our roots and what has gone before us. The first session will begin with the history of the early Church and will end at the Middle Ages.
CH2 — CHURCH HISTORY, PART II (6 HOURS). This class continues with the discussion of our Church's faith journey. We will begin with the Reformation and will end in our modern era, up to the time of the Second Vatican Council. Even if you have not taken Church History, Part I, you are welcome to attend Part II.
CHR — CHRISTOLOGY: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? (6 HOURS). Presents an interesting and challenging look at who Jesus is. What do the Scriptures tell us, what does the Church teach about Him, and what are modern theologians saying? This class promises to make Jesus more alive in your heart and more a part of your life. Come and learn, come and grow!
CM — CHRISTIAN MATURITY/CATHOLIC MORALITY (6 HOURS). We are called to live a moral life as a Christian. What does this mean as it relates to our day to day experiences? How are we as Catholics to form our consciences? What does the Church teach about the moral issues we face today?
CR — THE CREED: WHAT CATHOLICS BELIEVE (6 HOURS). We say the words of the Nicene Creed during each Sunday liturgy, but do we really know what we are professing to believe as we pray? Studying the Creed deepens our love of God which brings life and renews hope. Looking at the creed in a deeper way brings us closer to the mystery of the Trinity and challenges us to live out our faith daily. The Creed summarizes the most fundamental truths of our faith, in a way best suited to the catechetical formation of ourselves and those we teach.
FC — FOUNDATIONS OF CATECHETICS (6 HOURS). Designed specifically for parish catechists. Catechetics is the art and science of sharing our faith with others, through our life witness and the systematic teaching of the good news in Jesus Christ. It presupposes and includes the necessity of evangelization — the clear proclamation and personal acceptance of the truth that leads to eternal life. Catechesis develops one's love of God and neighbor, by explaining the faith and encouraging Christian understanding, maturity, worship, community, and service. We will consider the nature, aims, basic content, and appropriate methods of faith formation, based on official Church documents.
FCE — FOUNDATIONS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION (6 HOURS). Designed specifically for Catholic school educators. This course is especially designed for Catholic School teachers and administrators. It examines Church teaching on the nature, goals, basic content, agents, and means of Catholic education. We will seek to develop a foundational Catholic world-view upon which an effective educational ministry may be built. The primary sources for this course are the Sacred Scriptures and Church documents on education.
FD — FAITH DEVELOPMENT: HOW WE LIVE AND GROW IN FAITH (6 HOURS). Join us for a very interesting look at how our faith develops and grows from infancy through adulthood. We begin by looking at the gift of faith, both God’s revelation to us, and our response in faith back to God. As we look at the various stages of faith development, it will help us to better understand where we are on our faith journey, and the pastoral implication of living, and working with people at these various levels who make up the Family of God.
HF — HEALTHY FAMILIES, HOLY FAMILIES (6 HOURS). The Catholic faith enriches and empowers our family life in many different ways. This class helps us to look more closely at the family of today, traits of healthy families, the life cycles of a family, and how to strengthen the faith life of our families. Based on Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Families, available for purchase in class.
JN — THE GOSPEL OF JOHN (6 HOURS). The Fourth Gospel is unique in its inspiring presentation of the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Come join us for a close look at one of the most engaging and profitable books of Scripture you can read!
OT — THE STORY OF GOD'S PEOPLE: INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT (6 HOURS). This class helps you to make sense of salvation history as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures. You will gain a deeper understanding of how God prepared His people for the coming of Christ through the series of covenants. This introductory Bible course includes a discussion of how God speaks to us in Scripture, and how we as Catholics are to interpret and apply what we read.
PL — WRITINGS OF ST. PAUL (6 HOURS). We have listened to St. Paul for years during our liturgies. But how much do we really know about Paul and the times and peoples for whom he was writing? His letters are some of our greatest treasures in the Scriptures, and this class will open them up for you in an understandable and inspiring way.
PPW — PROPHETS, PSALMS, AND WISDOM WRITERS (6 HOURS). "Taste and see that the LORD is good!" This course introduces the rich, evocative, and often times challenging variety of literature found in the second half of the Old Testament. We will learn how to form our thinking, prayers, and actions according to the wisdom of God.
PS — PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY (6 HOURS). All of us are called to a life of holiness and prayer, in the imitation of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.. We have many rich prayer traditions in our Catholic faith. Come learn about the many ways we have to get closer to our God! Our text is the fourth "pillar" of the Catechism on Christian Prayer.
RSF — REVELATION, SCRIPTURE, AND FAITH (6 HOURS). This course provides you with a necessary foundation for future theological studies and faith formation. Based on the first three chapters of the Catechism, it introduces the Catholic approach to understanding our search for God, His loving revelation of Himself and His plan for us, and our response of faith. It explains how God speaks to us, and how we form our thinking and behavior according to Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, as authentically taught by the Magisterium (teaching authority) of the Catholic Church. Includes a basic overview of salvation history, the inspiration and interpretation of Scripture, and the central role of the Bible in the life of Catholics.
SG — THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS: MATTHEW, MARK, AND LUKE (6 HOURS). Come and learn about the Scripture writings of Matthew, Mark and Luke. By adding new life to readings that are familiar to us, we are able to hear the deeper and richer meanings that are present.
SL1 — SACRAMENTS AND LITURGY, PART I (6 HOURS). This first part will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature and role of sacraments in our life. Then we will look closely at the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) and the Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick).
SL2 — SACRAMENTS AND LITURGY, PART II (6 HOURS). In Part II we continue to look at the sacraments, focusing on a deeper look at the Eucharist, an appreciation of Holy Orders and Christian Marriage, and how the Church is experienced as sacrament through our liturgical life. You are welcome to attend this class even if you missed the first part.
TCC — THE CREATIVE CATECHIST (6 HOURS). This is a wonderful opportunity for catechists to learn some fresh and creative ways of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom to their students. It will give helpful ideas and tools to facilitate making your class a more productive and fun place. Come and get energized and equipped to continue in your catechetical ministry (And bring a good idea of yours to share!!)
VII — HISTORY AND DOCUMENTS OF VATICAN II (6 HOURS). The Second Vatican Council produced documents which serve as the modern basis for authentic Church teaching, renewal, and evangelization. This course examines the history of ecumenical councils, the context of Vatican II, and the application of its teaching today. We will study the four major constitutions on the Liturgy, the Church, Divine Revelation, and the Church in the modern world.
