Catechetical Certification

The Basic Catechist Formation Course (BCFC) is intended for all individuals entrusted in passing on the faith, desiring to gain more knowledge of their faith or are interested in serving as a minister in your parish or school community. Students must be at least 17 ½ years old and received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Those under the age of 18 interested in taking the course must present a letter of authorization by the parent and be recommended by the Parish DCM/Pastor to attend the course.

The Basic Catechist Formation Course is a 48-hour course offered at different parish locations throughout the diocese and online. The course, which incorporates the six tasks of catechesis and uses various methodologies suggested in the Directory, is offered for all catechists and parish ministers—preschool through adult. The following is covered in the BCFC:

1. Christ the Model Catechist and Evangelist
2. Understanding How People Learn
3. Preparing and Planning
4. Responding to the Call to Discipleship
5. The Teaching Mission of the Church
6. God’s Divine Methodology: Revelation
7. Overview of the Bible
8. Understanding the Old Testament
9. Understanding the New Testament
10. Jesus Christ: True God and True Man
11. Christology: the Study of Jesus Christ
12. The Nature of the Church
13. The Mission of the Church
14. Church: a Pilgrim People
15. Prayer
16. Liturgy and the Liturgical Year
17. Sacraments in General and the RCIA
18. Sacraments of Initiation Part 1: Baptism and Confirmation
19. Sacraments of Initiation, Part 2: Eucharist
20. Sacraments at the Service of Communion
21. Sacraments of Healing: Penance, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick
22. Life in Christ: Christian Morality
23. Life in Christ: Social Justice
24. Living Life in Christ

The course is taught by a team of qualified instructors called Master Catechists. All Master Catechists are approved by the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry and complete a diocesan training program.

The California Catechist Certificate is granted for either one year or three years from the date of issue. Individuals who have not been supervised in their teaching will receive a provisional one-year Basic Catechist Certificate and eligible for an additional two years once their Parish DCM or School Principal has supervised their instruction. A three-year Basic Catechist Certificate is granted to individuals who have been supervised and recommended by their Parish DCM or School Principal.

Catechists who have been certified, must renew their certification every 3 years with thirty hours of renewal formation in the following ways:

• • Diocesan sponsored or approved conferences, workshops, or congresses that are designated for renewal credit;
  • Completing course work in the San Diego Diocesan Institute;
  • Completing approved courses in the areas of: Scripture, Religious Studies, Religious Education, Methodology, or Catechetics at a Catholic college, university or institution.
  • Completing a specialization in a given area, such as Preschool, Special Religious Education, RCIA, or Catechetical Methods.

Courses are offered in-person, online or hybrid formats during the year at various locations. Please check our events page for a current listing of upcoming courses.

There are no pre-requisites for taking the BCFC.

The cost for the course is $75. The Hybrid Course for Catholic School Teachers at USD is $150.

If you currently hold a California Catechist Certificate from any (arch)diocese in California, your certificate is valid in the Diocese of San Diego. Catechists who hold certification from another Diocese or who have a Masters in Theology, Religious Education, Catechetics may have the requirement for course work waived by submitting a profile which is available from the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry. The Director will review the profile and issue certification, or advise the catechist of coursework needed for certification.

Each parish and school site maintain an archive for each certified catechist; however, it is recommended that each individual keep a record of all formation events and hours attended. (See form under Renewal Requirements) If you are not affiliated with a parish or school and wish to remain in good standing, you must submit a list of all formation events attended and their catechetical renewal hours to the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry by June 1^st.

The Basic Catechist Formation Course (BCFC) is not to be re-taken for renewal. Catechists are encouraged to follow the renewal requirements guide for keeping their catechetical certificate current and in good standing. The BCFC may be re-taken if the catechist has taken a leave of absence or lapsed for two consecutive 3-year cycles.

Certification must be achieved within the ­first two years of hire or service at the parish or school.

For catechists not currently teaching at a parish or school, you may keep your certificate current by completing your required 30 hours of approved catechetical renewal. Upon receipt of renewal notification, you must submit proof of your catechetical renewal hours to the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry office by June 1st on the year your certificate expires. Upon approval, a renewal notice will be mailed.

California Catechist Certification may be achieved through satisfactory completion of three fifteen-hour Diocesan Institute courses as follows:

C110 – Catechism of the Catholic Church;
S120 – Catechetics;
S100 – Faith Growth: Childhood and Early Adolescence, or
S105 – Faith Growth: Adults

For further information and course descriptions regarding the San Diego Diocesan Institute Courses, please call the Institute Office at (858) 490-8212.
https://sdcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/diocesan-institute/certificates/english/Catechetical_Ministry.pdf

USD’s Hybrid Basic Catechist Certification