Certification Requirements
Catechist Formation and Certification
Specialization Certification
California Catechist Certification
Tessera in Catechetical Ministry
Certification Renewal
Catechist Formation And Certification
The Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry views catechist formation at every level—preschool through adult—as one of its primary goals and provides programs of certification and renewal to meet that end. In accord with the California Catholic Conference of Bishops and the policies for educational ministry in the Diocese of San Diego, every catechist should hold current catechist certification or be in the process of obtaining certification.
According to diocesan policy, catechists may be certified in any of the following ways:
- By completing the Basic Catechist Formation Course (available online, hybrid and in-person);
- By completing the catechist certification courses through the San Diego Diocesan Institute;
- By completing the University of San Diego’s Hybrid Basic Catechist Course (available only for catholic school teachers);
- By completing those requirements identified by the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry through evaluation of an individual profile obtained from the Office.
Selection and Formation of Catechists
The Guidelines for obtaining the California Catechist Certificate or California Master Catechist Certificate state that it is the responsibility of pastors and catechetical leadership to:
- Call forth and screen candidates and evaluate their potential to become faith-filled and dynamic catechists;
- Require candidates to complete formation programs for catechist certification;
- Select, orient, commission, supervise and annually evaluate catechists;
- Provide catechists with opportunities for continued personal, spiritual and professional development.
Qualities of the Catechist
Prospective catechists should reflect the following qualities:
All catechists should be “practicing Catholics who participate fully in the communal worship and life of the Church.” (NDC, p. 228)
- A strong awareness of God’s presence and a growing faith in response to that grace;
- A personal commitment to Jesus Christ;
- A strong sense of Church evidenced by the awareness of the importance of building Christian community, and commitment to teaching in the Roman Catholic tradition according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church;
- A deepening prayer life, participation in liturgy and dedication to service;
- A respect for individual growth and differences;
- An openness to change and deep Christian conviction;
- An ability to communicate effectively;
- A willingness to continue one’s own formation.
Specialization Certification
Specialization Certification is issued for three years and is renewable by attending at least thirty hours of course work or workshops. Diocesan specialization courses do not qualify a person for California Catechist Certification, but automatically count towards renewal of the California Catechist Certification and may be applied for Advanced Catechist Certification for the person who already holds a California Catechist Certificate.
Preschool Certification
The Diocesan Preschool Certification Course is designed to equip beginning catechists/teachers with sufficient background and skill to begin teaching at the preschool level. The course offers resources, methodology and practical ideas according to the liturgical year so the catechist/teacher can effectively implement a variety of age appropriate activities.
Special Religious Education Certification
The Special Religious Education Certification Course provides catechetical formation for catechists of persons of any age with mild to severe learning and/or physical disabilities. Certification is granted upon completion of the Special Religious Education coursework.
California Catechist Certification
Basic Catechist Formation Course
The Basic Catechist Formation Course is a 48-hour course offered at different parish locations throughout the diocese. The course, which incorporates the six tasks of catechesis and uses various methodologies suggested in the Directory, is offered for all catechists—preschool through adult. It is designed to provide beginning parish or school catechists, or those needing renewal in catechetics, with a knowledge of the Catholic faith and Christian living as well as the skills and techniques which are necessary to hand on the faith, encourage a deeper relationship with Christ and promote discipleship and evangelization.
Upon successful completion of the course, which is in compliance with the Guidelines for Obtaining the California Catechist Certificate issued by the California Catholic Conference, catechists receive California Catechist Certification.
There are no academic pre-requisites for taking the Basic Catechist Formation Courses sponsored by the Diocese.
Goals of the Course
- To develop or deepen a sense of vocation to serve as a catechist and to explore the qualities needed to respond to the call.
- To develop basic knowledge, skills and abilities needed to communicate the Gospel message effectively.
- To understand basic Catholic doctrine as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- To understand and implement the tasks of catechesis as described in the NDC.
- To experience Christian community through prayer, liturgical experiences, witnessing and group learning situations.
- To encourage ongoing study, growth, conversion and renewal.
- To stimulate an evangelizing spirit and
enthusiastic discipleship.
Instructors
The Basic Catechist Formation 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.
Course Location/Costs
The Basic Catechist Formation Course is offered at various parish locations throughout the Diocese. The cost of the course is $75.00 and includes handouts, Catechism of the Catholic Church or the National Directory of Catechesis (if the student already has the CCC) and the use of resource materials. The current listing of courses can be found on our events page.
Diocesan Institute
The San Diego Diocesan Institute offers courses to provide foundational theology for persons interested in ministry. Most courses can be used toward obtaining diocesan ministry certificates and for renewal of catechist certification.
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.
Waiving Course Requirements
Catechists who hold certification from another Diocese within the state of California or who have a strong background in Theology and 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 additional coursework needed for certification.
Tessera in Catechetical Ministry
The Tessera in Catechetical Ministry is offered as an opportunity for catechists who wish to progress in their formation in a systematic fashion. The certificate, issued for three years, will supersede the Basic Catechist Certificate and may be renewed by 30 clock hours of renewal work.
The requirements for Tessera in Catechetical Ministry are as follows:
- Current California Catechist Certification;
- Three to five years experience as a catechist;
- Sixty clock hours of coursework in the San Diego Diocesan Institute, parish courses or video courses offered at the parish level, or equivalent course work as evaluated by the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry;
- Letter of recommendation from DCM or Coordinator.
Certification Renewal
Certification of the fully certified California, Diocesan, or Advanced catechist expires three years from the date of issue. Certification is renewed in one of the following ways:
- Completing thirty clock hours in Diocesan sponsored or approved conferences, workshops, or congresses that are designated for renewal credit;
- Completing thirty hours of 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 or university;
- Completing a specialization in a given area, such as Preschool, Special Religious Education, RCIA, or Catechetical Methods.