Vancouver Archdiocesan Certificate in Catechetical Formation

Certificate For:
THOSE IN CATECHETICAL MINISTRY, LAY MINISTRY, AND OTHER INTERESTED ADULTS

The Archdiocesan Certificate in Catechetical Formation program is designed to assist the various ministries in developing the skills needed for journeying with others in faith development. These courses fit the needs of today and include a Basics of the Faith course.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
&
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

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This catechist formation program is designed to help the various parish ministries: PREP (Parish Religious Education Program), RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and LWC (Liturgy of the Word With Children). All interested adults may benefit in developing the skills needed for journeying with others in faith development. The courses cover basic theology and spiritual formation as well as educational methodology. Depending on the specific ministry, the requirements vary in the course curricula and all include electives, a Basics of the Faith course and a retreat.

The following course & retreat apply to the certificate programs (PREP, LWC & RCIA):

Basics of the Faith
The "Basics of the Faith" is a 24 hour course spread over four days covering the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. The course will be given two days at a time and will be referred to as section A and section B. These sections can be taken in any order.

Emmaus Journey Retreat - This retreat is offered every year (or two) and walks the retreatants through the process of how Jesus taught the disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus. There is ample time for reflection and will include time for group process and interaction.

SPECIFIC MINISTRY CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Certificate Requirements:
 

Basics of the Faith (Sections A & B)
Beginning Catechist Training
Classroom Planning
Children & Prayer
Classroom Management
Elective
Emmaus Journey Retreat

Course Descriptions:

• Basics of the Faith - see description

• Beginning Catechist Training - This course will explore the noble vocation of the catechist and will offer the beginning catechist the basic methods and tools needed to facilitate catechetical formation in the classroom. Topics will include: lesson planning, basic classroom management, learning styles, and stages of development.

• Classroom Planning - "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!" Planning is the key to ensuring a quality learning experience for the children in your class. The participants will be lead through a variety of strategies for planning an effective catechetical year as a catechist. Calendaring for the liturgical year, choosing appropriate resources and assessment tasks to address the Religious Education Framework Learning Outcomes, and creative methods for facilitating catechesis are some of the strategies in which the participants will engage.

• Children & Prayer - This course is designed to help catechists lead their students to an appreciation of the centrality of the Eucharist and the importance of prayer in our lives. There will be opportunities to participate in prayer and plan prayer experiences using a variety of resources.

• Classroom Management - This course will focus on skills and ideas to help catechists create a religious education classroom conducive to learning and celebrating. Participants will explore topics such as: creating a positive classroom environment, establishing classroom norms and consequences, conflict resolution, safety rules, group management, as well as communication skills. It is suggested that the Beginning Catechist Training be taken prior to this course.

• Elective - Electives are offered during each Institute and throughout the year.

• Emmaus Journey Retreat - see description

Certificate Requirements:
 

Basics of the Faith (Sections A & B) or Equivalent
Beginning RCIA Training/Handbook
Adult Methodology and Facilitation Skills
RCIA Planning
Prayer & RCIA Rites
Elective
Emmaus Journey Retreat

Course Descriptions:

• Basics of the Faith - see description

• Beginning RCIA Training/Handbook - This is an invaluable course and a must for those involved in RCIA. An overview of the RCIA process will be presented, including the various stages, liturgical rites, ministries and terminology. The course will refer to the approved "Catechesis in the RCIA" in order to assist in the training of individuals new to the process as well as those interested in becoming involved in the ministry of RCIA.

• Adult Methodology and Facilitation Skills - The participants will explore the many ways in which adults learn and how the Rite of Christian Initiation addresses this reality. This course will enable participants to design adult learning sessions which honour individual learning styles and balance content and process. It would be of particular interest to RCIA team members and those working in other areas of adult catechesis, including Coordinators of PREP & LWC, as well as others in leadership.

• RCIA Planning - The participants will be led through the various tyupes of planning needed for catechetical sessions, Sunday Mass dismissals, and integrating doctrine and the liturgy.

• Prayer & RCIA Rites - This course will give a basic understanding of the RCIA rites as the central focus of initiation. It will examine the effects of the RCIA's major and minor rituals on the catechetical and spiritual formation of those in the process. Practical ways of implementing prayer in order to foster conversion to Christ will also be addressed.

• Elective - Electives are offered during each Institute and throughout the year.

• Emmaus Journey Retreat - see description

Certificate Requirements:
 

Basics of the Faith (Sections A & B)
LWC Orientation & Training
Overview of Liturgy
Overview of Scripture
Breaking Open the Gospels
Elective
Emmaus Journey Retreat

Course Descriptions:

• Basics of the Faith - see description

• LWC Orientation & Training - This course is a must for all novice presiders as well as a wonderful refresher for other team members. This is a practical, step-by-step course that will assist you in preparing the Liturgy of the Word with Children. The planning and implementation of Children's Liturgy will be discusses as well as the basic management and presentation techniques.

• Overview of Liturgy - This course is applicable to all ministries. It will offer a basic understanding of liturgy and the Mass. The course will look at the structure of the Mass, the history of liturgy, the liturgical calendar (ORDO) and seasons, music in the liturgy as well as the vestments and sacred vessels used in Mass. This course will end with a Mass which the participants will help to prepare.

• Overview of Scripture - This course is designed to give an overview of the whole of Scripture. It will give the participants a greater understanding of the gospels through the lens of the Old Testament. It will cover the main characters in the Old Testament through to the life of Jesus and the beginning of the church. It is a valuable course for Liturgy of the Word presiders or anyone wanting a better understanding of the ‘big picture' of Scripture. 

• Breaking Open the Gospels - "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Break open the Gospels using many different methods including reading the Scriptures, personal reflection, retelling the story and group study. Participants will also learn about the Gospel writers, New Testament culture and times, the modern lectionary and early liturgy. This course provides practical applications for approaching the Gospels for yourself and for those you teach. A valuable course for teachers, Children's Liturgy (LWC), PREP, RCIA, and anyone interested in deepening their faith through Scripture and reflection.

• Elective - Electives are offered during each Institute.

• Emmaus Journey Retreat - see description
   

Note: The Certificate in Catechetical Formation courses are offered at the various mini-institutes throughout the calendar year.

When the planning is completed, the seasonal mini-Institute date(s), locations and courses will be available through our website.

These courses are designed to:

• increase your knowledge of the faith

• prepare you for active involvement in Parish ministry

• deepen your knowledge about the faith while already serving in parish or school ministry

• flexible and personalized formation in the faith

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

A registration flyer will be mailed to all LWC, PREP, and RCIA coordinators, principals of catholic schools, youth ministry coordinators, and parish secretaries about two months in advance. You can also contact the Office of Religious Education at 604-683-0281 and a registration flyer can be mailed directly to you. You can also register online.