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Initial Formation for Catechists
Moving from Certification to Lifelong Formation
(It's not just what you know, but WHO you know!)
At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus…Accordingly, the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch
but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the
love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 426; Catechesi Tradendae, 5)
After continued feedback from our catechists and catechetical leaders as well as long, prayerful consideration, we are happy to announce that we are moving away from a certification model to a lifelong formation model for catechists, which places the central emphasis upon discipleship and ongoing formation. This new focus will better engage catechists in their ongoing formation as disciples of Jesus Christ and more effectively equip and enable them to form others as disciples.
What does this mean?- New (or previously uncertified) catechists will engage in Initial Formation in order to gain a basic foundation in the Catholic faith through participation in five workshops (this will be adjusted for catechists who took previous courses).
- After establishing this basic foundation, catechists will be encouraged and expected to mature in faith through Ongoing Formation workshops and other opportunities each year - CLICK HERE for more information.
At the center of this entire process is discipleship! Our goal as catechists is to make disciples, and we cannot do this if our hearts are not on fire for the Lord.- The five Initial Formation workshops have some similarity with our previous eight basic certification courses. Those who were previously certified would begin immediately with Ongoing Formation, while those who were partway through the old certification process would engage with the workshops (courses) not previously taken.
- All five of the Initial Formation workshops will be offered this summer. For the sake of understanding the equivalency to previous courses, please note that 1) Profession of Faith – Jesus Christ = Creed + Christology; 2) Morality and Catholic Social Teaching = Personal Morality + Social Morality; and 3) Church History will now be offered as a part of Ongoing Formation.
Initial Formation Workshops
PRAYER, SACRAMENTS, & WORSHIP Instructor: TBD
Date/Time: TBD
This workshop will help catechists see the sacred within the ordinary and appreciate how the Catholic Church's life of prayer and sacraments puts one in touch with God. It offers an opportunity to explore the rich tradition of prayer, sacramental theology, and practice that is fundamental to Catholicism. It seeks to engage catechists in an encounter with this essential dimension of Catholic life so that they can better appreciate the meaning underlying the sacraments and their own lives.
PROFESSION OF FAITH – JESUS CHRIST Instructor: TBD
Date/Time: TBD
"This synthesis of faith was not made to accord with human opinions, but rather what was of the greatest importance was gathered from all the Scriptures, to present the one teaching of the faith in its entirety. And just as the mustard seed contains a great number of branches in a tiny grain, so too this summary of faith encompassed in a few words the whole knowledge of the true religion contained in the Old and New Testaments." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, as cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 186)
We profess faith in God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) each time we pray the Creed at Mass. Explore anew the history and meaning of our Creed and its profound relevance to our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
ECCLESIOLOGY AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH Instructor: TBD
Date/Time: TBD
This workshop explores the identity and nature of the Church, which is inseparable from its mission in and to the world. Participants will be drawn into the theology of the Church and discuss what it means to be members of the Body of Christ. Through this course catechists will better understand Christian discipleship as well as the meaning and significance of vocation in the life and mission of the Church.
MORALITY & CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING Instructor: TBD
Date/Time: TBD
“The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God.” - U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
This awareness of each person’s dignity encourages and enables us to consider how we use our freedom for our own good and the good of society. This workshop will engage participants in a reflection on natural law, conscience, virtue, and the elements of the moral act, while taking seriously the challenges of living a life of holiness in modern society. We will also explore the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching as outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the complementarity of charity and justice, and contemporary issues of peace and justice.
CATHOLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE Instructor: TBD
Date/Time: TBD
This workshop will engage participants in an introduction to the Catholic understanding of Sacred Scripture. We will explore the structure and content of the Bible, examining how Scripture leads us deeper into the mystery of God and his own self-revelation. Through discussion and participation in this course, the goal is for individuals to recognize and understand the central significance of Scripture in Christian life, worship, and catechesis.
When these Initial Formation workshops are offered via Zoom, please note that they are not webinars simply to be viewed.
In order to receive credit, participants must:- have video turned on
- be visible to the instructor
- be actively engaged in the workshop
Please Note:- If this is your first workshop/course, it is advisable that you begin with Profession of Faith – Jesus Christ
- Because these workshops are about formation and should not be rushed, you cannot take more than two workshops in the summer
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CATECHIST FORMATION
WORKSHOP REGISTRATIONThe cost of each workshop is $20 ($22 if paying by credit card) and can be paid online at the time of registration. All payments must be received one week before the course begins.
Fall Registration and Schedule coming soon
If you have any questions, please contact:
Deacon Michael Whitehouse (mwhitehouse@arch-no.org)