Catechist Certification
Obtaining & Renewing a Catechist Certificate DSJ Cat Cert Brochure 2018 | Updated August 2018
Course Goals & Objectives
Renewal of Catechist Certification Report Submission
Certification Guidelines & Definitions
DEFINITIONS:
Catechists – teachers and administrators who are required to obtain and maintain catechist certification in the Diocese of San Jose: K-12 teachers of religion; K-8 full time teachers in any subject; K-8 homeroom teachers; all Preschool-12 administrators.
Basic Catechists – catechists who have 3 years from date of hire to complete the courses required for a Basic Certificate; preschool religion administrators who have until August 2018 to complete the courses required for a Basic Certificate.
Renewing Catechists – catechists who hold a Basic Certificate from the Diocese of San Jose or other diocesan entities; catechists who have a BA or MA in Religious Studies, Theology, hold an ILM diploma, or are members of a religious community; these catechists are required to complete 10 hours of catechetical formation (excludes retreats or prayer experiences) to renew certification annually.
Foundational Topics – Basic Certification (Echoes of Faith Plus for Catechist Formation) is obtained by attending Diocesan-sponsored programs that align with the Bishop’s guidelines.
Faith Formation Opportunities
Submit Reflection Within Two Weeks of Attendance (PDF, submit online)
Basic Certification Opportunities (open to all catechists)
Register for Faith Beyond 2000 (Offered by Catechetical Ministry)
Renewal of Certification (ONLY for those who hold a Certificate)
Book Discussion Guides
Videos (available from the Dept. of Education ONLY)
C21 Online (Boston College)
NEW: Webinar Opportunities for ALL Catechists
Sadlier Religion is offering free webinars for catechist formation. Catechists can view each of these webinars to receive one-hour of credit towards certification: http://goo.gl/e7aOHO
BASIC candidates: to receive credit, you must submit to the Dept. of Catholic Schools a reflection form within two weeks of viewing the webinar. Download the PDF or complete online.
RENEWING CATECHISTS: To receive credit towards the ten hours required for yearly recertification, submit reflections to your principal. Obtain prior approval from your supervisor before you take a class to ensure that it complies with the requirements for Catechist Certification.
Book Discussion Guides
Book Chats (Prepared by Mary Jo Sullivan-Worley & Christa Hanson)
Download documents below:
- Between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin, SJ GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Catechist’s Toolbox by Joe Paprocki GUIDING QUESTIONS
- The Future Church by John Allen GUIDING QUESTIONS
- The Future Church by John Allen LEADER GUIDE
- My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Prayer by Joyce Rupp GUIDING QUESTIONS
- To Teach As Jesus Did, USCCB GUIDING QUESTIONS
- What Makes Us Catholic by Thomas Groome GUIDING QUESTIONS
- THE GOOD POPE, John XXIII & Vatican II by Greg Tobin LEADER GUIDE
- THE GOOD POPE, John XXIII & Vatican II by Greg Tobin GUIDING QUESTIONS
- New Evangelization by Cardinal Donald Wuerl , GUIDING QUESTIONS
On Demand Webinars
The Baptismal Catechumenal Model
Catholic Social Teaching and Your Parish Catechetical Program
Catechizing with Symbols, Rituals, and Stories
Engaging Parents in the Life of the Parish
Five Ways to Teach As Jesus Taught
Learn: Finding a Language That Gives Life
Let the Children Come: The What, Why, and How of Children’s Catechesis
My Spirituality and the Spirituality of My Students
Partnering with Parents in Faith Formation: The Best Investment a Parish Can Make
Pray: The Background to All Our Days
The Six Tasks of Catechesis as a Unified Whole
10 Ways That Technology Can Improve Your Religious Education Session
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation Teaching and Celebrating the Gift of Christ’s Peace