Diocese of Reno

Guidelines for Obtaining

The Basic Catechist Certificate

The Master Catechist Certificate

PURPOSE OF THESE GUIDELINES

The Bishop of the Diocese of Reno, after consultation with the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Director of Catechetical/Youth Ministry and the Parish Directors of Catechetical Ministry, in order to promote effective catechesis and standardize the quality of the formation of catechists under his jurisdiction, promulgates these Guidelines for the Formation and Certification of Catechists and Master Catechists.

These Guidelines outline the process and standards where by a catechist can gain or renew the Diocesan Basic Certificate or an experienced catechist can gain or renew the Diocesan Master Catechist Certificate.

CATECHETICAL MINISTERY AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

“The church has always considered catechesis one of her primary tasks, for before Christ ascended to his father after His Resurrection, He gave the apostles a final command—to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to observe all that He had commanded. He thus entrusted them with the mission and the power to explain with authority what He had taught them, His words and actions, His signs and commandments. And He gave them the spirit to fulfill this mission.” (Catechesi Tradendae, #1)

In our time, the mission to teach as Jesus did is carried out through a variety of programs: Catholic elementary and secondary schools, parish catechetical programs for preschoolers through adults, programs for those with special needs, family programs, programs specifically for youth, young adults and RCIA groups. There is a myriad of opportunities and means “for teaching the Catholic doctrine and “initiating the hearers into the fullness of the Christian life.”(Catechesi Tradendae, 18) These different approaches to ministry all share one message, the redemptive love of our God. Catechists are people called and formed to work within a variety of these ministries but with a focused concern for those searching for the meaning of life. This variety of approaches is meant to be complementary; there is, indeed, a variety of gifts, but only one Lord.

“Total Catholic education is an ecclesial term used to identify the perspective of lifelong-formational ministries directed toward building up the Christian community, proclaiming the message, gathering in worship, and reaching out in service. Total Catholic education integrates the many diverse forms of parish and school catechetical and educational ministries into a united vision. Total Catholic education is a concept which recognizes that the potential of each ministry can be fully realized only when these ministries share a common vision and act upon this vision together with the other ministries. It is a powerful and dynamic concept.” “Those Who Hear You, Hear Me” (U.S.C.C.)

IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

The priority that the Church’s catechetical mission continues as an important concern has been affirmed by the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. As the twentieth century draws to a close, the church is challenged to renew her trust “in catechetical activity as a prime aspect of her mission.” (Catechesi Tradendae)

DIOCESAN RESPONSIBILITY

Every diocese, recognizing its individual needs and resources, has the responsibility to establish its own process to prepare and form catechists. Under the direction of the Diocesan Catechetical Ministry Office, Parish Directors of Religious Education are urged to follow the standards outlined in this document so that the catechists in their charge will be eligible to receive the Basic Catechist Certificate or the Master Catechist Certificate of the Diocese.

THE MISSION OF CATECHISTS IN THE LIFE OF THE FAMILY,

PARISH, AND SCHOOL

“Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of the Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family Catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2226)

Catechists are selected and commissioned “to proclaim Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community, to lead people to worship and prayer, and to motivate them to serve others.” (NCD # 213) When commissioned, the Catechist recognizes the faith community’s call and his/her dedicated response.

While catechists must realize “the faith is a gift and it is not ultimately their efforts…which lead people to accept faith and respond to it,” catechists should acquire the particular knowledge and skills that they need to assist adults, young people, and children, including those with special needs, to grow in faith. The training of catechist should equip them to effectively use available resources and to adapt these resources to the age, capacity, and culture of those they seek to reach. (NCD #213)

PERSONAL QUALITIES OF A CATECHIST

Persons who desire to become catechists should have:

A. A Strong awareness of the working of God’s grace in their lives and a growing faith-life in response to that grace;

B. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ, who is the center of the message;

C. A strong understanding of and love for the Church evidenced by a personal commitment to:

a. Catechize within the Roman Catholic tradition, in light of Vatican II and post-conciliar documents;

b. Participate actively and regularly in the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life;

c. Deepen an active prayer life;

d. Respect the diversity of culture

e. Serve with dedication.

D. An ability to appreciate different types and stages of individual growth and development;

E. An ability to communicate effectively with the persons to be catechized;

F. A willingness to continue their own religious education and formation.

THE SELECTION AND FORMATION OF CATECHISTS

The Pastors and catechetical leadership in parishes and schools have the duty to:

A. Screen candidates and evaluate their potential to become faith-filled and dynamic catechists;

B. Require candidates to complete the formation program for Catechist Certification as sponsored/developed by the diocese within the time period specified by the diocese;

C. Select, orient, commission, supervise and annually evaluate catechists—both those who hold certification and those in the process of obtaining certification;

Provide catechists with opportunities for continued personal, spiritual and professional development.

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