STEP 1 Application Form
Complete the Catechist Certification Application Form.
The form is found in Appendix A or can be obtained from the Parish Religious Education Office or Faith Formation Office of the Diocese.
Schedule and appointment with the Parish Director of Religious Education and bring the completed form with you. Be prepared to discuss the reasons for the selection of the grade level for which you desire to be trained.
STEP 2 Levels of Certification
There are two levels of CATECHIST CERTIFICATION:
CATECHIST (Level One)
MASTER CATECHIST (Level Two)
The descriptions of the class modules in each level are contained in this book. The class modules in CATECHIST level must be completed before modules are taken in the MASTER CATECHIST level.
STEP 3 Completion of Class Modules and Reflection Paper
Upon completion of a class module the instructor assigns a question pertaining to the class material for the catechist’s further reflection. The catechist responds to the question in writing (1-2 pages) and forwards the reflection paper to the Parish Office of Religious Education or in some circumstances to the Faith Formation Office of the Diocese.
When the reflection paper is received and reviewed by the Parish Director of Religious Education, credit will be given for the completed module on the Certification Record File in the Parish Office.
STEP 4 Retreat/Reflection Experience
Each year the Faith Formation Office of the Diocese as well as many of the parishes offer opportunities for days or evenings of reflection. Each catechist is required to participate in one retreat/reflection experience each year either on the diocesan or parish level. Classes offered in the area of spirituality (when it is not the require module for certification) would suffice for the retreat/reflection time.
STEP 5 Supervision of Catechetical Classes
Catechists working toward certification are supervised once each year by
the Parish Director of Religious Education. The evaluation process is
initiated by the Director of Religious Education. The Parish Director of Religious Education retain a copy of the evaluation in the Certification File.
STEP 6 Certification as CATECHIST
When a catechist completes the requirements for certification as a CATECHIST, he/she receives a CATECHIST CERTIFICATE. The same applies for MASTER CERTIFICATION.
STEP 7 Maintaining Certification
To maintain CATECHIST/MASTER CERTIFICATION a catechist continues to take classes/workshops offered by the Diocese of Reno and/or local parishes, and workshops connected with a conference sponsored by the Diocese of Reno or other dioceses/archdioceses.
Within a three year period a catechist needs to accumulate a total of 15 clock hours as follows:
· 3 clock hours in Catholic Doctrine.
· 3 clock hours in Catholic Morality.
· 3 clock hours in Scripture.
· 3 clock hours in Sacraments and/or Liturgy.
· 3 clock hours in Prayer and Spirituality.
· A yearly retreat is also required.
A completed verification form for classes/workshops sponsored by parishes or diocese other than the Diocese of Reno, needs to be given to the Parish Religious Education Office so that the credits will be recorded on the Achievement Record of the Catechist. Keep this Maintenance of Certification is conferred every three years when the requirements have been met.