STANDARDS FOR DIOCESE OF RENO MASTER CATECHIST CERTIFICATION
Content
A. Course of Studies to Obtain Diocesan Master Certificate
The course of studies is consistent with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The General Catechetical Directory and the National Catechetical Directory.
1. Doctrinal Development
a) Profession of Faith
Revelation
Scripture/Tradition
Faith Response
Trinity and the image of God
Christology
Redemption
Church
Mary and Saints
b) Celebration of the Christian Mystery
Paschal Mystery
Sacrament Theology
Liturgy
Sacraments of Initiation/Sacraments of Healing
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
c) Life in Christ
Dignity of Human Person (Virtues)
Sin, Grace, Redemption
Ten Commandments & Beatitudes
Catholic Social Teaching
Conscience Formation/Decision Making
d) Christian Prayer
Call to Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Prayer/Worship
Prayer Styles
Leading Prayer
2. The Nature of Catechesis and Catechetical Development
Faith and Human Development
Nature of Catechesis
Catechetical Process
Nature of Culture as a context for catechesis and religion
Evangelization and initiation
Learning styles & Teaching styles
Use of media and technology
Resources
Specialization: Cf. pg. 8? Above
In addition to the formation and course of studies required to obtain a Diocese of Reno Master’s Certificate, this course of study should include but is not limited to the following:
a) The teaching-learning process
a. Effective teaching methods and skills
b. How to recognize those with special needs
c. Communication and public speaking skills
d. Behavior management skills
e. How to evaluate textbooks and resources
f. Goal-setting and supervision of skills
g. Knowledge and use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
h. Curriculum development and adaptation
b) Adult, youth, and child psychological and moral development
c) Conflict-resolution skills
d) The psychology of religious development
e) Multi-cultural and ethnic realities
3. Spiritual Development of the Catechist
The course of study should include opportunities and directions in personal spiritual development.
Process
B. Diocesan Master Catechist Certification
While there is no specific length of study required to obtain a Master Catechist Certificate, the Bishop and/or his catechetical staff shall develop specific, professional criteria and time lines for awarding a Master Catechist Certificate. Completion of this criteria will be determined by means of:
· A review of the candidate’s application for the Master Catechist Certification,
· An interview of the candidate,
· A review of the candidate’s continuing education and formation,
· A self-evaluation conducted by the candidate, and
· The evaluation of the candidate’s supervised performance.
C. Expiration and Renewal
To renew this certificate, the Master catechist must complete at least five (5) hours in the above mentioned categories each year within a three year period, demonstrate on-going professional growth based upon his/her previous and current evaluations and serve as an instructor in the basic Catechist formation program.