Catechist Formation and Certification
Catechist Formation
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston offers may opportunities for catechists to grow into effective educators of the faith and assets to the faith formation of their parish.
These are the two programs that are the core of the Catechist Certificate Program
Formation Towards Catechetical Ministry (FTCM)
It is a three-semester program where catechists learn the basic theological knowledge that all teachers of the faith are called to pass on to their students.
This program also addresses the need of assimilating theological content through a process of spiritual reflection.
As a supplement to the curriculum of this program, all catechists are expected to take the CATECHESIS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY three-hour course offered by the office of adolescent Evangelization and catechesis.
Catechetical Modules
A series of 10 two-hour workshops where catechists learn pedagogical principles, a methodological teaching strategy based on sound educational research, as well as he different elements specific of the Catholic Faith that must be included in a well-rounded Catechesis.
In addition, there is a wide range of educational opportunities offered for the growth of those in Catechetical Ministry
Electives
Catechist seeking the Catechetical Ministry Certificate are expected to be constant theological, pastoral, and spiritual growth, based on their own areas of interest.
To that end, the office of Evangelization and Catechesis, many of the other archdiocesan offices, parishes and other organizations offer educational opportunities.
CAPERNAUM is the ideal place to look for different educational programs and opportunities. Here are some "keywords" you can use to search on your "search for learning" field when you log in to your CAPERNAUM account:
Catechetical Catechesis Bioethics Sexuality Family Liturgy Eucharist Eucharistic
Disabilities Sacramental Mentoring Marriage Baptism Confirmation Adults
In addition to CAPERNAUM, you can take courses, conferences, lectures, etc., offered outside of CAPERNAUM.
We do ask that you keep accurate records of the educational events you attend, as well as evidence (flyers, receipts, agenda, programs, instructor's name, credentials, affiliation, etc.) of the content of the event so that it may be considered towards the:
- 20 hours of elective work required for Catechist Certificate level 3 and/or the
- 30 hours of elective work required for catechist certificate renewal.
Catechist Certification
The certification program is outlined in the following graphic:
Requirements for Level 1 Catechist Certificate:
1. Complete one full semester of FTCM.
- You can complete this requirement by taking any one of the three semesters of FTCM.
- Every semester is made up of three courses of 5 sessions per course.
- To consider your semester completed you must attend all 15 sessions of the semester.
- If you miss a session, you must "make it up" before we can consider this requirement completed.
2. Complete the Day of Reflection for the semester of FTCM you take.
- In addition of attending the 15 sessions of the semester of FTCM, you are expected to attend and complete one Day of Reflection.
3. Complete any three of the ten catechetical modules.
- Although no specific order is required, we suggest you take Catechetical Framework, Lesson Design and Assessment Strategies before you start teaching or as soon as possible.
Although electives are not required for level 1 certificate, you could and should take any opportunities of interest you come across. Remember to keep evidence.
This PDF FILLABLE CHECKLIST will help you make sure you have completed all Level 1 Requirements (remember to SAVE your filled out form):
You must make sure your records match your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT.
For a video tutorial on how to find your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT, click here.
Requirements for Level 2 Catechist Certificate:
1. Complete one more full semester of FTCM.
- You can complete this requirement by taking any one of the three semesters of FTCM.
- Every semester is made up of three courses of 5 sessions per course.
- To consider your semester completed you must attend all 15 sessions of the semester.
- If you miss a session, you must "make it up" before we can consider this requirement completed.
2. Complete the Day of Reflection for the semester of FTCM you take.
- In addition of attending the 15 sessions of the semester of FTCM, you are expected to attend and complete one Day of Reflection.
3. Complete three more of the ten catechetical modules.
- Although no specific order is required, we suggest you take Catechetical Framework, Lesson Design and Assessment Strategies before you start teaching or as soon as possible.
Although electives are not required for level 2 certificate, you could and should take any opportunities of interest you come across. Remember to keep evidence.
This PDF FILLABLE CHECKLIST will help you make sure you have completed all Level 2 Requirements (remember to SAVE your filled out form):
You must make sure your records match your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT.
For a video tutorial on how to find your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT, click here.
Requirements for Level 3 Catechist Certificate:
1. Complete the last of three full semesters of FTCM.
- You can complete this requirement by taking any one of the three semesters of FTCM.
- Every semester is made up of three courses of 5 sessions per course.
- To consider your semester completed you must attend all 15 sessions of the semester.
- If you miss a session, you must "make it up" before we can consider this requirement completed.
2. Complete the Day of Reflection for the semester of FTCM you take.
- In addition of attending the 15 sessions of the semester of FTCM, you are expected to attend and complete one Day of Reflection.
3. Complete the last 4 remaining of the ten catechetical modules.
- Although no specific order is required, we suggest you take Catechetical Framework, Lesson Design and Assessment Strategies before you start teaching or as soon as possible.
This PDF FILLABLE CHECKLIST will help you make sure you have completed all Level 1 Requirements (remember to SAVE your filled out form):
You must make sure your records match your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT.
For a video tutorial on how to find your CAPERNAUM TRANSCRIPT, click here.
Outline of Program and Program Requirements