Catechetical Certification - Diocese of Santa Rosa

I. Introduction

Welcome to the catechist formation pages for the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Here you will find information pertaining to catechist formation, including training, resources and other related events and opportunities for learning designed to support the ministry of the catechist at both the basic and master level.

II. What is a catechist?

A catechist is a person of faith who is called by the parish or school community to hand on the tradition and teaching of the Catholic Church to others. This call demands that the catechist understand Church doctrine and demonstrate appropriate teaching skills. More than that, a catechist realizes God’s voice in this call to serve and recognizes the need for continuing personal growth and faith formation.

A catechist …

has a strong awareness of God’s grace in his/her own life
realizes the importance of building Christian community
participates regularly in the liturgy and desires to deepen her/his own prayer life
is open to change, yet is deeply rooted in Christian convictions, while respecting individual growth, differences and cultures
communicates effectively with others
is committed to ongoing personal religious education and formation
has a dedication to service and commitment to teaching within the Roman Catholic tradition.

III. Guidelines & Forms

Sufficient support to enable adults to become a catechist should be provided by the parish in the form of consultation and the encouragement of active involvement.

The preparation to become a catechist is through formal classes provided by the diocese. The locations of these classes vary each year.

The Dept. of Catholic Schools and the dept. of Religious Education collaborate to provide certificate for Catholic school personnel. Catholic school personnel in the Diocese of Santa Rosa should contact the Dept. of Catholic Schools for more information.

A. FORMS IN ENGLISH (TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION)

Form 1: Check List

Form 2: Application For Certification

Form 3: Certification Record of Attendance (contact office after registering)

Form 4a: Teaching Observation (to be completed by Master Catechist)

Form 5: Reference Letter (from pastor, priest, Master Catechist or DRE/CRE authorized and pre-approved by Dept. of Religious Education)

Complete Fingerprinting (contact Safe Environment Office for assistance)

Complete Diocesan Online Training

B. FORMS IN ENGLISH (TO RENEW CERTIFICATION)

Form 10: Application For Re-Certification

Fingerprinting should be on file.

Complete any Diocesan Online Training.