Catechist Certification
Parish catechists of adults, youth and children teach the faith in service of the Church’s mission to pass on the faith to all generations. Knowledge of the faith is essential to the New Evangelization, for only faith that is known can be lived with confidence and shared with others. These revised certification requirements apply to all diocesan parish catechists, including those involved in high school programs both youth ministry and religious education.
The strength of our parish catechetical efforts is dependent on the strength of our catechists. The Office of Catechesis provides excellent and accessible courses for catechists to gain the necessary knowledge to fully implement our diocesan curriculum and the USCCB High School Religion Standards for Youth Ministry and Religious Education as well as required training in catechetical methodology. Online and in-parish core courses are available in both English and Spanish. Online courses are fully accessible.
Level 1 Catechist Certification: Called to Teach
To obtain Level 1 Certification a Catechist Must:
- Take part in an initial interview with pastor or catechetical leader;
- Fulfill the CMSE process as outlined in the Diocese of Corpus Christi Safe Environment Policy;
- Be an approved volunteer at the parish in which you are seeking certification (verified through ParishSoft):
- Complete the Level 1 Courses through https://www.faithformationcc.com/ or in a parish from a diocesan approved instructor;
- Participate in a 1-day Spiritual Retreat at a location of your choosing (online retreats are acceptable). An elective can be taken in place of a retreat. •
- Complete Catechist Certification Packet with required Recommendation Form, Personal Statement and $5.00 application fee in the form of a Check made out to the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Level 1 Courses
- Introduction to Creed and Scripture
- Introduction to Liturgy and Sacraments
- Introduction to Christian Morality
- Catechesis 101 The Ministry of Catechesis
- Prayer and Spirituality
Level 2 Advanced Catechist Certification: Called to Serve
To obtain Level 2 Certification a Catechist Must:
- Fulfill any CMSE updating requirements as outlined in the Diocese of Corpus Christi Safe Environment Policy.
- Be an approved volunteer at the parish in which you are seeking certification (verified through ParishSoft);
- Complete at minimum 2 year as a Catechist under the Level 1 Certification at the Parish you are seeking certification;
- Complete the Level 2 Courses through https://www.faithformationcc.com/ or in a parish from a diocesan approved instructor;
- Complete Ministry formation workshops online;
- Participate in a 1-day Spiritual Retreat at a location of your choosing (online retreats are acceptable). An elective can be taken in place of a retreat.
- Complete Catechist Certification Packet with required Recommendation Form, Personal Statement and $5.00 application fee in the form of a Check made out to the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Level 2 Courses and Workshops
- Scripture: Old and New Testament
- Creed II
- Christian Morality II
- Liturgy II
- Catholic Prayer and Spirituality
- Ministry Formation: Workshops-5 Workshops online only