Catechist Formation and
Certification This policy was promulgated
by Bishop J. Terry Steib on October 24, 2005.
Catechetical leaders and
teachers of faith to children, youth, and adults
engage in ongoing faith formation in accord with
the standards and course of studies approved for
the Diocese of Memphis.
Parishes and schools provide
annual opportunities for teachers and staff to
grow in knowledge of the Catholic faith through
local and/or diocesan programs.
The Diocesan Office of
Religious Education provides courses at central
locations, as well as at local sites, in
cooperation with local leadership. Courses are
available in Spanish and English.
Courses in line with the
Catechist Formation Course of Studies may be
taken through Christian Brothers University, the
Institute for Liturgy and Spirituality, online
programs, video options, and parish courses, in
consultation with the Office of Religious
Education. College credits and previous diocesan
certificates are recognized and applied to
certification.
Standards: Catechists who
teach children pre-K through Grade 6 work toward
the Intermediate Certificate. Catechists who
teach youth Grades 7-12 work toward the Advanced
Certificate. Catechetical Leaders and Catechists
of Adults hold the Professional Certificate or
equivalent.
Catechists take a minimum of
10 clock hours of study per year until they
reach their standard. To maintain certification,
all catechetical leaders and catechists take 5
hours of study per year, (or 10 hours/2 years),
with preference given to the Course of Studies
in the Certification program.
Levels of Certification: Basic
30 clock hours: 20 hours theology plus 10 hours
catechetical methods Intermediate 40 more hours:
30 hours theology plus 10 hours catechetical
methods Advanced 50 more hours: 40 hours
theology plus 10 hours catechetical methods
Professional 120 more hours: 110 hours theology
plus 10 hours catechetical methods
Theology Course of Studies:
Catholic Faith Foundations Based on Scripture,
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other
Church documents. Catholic Belief (10-20 hours)
Catechism Pt. I Catholic Bible Overview (10-20
hours) Catholic Worship (10-20 hours) Catechism Pt.II Catholic Church History (10-20 hours)
Catholic Morality (10-20 hours) Catechism Pt.III
Catholics and Other Faith Traditions (5-10)
Catholic Prayer (5-10 hours) Catechism Pt.IV
Catholic Spirituality (5-10)
Catechetical
Methods/Competencies (5-10 hours) include:
Mission to Teach Echoes of Faith Catechist
Formation Catechetical Experience in Years
Mentoring Catechesis of Good Shepherd Preparing
Group Prayer/Retreats Lector Formation Preparing
Children for Sacraments Liturgies with Children
Eucharistic Minister Formation Applied
Psychology/Interpersonal Dynamics/Learning
Styles Effective Director of Religious Education
Spiritual/Religious Potential of Different
Groups Adult Faith Formation Catechetical
Methods for: Children /Youth /Those with Special
Needs For more information, call Office of
Religious Education (901)373-1203/1222
