HOURS REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATION:
Basic Certification 52 hours - Areas of Formation: Scripture & Theology (30 hours)/Catechetics & Methodology (16 hours)/Spiritual Formation (6 hours)

Validation of Basic Certification 14 hours - Scripture & Theology (6 hours)/Catechetics & Methodology (6 hours)/Spiritual Formation (2 hours)

Felician University
Online Courses for Catechists
https://www.felician.edu/form/online-religious-studies-four-week-program-registration-form

Fall Cycle Course One: The Disciple With Special Needs
"Being Church means being God’s people, in accordance with the great plan of his fatherly love. This means that we are to be God’s leaven in the midst of humanity. It means proclaiming and bringing God’s salvation into our world, which often goes astray and needs to be encouraged, given hope and strengthened on the way. The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel" (Evangili Gaudium 114).
The course introduces us to developmental and learning disabilities in order to gain a basic understanding.  We will distinguish between truths, myths and appropriate terminology to be used in relation to children with disabilities, which will help alleviate fears and misconceptions which can occur.  Inclusive learning and methods used to create a welcoming classroom environment for all those we catechize are discussed, with applied strategies to help catechist gather necessary information about their students.  Suggested opportunities to demonstrate methods which allow us to be welcoming and inclusive in all areas of faith formation are provided.
 
Fall Cycle Course Two: Unwrapping the Presence of God in the Sacraments
The goal of this course is to discover the foundation of the 7 sacraments of the Church and reflect on how they can impact our lives. Through these weekly sessions, along with the participant’s own experience, reflection and online discussions of the seven sacraments of the Church, we will acquire an understanding that the seven sacraments “touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life” (CCC #1210).

Summer Cycle Course One: The Catechist: Faithful Disciple
Discipleship can be embraced in many ways. One key way is through the ministry of catechesis which the Church calls primary. Apart from the Baptismal call, the catechist receives a call to a vocation within the Church to teach and witness to the Gospel and to discover the responsibilities and joys of the response. Jesus made it very clear to his disciples that the gifts and teachings he offered were not solely for themselves or their own personal benefit. The messages of salvation and good news were to be spread to the ends of the earth. The catechist in a special way follows the directive of Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen”. (Matthew 28:18-20). This course addresses what it means to be a disciple, drawing others to Jesus.

Summer Cycle Course Two: Teaching/Learning Skills to Hand on the Faith
As catechists, we are called to be missioners, witnesses to our faith, serving in whatever capacity necessary to pass on our faith to others from child through adult. We need to firmly believe in what we are teaching, such as the need for forgiveness, or loving our neighbor as ourselves. Our behavior and teaching should be carried out in a loving manner in conformity to the way God loves us. This course examines the definition and tasks of catechesis, the stages of intellectual and faith development, techniques for creating a positive learning environment and provides a roadmap for a successful catechetical experience. Leading any group without a plan creates a session that often goes nowhere. It is the equivalent of taking a road trip without using a map. It could turn out to be a great time, but you could also end up at a dead end. The course focuses on new catechists as well as those who desire to further hone their catechetical skills.
 

Assumption College for Sisters

Assumption College for Sisters welcomes lay persons to earn credits in theology and philosophy courses and to pursue the Certificate in Theological Studies. They are invited to audit any course and to attend workshops. Their presence is mutually beneficial to all members of the College community. By opening its doors to them, ACS deepens its commitment to the education of those who serve the Church through ministry.  https://acs350.org/
 

  A New Kind of Resource for Adult Faith Formation & RCIA

Symbolon is a bold vision for helping parishes with every aspect of Parish Faith Formation, RCIA and Adult Faith Formation.
The goal of Symbolon is to re-evangelize the faithful to form life-long disciples from the heart of the Church.
Symbolon invites  participants not to just know the faith but to surrender their daily lives to Jesus Christ. We do this by training parish leaders and equipping them with dynamic and faithful resources.

My Catholic Faith Delivered

Provides in-depth learning programs and video tutorials on the web for all levels of knowledge of the Catholic faith. The Catechist 101 online course designed to help catechists develop their teaching, spirituality and methods, also allows DREs to track progress. www.mycatholicfaithdelivered.com

Keep the Faith

50 downloadable talks by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on catechetical topics and the Catechism.
www.keepthefaith.org