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Christian Initiation Diocese of Charleston |
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Those who instruct others in faith formation
programs include volunteers in parish programs and professional teachers. All of them are devout Catholics who
are zealous to share their faith and to help impart that faith to the next generation. In order to be a catechist
(the official name for a teacher of religion), one must be an active Catholic in good standing with the Church,
approved by the pastor and the director or coordinator of religious education, cleared by a background check
conducted by the diocese’s Child Protection Services, and complete the prescribed Virtus training program required
of catechists.
In recent years catechists have been certified
through their participation in courses offered by the Institute of Pastoral Leadership (discontinued in 2005) and
through viewing and discussion of the Echoes of Faith series of faith formation for adults. In addition, catechists
have been offered the opportunity for theological education, biblical and liturgical formation, training in teaching
methods and the use of particular textbook series, and renewal and retreat opportunities on parish, deanery, and
diocesan levels. The parish’s DRE or CRE or the diocesan coordinator (listed with the Diocesan Board of Catechetical
Advisors) can refer catechists to offerings in their area. Fire at the Beach, a biennial diocesan conference held in
September 2005, 2007, and 2009 has been a major resource for catechists, parish ministers, and volunteers from across
the state. STAY TUNED AS PLANNING BEGINS FOR FIRE AT THE BEACH 2011!
The Catechist Certification
Requirements have been approved by Bishop Guglielmone. These requirements will assure that all catechists have the opportunity
for appropriate background in Sacred Scripture, basic doctrine, liturgy and sacraments, Catholic moral teaching, Catholic social teaching,
catechetical methods, and learning theory.
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Copyright © 2009 The Diocese of Charleston