Educational Background: Basic Certification

The Basic Catechist Certification requires formation in the following content areas: Methodology in Catechesis, The Creed, Catholic Scripture: Bible Basics, Liturgy, Sacraments, Morality, and Christian prayer.

View a summarized Basic Catechist Certification Compatibility Courses List (PDF)

Formation Sources

Online: Catechetical Institute from Franciscan University of Steubenville (CI)

Online: University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) 

Online: University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life, (STEP)

Doorways to Faith Formation

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

See below for specific courses relative to each option.

CI (Franciscan University)

The Diocese of Raleigh is excited to begin an official partnership with the Catechetical Institute from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Complete the Basic Diocesan Catechist Certification Track.

Specific Courses:

  • The Vocation of the Catechist
  • Jesus: The Christocentricity of Catechesis
  • The Deposit of Faith: An Introduction to the Catechism
  • Essential Link Between Liturgy and Catechesis
  • Scripture: The Heart of Catechesis
  • Sacred Scripture: The Big Picture
  • The Ecclesial Method
  • Child Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles
  • Adult Catechetical Methodologies & Learning Styles
  • Prayer: Introduction to the Spiritual Life of the Catechist
  • The Trinity
  • Christ: His Person & Works
  • The Sacramental Economy
  • Unlocking the Rich Treasure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Part 3

Register by visiting: https://franciscanathome.com/raleigh

VLCFF (University of Dayton)

Courses are offered at a discounted rate ($50.00) because the diocese maintains a membership.

Specific courses:

  • Introduction to Catechesis
  • Catholic Beliefs
  • Bible Basics or Introduction to Scripture
  • Introduction to Liturgy
  • Introduction to Christian Morality
  • Sacraments
  • Introduction to Prayer

Register by visiting: https://vlcff.udayton.edu/

STEP (University of Notre Dame)

Courses are offered at a discounted rate ($50.00) because the diocese maintains a membership.

Specific Courses:

  • The Art of Catechesis
  • The Creed
  • Liturgical Theology
  • Scripture (Choose ONE of the scripture classes, such as Introduction to the New Testament, Introduction to the Old Testament, The Synoptic Gospels, etc.)
  • Introduction to the Sacramental Theology
  • The Christian Conscience & Ethical Dilemma
  • On Prayer

Register by visiting: https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/step/

Note: To obtain the discounted rate enter “Raleigh” as the Promotional Code.

These are our recommended low-cost scholarship sources. Contact us with specific questions for other programs.

Doorways (Parish Based Model)

Specific Courses:

  • Catechetical Methods and Skills
  • The Creed
  • Introduction to Scripture
  • Introduction to Christian Morality
  • Introduction to the Sacraments
  • Introduction to the Liturgy
  • Introduction to Christian Prayer

Contact a participating parish to register.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CSG)

Being trained in CGS requires specific formation (Level 1, 2, and 3). Examples of the levels that provide a foundational overview from CGS are:

  • Certificate of Completion Level 1 (2 and 3)

Equivalency

If you have a combination of college, online, Doorways courses and/or hold a Catechist Certificate from another diocese, and are interested in obtaining the Basic Catechist Certification, then please contact the Certification Specialist at registerme@raldioc.org so that your documentation may be reviewed.