FAQs

What is the process for certification in the Diocese?

The Diocese has three levels of catechist certification.

• Introductory Level (18 hrs) = Completion of Course 1: Person as Catechist.
• Basic Level (40 hrs) = Completion of Introductory Certification and 22 hrs (11 sessions) from any other course.
• Advanced Level (64 hrs) = Completion of all courses.

Individuals are required to earn 6 clock hours of methods  (0.6 CEUs) every two years to keep their Advanced Level certification active.

Click here for a printable copy of the requirements.
 

Can I get credit for attending a parish or diocesan event?

You can earn methods or enrichment credit for an approved parish (ie mission, bible study, lecture series) or diocesan event.

See: columbuscatholic.org/me-opportunities for a list of options to complete this requirement.

Interested persons should submit their request for credit through the Teacher Catechist Certification Database. All parish catechists should have account in the database.  For assistance contact helpdesk@columbuscatholic.org or the Office of Religious Education and Catechesis, 614-221-4633.
 

What opportunities do I have to achieve certification in the diocese?

• Diocesan certification courses offered by the Office of Religious Education and Catechesis or by a local parish
• Parish sponsored events for methods/enrichment credit
• On-line Courses or Webinars
• Submit transcripts from college courses taken at a catholic institution

 

I would like to offer Course 1 for my parish what options do I have?

There are two primary options when presenting Course 1:

• A Master Catechist may present the course sessions, using the Diocesan Course notes
• A Facilitator may present the sessions using the video assisted, "Echoes of Faith" program

 

I am a catechetical leader and my parish is hosting an event.

What forms do I need to fill out to get certification credit?

Log into your parish account at the Teacher Catechist Certification Database. Select the option to create a class. Provide the required information, including an outline of the event-detailing the content covered and the amount of credit requested.  Once the event is approved you will be receive instructions for adding participants and submitting payment for credit.

 

I am hosting an Echoes of Faith certification event, what forms do I need to fill out?

• Log into your parish account at the Teacher Catechist Certification Database. Select the option to create a class. Provide the required information, including an outline of the event-detailing the content covered and the amount of credit requested.  Once the event is approved you will be receive instructions for adding participants and submitting payment for credit.

 

Who can teach a certification course?

• Only “Master Catechists” may teach a diocesan certification class.
• To be a Master Catechist one must have earned a master’s degree in religious education or a related field. Their coursework must meet all the major objectives of the certification courses and they must have a recommendation about their ability to teach a class.
• Priests, deacons and religious who do not have a master’s degree must show comparable academic work and have a recommendation about their teaching ability.