Rel Ed - Youth Faith Formation Certification

Catechist Certification

Two tracks have been prepared as options to meet the necessary catechetical certification requirements for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. 
Track I and Track II include combinations of the following:

A video assisted program entitled Echoes of Faith published by RCL is approved for the initial level of certification.  This program is facilitated through your parish.  Many parishes have purchased this series, however, the videos/DVDs are also available in the Archdiocesan Library.

The Adult Faith Enrichment series consists of 18 booklets of foundational faith topics which is used in totality or in part, depending on the certification track.  They are available by contacting St. Gregory's University in Shawnee.

A series of five Archdiocesan Youth Faith Formation Workshops present the fundamentals of catechesis and faith formation with children and youth.  These are used to some extent in each of the tracks.  Workshops are based out of the Archdiocesan Religious Education Office.  They are presented on Saturdays through the year in parishes throughout Archdiocese.

Workshop Schedule         Brochure         Certification Booklet

For more information regarding this program, please call This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at (405)721-1415.

Also Available through the Archdiocese:
Certification in Youth Ministry Studies Program (CMD)

Certification in Youth Ministry Studies Program
CMD Course Dates

For more information regarding this program,
please contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

 

Components of Youth Faith Formation Certification

Echoes of Faith is a video assisted program published by RCLBenziger and is approved for the initial level of certification.  This program is facilitated through your parish.  Many parishes have purchased this series, however, the videos/DVDs are also available in the Archdiocesan Library.  You can contact the Archdiocesan Libary by calling (405) 721-1910. Or e-mail the librarian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Titles:
Getting Started as a Catechist
Roles of the Catechist
The Person of the Catechist
Introduction to the Learner
Methods (for the level the Catechist teaches)
I Believe/We Believe
Liturgy & Sacraments
Catholic Morality
Prayer and Spirituality
Introduction to Scriptures

The Adult Faith Enrichment series consists of 18 booklets of foundational faith topics which is used in totality or in part, depending on the certification track.  They are available by contacting St. Gregory's University in Shawnee.

Titles:
Baptized and Confirmed: The Lay Vocation and the Mission of the Church
Theology of God
Sacred Scripture I & II & III
Theology of the Church
Social Teachings of the Church
The Prayer of the Church
Sacraments I & II
Fundamentals of Liturgy
History of the Church and Theology I & II
Morality I & II
Spiritual Life and Canon Law
Personal Spirituality and Daily Life
Ecumenism and Evangelism

Archdiocesan Youth Faith Formation Workshops present the fundamentals of catechesis and faith formation with children and youth.  These are used to some extent in each of the tracks.  Workshops are based out of the Archdiocesan Religious Education Office.  They are presented on Saturdays through the year in parishes throughout Archdiocese.

Each workshop has a participant handbook element.  The handbooks for all 5 workshops are published in one volume that participants will purchase at the initial workshop.  Workshops involve activities and games, therefore participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

In Workshop I: Principles of Catechesis, participants will:

  • define Catechesis,
  • review the history of Catechesis,
  • examine the context of Catechesis today in light of the new General
  • Directory for Catechesis,
  • explore new trends and approaches and
  • receive suggestions on how to be a better Catechist.

In Workshop II: Human Development Learning Needs participants will:

  • examine catechesis focusing on the whole person,
  • be given information on learning theories ,
    examine their own learning style and
  • review factors in human development.

In Workshop III: Creating Community and a Positive Learning Environment - Principles of Evangelization and Community Building the participants will:

  • review a synthesis of Catechesis and comprehensive youth ministry,
  • discuss cultural Christianity and conversion,
  • develop a definition of evangelization for Catholics,
  • examine:
    -a 3-phase model of Evangelization: Contact, Connection and Commitment,
    -a 5-step model of community building,
    -a 3-stage process for group development and dynamics, and
  • learn group facilitation skills.

In Workshop IV: Creating Community and a Positive Learning Environment II – Faith Expression and Development the participants will explore how to pass on the faith to our young people through prayer, liturgy and the sacraments by:

  • discussing what is prayer
  • learning ways of empowering youth to pray and to lead prayer
  • examining methods of communal faith expression and development: including retreats, camps, and outdoor challenge programs.

In Workshop V: Creating Community and a Positive Learning Environment III – Leadership Development and Opportunities to Exercise Faith in Action the participants will:

  • explore the importance and benefits of student leadership development,
  • look at Leadership as one of the components in Renewing the Vision,
  • look at good things young people need in their life and in themselves to succeed,
  • cover motivating, delegating and ministering collaboratively,
  • stress teamwork and community building,
  • practice leadership styles and skills,
  • look at Jesus as a leader, and spend time on stewardship, discipleship vocation awareness, service and advocacy.