"Formation is not the privilege of a few, but a right and duty of all. [...] The more we are formed and the more we feel the need to pursue and deepen our formation, still more will we be formed and be rendered capable of forming others." (Christifideles Laici 63)
OUR GOALS
- Provide a solid and complete introduction to the Catholic Faith to the laity
- Provide foundational elements of spiritual development and ministerial identity building for the laity
- Provide the coursework required for Basic Catechist/Lay Ministry Certification
- Provide the coursework required for Renewal of Certification
OUR AUDIENCE
- Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic Faith
- Catechists
- Catholic School teachers
- Other lay ministers
- Candidates for the Deaconate program
Course- Introduction to the Catholic Faith: Catechetical Foundations
PURPOSE
Catechetical Foundations is a course for anyone in the Diocese of Sacramento who wishes to understand the fundamentals of the Christian Faith and how to pass it on to others. In particular, it is for parish leaders, catechists, teachers, homeschooling parents, and those involved in pastoral or liturgical ministries. Upon completion of the course, participants can use this formation toward Catechetical Certification with the Diocese of Sacramento. This formation is designed to ensure catechists are fit for the mission: not only to impart knowledge of the faith, but to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Online classes are offered every January and October
- Only 1-2 hours a week of independent work in addition to the monthly group gathering.
- Live classes are offered in English and Spanish at the Diocesan Formation Centers.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.scd.org/catecheticalfoundations
These courses can be applied towards Basic Catechist/Minister Renewal.
Notre Dame STEP Online
Our partners at the University of Notre Dame's McGrath Institute offer online theology courses that are well-suited for catechists, school teachers, lay ministers, deacons, and all adult Catholics who seek to learn how to address pastoral challenges and share the faith with everyone they meet. The Foundations of Catholic Belief course can be applied toward the Basic Catechist/Minister Certification. This is an intensive course of 6-7 weeks that requires 4-6 hours per week of independent and group work. For more information: https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/step/courses/foundations-of-catholic-belief/
Augustine Institute
Augustine Institute's Catechist Certification program can be applied toward the Basic Catechist/Minister Certification. Independent course of study consisting of 30 hours of combined work of video watching, tests, and readings. Done at your own pace.
Click here for registration and information.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATION
If you are a Catholic School Teacher looking to earn a Catholic School Teacher Certification, please get in touch with the Office of Family & Faith Formation at (916) 733-0177