Formation Course for Catechists
The General Directory for Catechesis states: “Diocesan pastoral programmes must give absolute priority to the formation of lay catechists” (Article 234).
Through its vicariate co-ordinators, the Catechetical Office has organised Basic Formation and Intermediate Formation courses for catechists throughout the Archdiocese twice yearly. Each course requires 16 hours of instruction and emphasises the four essential elements of Content, Formation, Commitment and Mission, as directed in the Pastoral Letter of the Antilles Bishops Episcopal Conference “On the Ministry of Catechesis”.
Basic Formation Course
The content of the Basic Formation course has been packaged as a video series titled “Echoes of Faith”, covering:
- Ministry of Catechesis
- Faith and Moral Development
- Catholic Morality
- Prayer and Spirituality
- Methodology
- Liturgy and the Sacraments
- What the Church Believes
- Church Development
- Overview of Scripture
Intermediate Course
The Intermediate course, which is adapted in large part from the book “The Art of Catechesis” by Maureen Gallagher, includes:
- Understanding the New Vision of Total Parish Catechesis
- Knowing Those Whom You Catechise
- Exploring the Gospels
- The Church
- Prayer and Ritual
- Sacraments As Symbolic Actions
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Living the Christian Life
Over the past five years some 750 catechists completed the Basic course. A total of 652 persons completed the Intermediate course.
While these figures are heartening, we are fully cognisant of the need to increase our prized corps of trained volunteer catechists.
Basic Correspondence Course
Correspondence Course Registration
As a supplementary initiative, the Catechetical Office offers a Basic correspondence course as an alternative ongoing faith formation programme for catechists/teachers, especially for those unable to attend regular sessions. The lessons can be completed in one’s own time and in the comfort of one’s home. To date, some 1100+ persons have enrolled for the correspondence course, which addresses Catechesis, Theology and Methodology. This program is now available online. Check out our Online Course Registration page for more details.
Workshops
The Archdiocesan Catechetical Office embarked on a series of workshops for Parish Catechetical Coordinators during the period October 2015 – June 2016.
These workshops help teachers/catechists:
- develop spiritually
- gain greater knowledge of the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church
- enhance their skills and methods for effective delivery of the Religious Education programme in schools/parishes.
We express thanks to all our Parish Catechetical Coordinators for their ongoing commitment to Faith Formation in the parish.