Catechist Formation
Welcome to the Catechist Formation pages for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Here you will find information pertaining to Catechist Formation, including training, resources and other related events and opportunities for learning designed to support the ministry of the catechist at both the initial (basic/intermediate) and advanced levels.
Use the tabs above to navigate to the area you are most interested in, or follow the questions/statements below.
By clicking on the appropriate statement, you will move to the most relevant information. To return to the top of the page, use the back button in your browser.
- What is a catechist?
- I am interested in learning about becoming a catechist in my parish.
- I am a catechist in my parish and I would like to get some training and/or formation to help me in my ministry.
- I am a catechist in my parish and would like to work toward California Catechist Certification.
- I am a certified catechist in my parish and would like some information about ongoing opportunities for formation and learning.
- I have ministered as a certified catechist for a few years now, and am interested in taking some more advanced courses.
What is a Catechist?
A catechist is a person of faith who is called by the parish or school community to hand on the tradition and teaching of the Catholic Church to others. This call demands that the catechist understand church doctrine and demonstrate appropriate teaching skills. More than that, a catechist realizes God’s voice in this call to serve, and recognizes the need for continuing personal growth and faith formation.
A catechist...
- has a strong awareness of God’s grace in his/her own life
- realizes the importance of building Christian community
- participates regularly in the liturgy and desires to deepen her/his own prayer life
- is open to change, yet is deeply rooted in Christian convictions while respecting individual growth, differences and cultures
- communicates effectively with others
- is committed to ongoing personal religious education and formation
- has a dedication to service and commitment to teaching within the Roman Catholic tradition.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles offers formation at both the basic and advanced levels. To read more detailed information click on the tabs at the top of this page.
I am interested in learning about becoming a catechist in my parish.
The best way to approach becoming a catechist in your parish is to speak with some of the people who are already involved in that ministry. If you are still a little unsure, it is sometimes a good idea to begin to help out in the parish or school religious education programs as a classroom aide. When you realize that you want to take the next step, it is a good idea to chat with the person in your parish who is responsible for the overall catechetical ministry. This person, often the parish Director / Coordinator of Religious Education, will be happy to get you involved and to help you discern the most appropriate next steps for you. Whatever steps you take, you want to give of the best of yourself in service of the ministry, and so your goal will include working toward being certified as a catechist.
I am a catechist in my parish and I would like to get some training and/or formation to help me in my ministry
Perhaps you are one of many good people who got involved in parish religious education programs with a story something like this: will tell stories of how they first got involved that start something like… “I was just dropping my daughter off for class when this lady asked me if I could fill-in and teach because the regular teacher was sick and couldn’t be there… That was two years ago… But now I realize that I need to do something to develop my own faith so that I can be a better catechist.”
Other catechists often get involved in the ministry because it is something they fell they can contribute to the life of their parish community. They planned on getting certified, but their schedules are busy – like most peoples – and so they kept putting off doing anything about getting some formal training for the ministry.
The Office of Religious Education provides many different opportunities for training and formation.
Age- and ministry-appropriate (e.g. elementary, youth, confirmation, adult) skills for sharing the faith are taught in specialized workshops. Formation in Personal Faith and Theology is offered in Ministry Formation Centers which take place in local parishes and which are taught by commissioned and certified Master Catechists Workshops and Learning Opportunities for catechists are offered continuously throughout the year by the Office of Religious Education Check out the latest offerings and download fliers by going to the “ORE Packet”We encourage you to take advantage of anything and everything that our office offers for your benefit. Ultimately, we encourage everyone who is involved in catechetical ministry to work toward California Catechist Certification.
I am a catechist in my parish and would like to work toward California Catechist Certification.
The Bishops of the California Catholic Conference establish the guidelines according to which certification is granted to those involved in catechetical ministry. Those who successfully who fulfill the requirements established in these guidelines are granted certification within their (Arch)diocese. Certification is recognized by all the (Arch)dioceses in the State of California.
Many catechists aren’t aware of how straightforward the process is to fulfill the requirements for certification as a California Catechist. The Office of Religious Education has developed a three-step process designed to lead to California Catechist Certification.
Step 1: Theology Phase (covering doctrinal themes)
Step 2: Specialization Phase (covering generation/age-appropriate areas of ministry)
Step 3: Practicum Phase (skills observation and evaluation)
Many catechists often remark how much of the ongoing education and formation they want to take advantage of, and by simply keeping a close record and following the steps, certification is not all that unattainable.
The Office of Religious Education strongly encourages all catechists to work toward certification to ensure the best possible resources for formation are available in our parishes.
Download a brochure containing information about catechetical ministry and the process for certification:
English ( 196kb)
Spanish ( 209kb)
I am a certified catechist in my parish and would like some information about ongoing opportunities for Formation and Learning
The Religious Education Congress, held at Anaheim, CA every year is the premiere event of its kind in the United States. Internationally acclaimed speakers on a broad variety of topics and themes related to church and ministry. This is a wonderful event in which to learn more about your faith and to grow in knowledge of the Church and our many ministries. Up to date information - including the dates of the next congress - is available on the Congress website.
Regional Congresses take place annually throughout the five pastoral regions of the Archdiocese. These events provide an opportunity to participate in workshops, deepen your knowledge of the faith, and develop skills for working in your particular area of ministry. For dates and other information contact the regional coordinators.
Distance Learning Opportunities are available through a partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton. Participants can study as their own personal schedule permits, using the online courses of study provided by the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation at Dayton University. If you are struggling to find the time in your calendar to participate in some adult learning opportunities, read more detailed information and discover if this is a suitable opportunity for you.
Special events particular to a focused area of catechetical ministry are offered throughout the year by consultants at the Office of Religious Education. These events are included in the Archdiocesan Calendar. To learn more, contact the Regional Coordinators, or the consultants responsible for the area of catechetical ministry in which you have an interest directly.
The Annual Silent Directed Retreat for Adults in Ministry is an experience of prayer, rest and relaxation in an environment of quiet and reflection. The opportunity is usually scheduled toward the end of June each year and numbers of participants are limited. More detailed information is available on the Adult Faith Formation pages.
I have ministered as a certified catechist for a few years now, and am interested in taking some more advanced courses
California Catechist Certification is offered at both the basic and the advanced levels through successful completion of the respective courses of formation offered by the Office of Religious Education as required by the guidelines of the California Catholic Conference.
Certified catechists who have been in ministry for some time may choose to apply for the Advanced Catechetical Ministries (ACM) program which prepares candidates for advanced leadership in catechetical ministry. It is through the successful completion of this program that Master Catechists are formed for their responsibilities as collaborators in the teaching office of the Archbishop by whom they are commissioned. More detailed information about this advanced-level ministry may be found by clicking on the advanced tab at the top of this page.
