Catechetics
 Planning tip: Catechetical Sunday is September 21, 2008. This year's theme is
"The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." 2008
materials are expected to be available in the spring through the USCCB website. For
more information, contact the USCCB's Division for Catechesis/Religious
Education at (202) 541-3000
Serra Catechetical Institute
 The new Serra Catechetical Institute (SCI) is a two-year process that includes formation for
catechists, Catholic school teachers, parents and all adults who want to live their Catholic faith more
deeply. SCI meets the formation requirements for the basic California
Catechist Certificate.
More information about SCI
The Department for Evangelization and Catechesis sponsors many
programs and events for ongoing formation. The DEC Event Calendar is constantly updated
with workshops and other formation opportunities for catechists and
other Catholics interested in ongoing formation. Check back often or subscribe using
Google.
 Mission
To assist catechetical personnel to pursue a total parochial formational experience for children, youth and adults.
A catechist is a person of faith who is called by the parish or school community to hand on the tradition and teachings 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 or her own life;
- realizes the importance of building Christian community;
- participates regularly in the liturgy;
- desires to deepen his or her own prayer life;
- respects individual growth, difference and cultures;
- is open to change, yet is rooted in Catholic Christian convictions;
- communicates effectively with others;
- is committed to on-going personal religious education and formation;
- has a dedication to service and commitment to teaching within the Roman Catholic tradition.
Basic Catechist Certification is a process through which a person gains basic knowledge and skills to communicate effectively the basic Catholic Christian message. The Bishops of California have established
criteria to promote and standardize the competence of catechetical programs. The Basic Catechist Certification course offered throughout the Diocese implements these guidelines. It is called formation,
for its object is not primarily to develop skills, but to develop the person as a proclaimer of the message of Jesus through his Church.
The California Catechist Certificate is recognized by any diocese in the state of California. The certificate is valid for three years.
Certification is granted after successful completion of the Basic Certification Course
(current offerings,
recertification form ), which is 60 hours, and be evaluated twice while functioning as a catechist.
All volunteers working with minors (age 17 and under) need to be screened.
Please contact the Safe Environment for Children office at the Diocese at (510)
893-4711.
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