Religious Education > Continuing Development in Catechesis for Catholic Schools

Many Catholic school catechists have worked very hard to complete the certification requirements of the diocese.  Others are committed to finishing their required courses within the seven-year time frame.   However, the required courses in the certification program are really only the most basic presentation of the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.   There is a need for continuing development in catechesis for Catholic school faculties in order to maintain the level of knowledge that is necessary for effective catechesis in the world today and to address needs not covered in the required courses. 

Continuing Development Policy: The policy on continuing catechetical development requires schools to schedule a workshop in a predetermined area of concentration each year.  The areas of concentration would rotate over a six-year cycle with all schools addressing the same area in a particular year.   Each of the workshops could be completed in a 3-hour period of time.  The workshops could be scheduled at orientation meetings at the beginning of the year or at in-service meetings at some point during the year on an early release day or days.   The 3-hour timeframe could be scheduled in one session or divided into two one and one half hour sessions. Continuing development workshops may not take place on the faculty retreat day.  Attendance at the Religious Education Institute or an alternative to the Institute does not fulfill the requirement for continuing development.

The Process: Each year, one of the areas below would be the focus for continuing development at all schools across the diocese.   The areas of concentration listed below make up a six-year rotating schedule.  At the beginning of the year each school may discuss their needs and set a continuing development goal within that area of concentration for the year.  Below each area of concentration are some suggested workshop topics within that area of concentration to assist faculties in planning.   Faculties may request other workshop topics within the area of concentration if they wish.

The staff of the Religious Education Office will be available to present the workshops, however, a priest, deacon or other qualified person may also present.  Principals may either schedule a workshop with the Office or use the enclosed form to submit a plan for how their school will implement continuing development for the year.  

This policy will be implemented in the 2007-2008 school year.

Click here for Course Certification Schedule for the Spring/Summer 2008.