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Catechetical Certification
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Recommended for catechists with 0-3 years' experienceIntroductory CertificationLoyal Press Catechetical Certification Series
- Type Available: Basic
- Best for: any new catechist who needs to be quickly equipped in the basics of doctrine, classroom management, prayer, and the call to catechetical ministry
- Content Description: 10 virtual 45–60-minute lessons on the basics of catechetical ministry
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Recommended for catechists with 3+ years' experienceDeep-Dive Certification OptionsCamino/STEP (Satellite Theological Education Program) with Catechesis Concentration through McGrath Institute for Church Life
- Type Available: Basic (Camino in Spanish; STEP in English)
- Best for: parishes w/an emphasis on the Catholic intellectual tradition
- Content Description: five courses in theology and pedagogy plus final assignment
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd- Types Available: Basic and Advanced
- Basic: Level I, 90 hours of in-person instruction
- Advanced: Level II, Level III, Infant/Toddler, 90+ hours of in-person instruction per Level
- Best for: parishes with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and/or a more hands-on pedagogical approach
- Content Description: theoretical and hands-on in-person instruction in Montessori methodology, Scripture and liturgy-based
Equip- Types Available: Basic and Advanced
- Basic: Tier I
- Advanced: Tiers II and III
- Best for: parishes with an emphasis on the doctrinal and small group encounter
- Content Description: includes pillar courses from Catholic Faith Technologies, Missionary Discipleship dimension from Alpha, ChristLife, or The Search, and courses on doctrine, theology, and pedagogy from the Franciscan Catechetical Institute
IMF (Institute for Ministry Formation) Catechetics Certificate- Type Available: Advanced
- Advanced: Track 1 or Track 2
- Best for: parishes with contemplative/accompanying charism and/or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- Content Description:
- Track 1: core courses in theology, spirituality and pedagogy; CGS Level I formation; spiritual direction; retreat
- Track 2: core courses in theology, spirituality and pedagogy; additional courses in theology and doctrine; spiritual direction; retreat
NB: Theology (or related degrees, with the approval of the Formation Secretariat) count as certification, but certification in one of these modalities is still recommended for ongoing formation.
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Equip
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Check out the new platform for Ministry Certification
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has launched "Equip," its new platform for the ministry formation of teachers and catechists in partnership with the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville.
This format will replace the former program, serving as the new vehicle by which Diocesan-recognized catechetical certification is attained. Thousands of participants nationwide have reviewed Franciscan’s Catechetical Institute, finding it consistantly enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive. The program was made available to Catholic school teachers in Janaury 2022; we are excited to make it available to parish catechists soon. Stay tuned for more details.
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an alternative model for elementary catechesis approved for use in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. It is the result of a long period of careful observation of children by Scripture scholar Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi.
For more information about this catechesis, click here. To register for a scholarship for a CGS course, see the next section.
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Religious Education for Our Catholic Family Fund
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Learn more about scholarships to assist those who minister to youth (Pre K-21).
Click here to apply for Master's, professional development and formator scholarships.Click here for a CGS course scholarship form.
Click here for CGS Roster of Participants
(To be turned in by Catechetical Administrator to diocese to receive scholarship funds for attendees).
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