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Formation Opportunities
Catechist Formation Opportunities
Basic Formation Course
A series of classes offered at local sites with the approval of the diocesan Departments of Evangelization and Catechesis, and the Catholic School Department. These classes follow guidelines prepared by the Bishops of California for the formation and certification of catechists.
A list of courses offered throughout the diocese is posted regularly on
the Diocesan Web Site.
Lay Formation Institute (LFI) - Year 1 - Diocese of Sacramento
A series of seven classes are offered once a month at different locations in the Diocese. These classes closely follow the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis and the guidelines prepared by the Bishops of California for the formation and certification of catechists. The presenters seek to make each session both relevant and rich in the content of Catholic faith and tradition. The dates and locations for these classes are posted regularly on the diocesan web site under Lay Formation Institute.
Echoes of Faith
A video-assisted program for catechist formation, in English and Spanish. Thirteen videos, when accompanied by the reflection and discussion in the workbook, cover the requirements for Basic Catechist Certification. Videos are available for use from the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis.
How this program correlates to CA Certification Requirements
University of Sacramento
Catechist Certification for Parish Catechists and Catholic School Teachers. The University offers an 11-14 week course on both their Sacramento and Chico campuses which fulfills the Diocesan certification requirements. For more information about the University of Sacramento see UniversityofSacramento.org or call (916) 443.4760.
- Fall 2009 Course Flyer
Adobe Acrobat PDF
The University is also offering an online course titled "Foundations of the Catholic Faith" on 6 Monday evenings between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time between Sep. 28 and Nov. 2, 2009. This course enables catechists to participate using their home telephone and computer without having to drive to the University of Sacramento.
- Fall 2009 Online Course Flyer
Adobe Acrobat PDF
School of Faith
The School of Faith offers a series of six courses taught in parishes or at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sacramento. The School of Faith was formally approved for Catechist formation by Bishop Weigand in 2005. Each course runs approximately 15 weeks and is completed with a written examination. The Scripture Course however is longer. For more information, call Fr. Octavio Ventura L.C. at 916-949-8847.
"Into the Fields"
Into the Fields is a new program which is structured as a small faith-sharing group with ten meetings per year for a 3-year period. The content discussed in the monthly meetings fulfills the required topics for Basic Certification, with faithful attendance for all 3 years. This program is available from 23rd Publications, New London, CT. Call Sharon Laitinen at the Diocesan Pastoral Center if you are interested in getting this started in you parish.
University of Dayton Catechist Formation Program
Seven group sessions of at least one and a half hours are based on articles published in Catechist magazine. A group should consist of at least three people and have an appointed leader. The leader will receive a comprehensive guide with everything needed to facilitate the process. Eleven courses are available. To order materials, call 1-800-558-2292 x140.
How
this program correlates to CA Certification Requirements
STEP (Satellite Theological Education Program) University of Notre Dame
Two styles of online certificate courses, graduate courses, and e-Seminars are offered. Twelve 50-minute video lectures are available from the diocese. Courses fees, and the video lecture series are outlined at http://step.nd.edu. The Diocese of Sacramento’s affiliation with STEP provides a 20% discount on student fees.
How
this program correlates to CA Certification Requirements
Local Workshops
Pre-approval from the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis and the Catholic School Department is required for catechist certification credit. Forms are available on-line.
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