Master catechist

Guidelines for obtaining the California
Master Catechist Certificate

The Mission of Master Catechists in the Life of the Diocese

 

Master Catechists, as extensions of the teaching office of the Bishop, are selected and commissioned by the Bishop to:

 

A. Provide the specific formation and courses of studies required by the diocese for catechists to obtain or renew a California Catechist Certificate;

B. Provide workshops and in-services for the continued growth and formation of catechists;

C. Build a core group of adults in each diocese who will exercise catechetical leadership.

 

Qualifications of a Master Catechist

 

In addition to the “Personal Qualities of a Catechist’” the Master Catechist should have:

 

A. A current California catechist Certificate;

B. Proven expertise and recent experience in catechetical ministry at various age levels;

C. An ability to communicate and work effectively with adult learners in a formation setting;

D. The personal recommendations of the candidate’s pastor or other qualified person;

E. Evidence of on-going education in:  Theology, catechetics, the teachings of the Church and Spiritual Development in light of Vatican II and post-Conciliar documents;

F. Evidence of the ability to work in multi-cultural situations;

G. And understanding of the purpose of the Master Catechist and a willingness to serve as such when certified.

H. An ability to study at an advanced level.

 

The Selection and Formation of Master Catechists

 

The Bishop and/or his catechetical staff have the duty to:

 

A. Screen candidates and evaluate their potential to become Master Catechists;

B. Certify candidates upon completion of the entire formation program for Master Catechists;

C. Select, orient, commission, supervise and evaluate Master Catechists;

D. Provide Master Catechists with opportunities for continued personal, spiritual and professional development.

 

Standards for California Master Catechist Certification Content

 

The Master Catechist pursues an in-depth study of the same content offered in the catechist formation course.

 

Course of Studies to Obtain a California Master Catechist Certificate

 

The course of studies is consistent with the General Catechetical Directory, the National Catechetical Directory and carefully follows the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

1. Faith Development Area for the Master Catechist

Profession of Faith

Revelation
Scripture/Tradition
Faith Response
The Trinity and the Image of God
Christology
Redemption
Church
Mary and the Saints

 

Celebration of the Christian Mystery

Paschal Mystery
Sacrament Theology
Liturgy
Sacraments of Initiation / Sacraments of Healing
Sacraments at the Service of Communion

 

Life in Christ

Dignity of the Human Person (Virtues)
Sin, Grace, Redemption
Ten Commandments & Beatitudes
Catholic Social Teaching
Conscience Formation / Decision Making

 

Christian Prayer

Call to Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Prayer / Worship
Prayer Styles
Leading Prayer

 

2. The Nature of Catechesis and Catechetical Development

Human Faith
Nature of Catechesis
Catechetical Process
Nature of Culture as a context for catechists and religion
Family as context for catechesis
Evangelization and initiation
Learning styles & teaching styles
Use of media and technology
Resources

Specialization

 

In addition to the formation and course of studies required to obtain a California Catechist Certificate, the Master Catechist’s course of study should include but is not limited to the following:

• The teaching-learning process
• Effective teaching methods and skills
• How to recognize those with special needs
• Communication and public speaking skills
• Behavior management skills
• How to evaluate textbooks and resources
• Goal-setting and supervision skills
• Thorough knowledge and use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Curriculum development and adaptation
• Adult, youth, and child psychological and moral development
• The psychology of faith development
• Multi-cultural and ethnic realities

 

3. Spiritual Development of the Catechist

 

The course of study should include opportunities and direction in personal and spiritual development.

 

 

California Master Catechist Certification

 

While there is no specific length of study required to obtain a Master Catechist Certificate.  The Bishop and/or his catechetical staff shall develop specific, professional criteria and time-lines for awarding a Master Catechist Certificate. Completion of these criteria will be determined by means of:

• a review of the candidate’s application for the Master Catechist Certification.
• an interview of the candidate,
• a review of the candidate’s continuing education and formation
• a self-evaluation conducted by the candidate, and
• the evaluation of the candidate’s supervised performance

 

Expiration and Renewal

 

This certificate expires in no less than three (3) and no more than four (4) years after the date of issue.  To renew this certificate, the Master Catechist must demonstrate ongoing professional growth based upon his/her previous and current evaluation and serve as an instructor in the basic Catechist formation program.

 

Statewide Recognition of Certification

 

The Bishops of California recognize the competency of each diocesan catechist and master catechist program based on these guidelines.  An authorized California certified Catechist or Master Catechist who moves from one diocese to another should participate in the local formation programs for the following reasons:

• by participating in the local programs, the Catechist becomes part of the catechetical community
• the catechist becomes acquainted with the scope and direction of each program designed to meet the particular needs of that diocese
• the Diocesan staff can become acquainted with the person and the competencies of the Catechist or Master Catechist.

 

Master Catechist Certificate

 

All dioceses in California recognize the validity of this certificate.

 

 

• Basic Catechist Formation and Certification Requirements

 

 

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