SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocese of Salt Lake City will offer a six-month certification course for catechists beginning in October.
The course is intended to reach all catechists and Catholic schoolteachers to create a sound foundation for their vocation, said Nelda Troyer, a certified lay ecclesial minister who is working with the diocesan Office of Religious Education to prepare the class schedule.
The Office of Religious Education provides training for lay catechists and resources for parish and school religious education programs; according to the General Directory of Catechesis 234, diocesan pastoral programs should give priority to the formation of lay catechists.
The Word of God is the foundation for all catechists and faith formation, Troyer said, and the certification course helps provide this foundation.
“Those engaged in catechetical ministry have the critical responsibility to communicate the Scriptures. To fulfil this responsibility, the catechist must first welcome God into their own hearts. This certification leads a catechist through a formation where they develop their vocation or ‘calling’ in making a difference and contributing to the children in knowing their faith,” she added.
In the last three years, 35 catechists have been certified in numerous parishes in the northern region of the diocese.
Through the program, catechists from the different parishes get to know each other and build close relationships, she said. “It is a very friendly environment where everyone has the opportunity to offer their gifts and talents, being a catechist or teacher.”
The program allows the catechists to share their own faith testimony and their personal relationship with Lord, Troyer said. “Overwhelmingly, the catechists want more after the program is over. Each walks away with a newfound spirituality and energy that will reflect in their students.”
The certification program is offered in a traditional classroom setting or online. It is divided into three categories: The Catechist, Theology, and Methodology, which relate to the three aspects of catechist formation outlines in the general directory for catechesis – being, knowing and know-how.
The program is expected to start in October and end in March. The certification is valid for three years.
For information, visit the Office of Religious Education page of the Diocese of Salt Lake City website, http://www.dioslc.org/ministries/education, or contact Nelda Troyer, troyerr@comcast.net or 801-774-9817.
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