Commitment to the Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelization

In answering the call, a catechist becomes a witness to the faith by sharing his/her faith commitment through word, worship, service experience and prayer.

In making a commitment, the catechist/Catholic school religion teacher becomes responsible for:

• Continuing their spiritual development through taking time to nourish their own personal relationship with the Lord;
• Becoming aware of and faithfully attempting to witness and teach only authentic Church teachings;
• Continuing their own personal and educational development through attendance at courses and workshops;
• Attending all class sessions and any other in-services required by the parish and the Diocese of Austin, preparing lessons and organizing age-appropriate materials needed for class activities;
• Providing a positive classroom atmosphere;
• Evaluating regularly their own teaching techniques, being sensitive to cultural differences and special needs of students;
• Collaborating with and affirming parents as the primary educators of their children’s faith formation.

In order to complete the Catechist Certification Program, a catechist must complete all the classes listed below plus all prerequisite classes including the Basic Teachings of the Catholic Faith, the Catholic Adult Faith Formation classes and required retreats.

Bishop Vásquez' Letter Regarding Certification Requirements

• Chart for Catechist Levels 1-3 Certification
• Chart for DRE Certification 
• Chart for Catholic Adult Formation
• Chart for Catholic Schools Certification
• Chart for Catholic Adult Formation Certification
• Chart for Youth Ministry Certification
• Chart for Criminal Justice Certification

Downloadable Certification forms can be completed and e-mailed to
Catechetical Office.

• Catechist Certification Form
• Director of Religious Education Certification Form
• Catholic School Teachers Certification Form 
• Catholic Adult Formation Certification Form
• Youth Ministry Certification Form 
• Criminal Justice Certification Form