Certification Classes

The General Directory for Catechesis (219) recognizes the prominent place of the catechesis of the faithful, and the importance of supporting the catechist in both their own ongoing formation and the acquisition of skills needed to exercise that ministry effectively. The courses listed below serve the needs of parish catechists, Catholic school faculty, and adults as they work toward both basic and advanced levels of catechist certification. As such, they are consistent with the instructional requirements approved by the Texas Catholic Conference.

To complete any of the certification tracks, you must complete all the classes listed in addition to any prerequisite classes, including the Basic Teachings of the Catholic Faith, the Catholic Adult Faith Formation classes, and required retreats. Please see below for a complete list of course offerings.
 

Certification Requirements

Bishop's Letter on Certification

• Ministry Certification Booklet
• Catholic Adult Formation Form
• Catechist Level 1, 2, and 3 Application Form
• DRE Certification Application Form
• Catholic School Teacher Certification Application Form
• Diocese of Austin Discipleship Certification Application
• Diócesis de Austin Aplicación Para Certificación de Discipulado
• Youth Ministry Certification Application Form
• Continued Formation Application Form

Completed certification forms should be completed and emailed to the Evangelization and Catechesis Office, attention Carolyn Martinez, carolyn-martinez@austindiocese.org.

Not sure which certification track you need? 

CLICK HERE for the full list

In addition to meeting the certification needs of catechists, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis supports the ongoing spiritual formation of Catholic adults throughout the diocese by opening its course offerings to all who wish to deepen their understanding of the Church’s teachings and in so doing, become better equipped for Christian discipleship and evangelization in a variety of settings. This intentional change in scope is a service to parishes and individuals who currently might not have these resources available to them. While some of the courses listed below are primarily for catechists, many of them are general enough to offer content useful to any Catholic adult.
 

Serving Remote Locations, Multiple Languages

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis will continue to offer a limited number of courses in remote locations throughout the Diocese, via the online technology of Microsoft Teams, which offers the benefits of live instruction and communal learning in multiple locations (pending). These sites accommodate an optimal number of 10-15 students.

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• Catholic Adult Formation Form
• Catechist Level 1, 2, and 3 Application Form
• DRE Certification Application Form
• Catholic School Teacher Certification Application Form
• Diocese of Austin Discipleship Certification Application
• Diócesis de Austin Aplicación Para Certificación de Discipulado
• Youth Ministry Certification Application Form
• Continued Formation Application Form

Completed certification forms should be completed and emailed to the Evangelization and Catechesis Office, attention Carolyn Martinez, carolyn-martinez@austindiocese.org.

 

Not sure which certification track you need? 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST

The Basic Teachings of the Catholic Faith Program offers a general introduction to the theological principles found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This program serves as the first step in basic adult formation for all ministry groups that seek evangelization and catechetical certification. The class is presented in five sessions (6 clock hours of instruction each). Topics include Introduction to Scripture, Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Christian Morality and Prayer/Spirituality.  (30 hour course) 
DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level I Catechist/DRE, Part 1 Catholic Schools, Criminal Justice, Discipleship, Adult Formation, Criminal Justice, Youth Ministry       

Click here to register

Please note that the fee of $50 covers registration for all 5 classes.

Click on the class date for registration.  Registration for spring classes will open on December 1!  Refunds will not be issued for unattended classes, however, substitutions are welcome.  Check back often for new class offerings.  Dates are subject to change.  Classes will be held virtually on Tuesday evenings via teams unless otherwise noted.

Catholic Social Teaching

April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023  | Virtual class, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly

This overview of the history and theological development of Catholic Social Teaching uses Biblical texts and modern Church documents to focus on key themes and how the teachings can be applied to contemporary social situations. (16 hours | Virtual class) DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Part 2 Catholic Schools, Criminal Justice

Christian Morality

Church History

January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023  |  Virtual class, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly

This course organizes the church’s 2000-year story in identifiable periods, describes the Christian faith as “handed on” through the centuries, and discovers how the people of God have endeavored to live out the Gospel.    (16 hours)  DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level III Catechist/DRE, Part 2 Catholic Schools, Criminal Justice

Click on the class date for registration.  Registration for summer classes open on April 1.  Refunds will not be issued for unattended classes, however, substitutions are welcome.  Check back often for new class offerings; dates are subject to change.  All summer classes will be held in person at the Pastoral Center unless otherwise noted.

Building Intercultural Competence in Ministry

*This course frames discussions of culture in terms of the church’s identity and mission to evangelize. Explore an understanding of “culture” and how it works, learn intercultural communication skills and recognize the obstacles that impede effective intercultural relations. (10 hours)  * Students must attend both days to receive attendance credit.
DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: All tracks

Christian Leadership

This course looks at the differences between charisms, talents, and skills and then introduces learners to practical skills for ministry leadership such as planning, community building, conflict management, managing effective meetings, and group facilitation. (4 hours)   DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Criminal Justice

Catechesis & the Law

Catechizing for a Just World

Our Catholic call to justice is rooted in the heritage of Scripture, the life of Jesus himself, and the rich tradition of the Church’s social teachings. This course will focus on key social justice themes and how to incorporate the church’s social teachings into one’s life and work. Recommended for catechists and for all adults involved or seeking to grow in the works of charity, justice, and peacemaking. (6 hours)  
DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: Level III Catechists/DRE, Youth Ministry

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  Click on the class date for registration; refunds will not be issued for unattended classes, however, substitutions are welcome.  Check back often for new class offerings. Dates are subject to change.

   

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  All God’s People: Effective Catechesis in a Diverse Church

  
  This class considers the wide variety of people to be catechized and offers strategies for catechetical leaders to engage all of them in life-giving formation. (4 hours) DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship

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  Called By Name: Preparing Yourself for the Vocation of Catechetical Leader

  
  This class focuses on what catechetical leaders need to be, as opposed to what they need to know or do if they are to lead effectively. (4 hours)   DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship

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  Catechetical Leadership: What It Should Look Like, How It Should Work, and Whom It Should Serve

  
  This course closely examines the specific leadership skills and competencies that are necessary for a catechetical leader to be effective in a parish setting. (4 hours) DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship

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  Cultivating Your Catechists: How to Recruit, Encourage and Retain Successful Catechists

  
  This class teaches catechetical leaders how to recruit, train, support, inspire, supervise, evaluate, and retain catechists in their parishes. (4 hours)  DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship, Criminal Justice

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  Developing Disciples of Christ: Understanding the Critical Relationship between Catechesis and Evangelization

  This course centers on the inseparability of evangelization and catechesis, and gives catechetical leaders a proper understanding of their interconnectedness. (4 hours)  DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship

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  Excellence in Ministry: Best Practices for Successful Catechetical Leadership

  
  This course shares time-tested skills and strategies for successful catechetical leadership, while also identifying and proposing new approaches to leadership. (4 hours)  DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Discipleship
  
   

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  Youth Ministry Essentials

  The Youth Ministry Essentials courses focus on the vision of youth ministry, including programming, prayer and worship, and social mission. 
  
  
  
  CLICK HERE to return to the Evangelization and Catechesis home page
  CLICK HERE for certification tracks
  CLICK HERE for class offerings in Spanish
   

Registration for Summer Classes will open on April 1.

All summer classes will be held in person at the Pastoral Center unless otherwise noted.  

CLICK HEREto register for summer classes

CLICK HERE for Youth Ministry Essentials classes

CLICK HERE to return to the Evangelization and Catechesis home page
CLICK HERE for certification tracks
CLICK HERE for class offerings in Spanish