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  • Certification Classes
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    • Certification Requirements
      • Bishop's Letter on Certification

        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

        • 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, [email protected].

    • Certification Classes | Basic Teachings of the Catholic Church
      • GOOD NEWS BIBLE, RITE OF CHRIST, Catholic Faith &, CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH. Book education and factsThe 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 is the first step in basic adult formation for all ministry groups seeking 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). Click here for parish-sponsored classes.


        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.

        Basic Teaching: Scripture 

        June 26, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

        This class will be held in person at the Pastoral Center

        Basic Teaching: Creed

        June 27, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

        This class will be held in person at the Pastoral Center

        Basic Teaching: Sacraments

        March 11, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
        This class will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams

        June 28, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (in person class)

        Basic Teaching: Morality

        April 1, 2023 |  9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
        This class will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams

        June 29, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (in person class)

        Basic Teaching: Prayer & Spirituality 

        April 22, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
        This class will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams

        June 30, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (in-person class)

         
        If you are unable to attend a class, you may register for a make-up class at no additional cost. 
         
         

           
    • Certification Classes | Faith Formation Class (16 hour courses)
      • 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

        March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023  | Virtual class, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly
        Summer Classes | June 19-22, 2023 | In-person class at the Pastoral Center

        To live a Christian moral life is to respond to the gift of God’s love. This course will explore the nature of that response by examining key themes and dimensions of Christian morality, both from a personal and a social/communal perspective. (16 hours | Virtual class)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level III Catechist/DRE, Part 2 Catholic Schools, Criminal Justice

        Christology | New Testament

        October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023 | Virtual class | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly

        This course focuses on the people of the early church, from their call to discipleship to the formation of an active church. The faith journey of Jesus’ disciples will serve as a model for an examination of our own faith journey. (16 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level II Catechist/DRE


        Church History

        June 12-15, 2023 | 9:30 am - 1:30 p.m. | In-Person Class at the Pastoral Center

        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


        Ecclesiology 

        June 5-8, 2023 | 9:30 am - 1:30 p.m. | In-Person Class at the Pastoral Center

        This course examines key documents presenting the major themes about how the Church is understood, both theologically and in human experience. (16 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level III Catechist/DRE, Part 2 Catholic Schools, Criminal Justice
         


        Sacred Scripture | Old Testament

        September 5, 12, 23, 26, 2023 | Virtual class | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly

        This course focuses on the people of Israel, from their creation as the chosen people of God to the time of the Roman occupation of their land. The faith journey of the Israelites will serve as a model for an examination of our own faith journey. (16 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level II Catechist/DRE


        Sacramental Theology

        November 7, 11, 14, 28, 2023 | Virtual class | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. weekly

        This course will explore the history, theology, and pastoral practice of the Sacramental System of the Catholic Church and the liturgical celebrations in which it is expressed. (16 hours)     

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS:  Level II Catechist/DRE

    • Certification Classes | Continuous Formation for Certification
      • 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.  Click here for a registraiton page. 


        Building Intercultural Competence in Ministry

        JULY 17-18, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        *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

        JULY 27, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        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


        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


        Chaste Living Classes 
        Introduction to Christian Morality and Theology of the Body and Advanced Theology of the Body

        July 2023 | (Chaste Living requirement in Catechist Certification Level 2, DRE Certification, Catholic School Teacher)
        In a culture that often reduces the significance of human love and sexuality and provides “depersonalized, recreational and often pessimistic information” (Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, 1), parents struggle to give their children an adequate education regarding the true meaning of sexuality. This certification offers the wisdom of the church to catechists for education in human love and sexuality, in particular, incorporating St. John Paul II’s catechesis on human love which helps us to understand the human person in a way so radically different from the current culture. The Introduction to Theology of the Body and Advanced Theology of the Body are required for DRE Certification.  For additional certification classes on the Catechesis of Human Love click here. (6 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Catechist Certification Level II, Catechesis on Human Love, Catholic School Teacher


        Conflict Management

        This course addresses the causes of conflict in ministry settings, shows how it can lead to constructive collaboration and presents strategies for effective management of negative effects and “difficult people” without confrontation. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Youth Ministry, Criminal Justice


        Directory for Catechesis (Revised)

        July 19, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        This course will focus on the National Directory for Catechesis (USCCB, 2005) and will cover the call to evangelize and catechize and the methods of catechesis for all stages of growth and development. It covers the message and content of catechesis, the formation of the catechist as well as resources available for exercising the ministry of catechesis. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: Level II Catechists/DRE, Part 1 Catholic Schools, Discipleship

        Ecumenism

        JULY 26, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        This course studies the effects of ecumenism in ministry within the Catholic Church, our relationship with other Christian and non-Christian religions, the implications of ecumenical dialogue, the concerns of identity, and obstacles to ecumenical dialogue. (4 hours) 

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Criminal Justice


        Learning Theories & Learning Styles

        July 5, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)

        This course shows how catechists and teachers can bring variety to their teaching methods and help children learn to their strengths. (4 hours)


        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: Level II Catechists/DRE


        Media & Technology

        JULY 24, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        Today’s youth live in a media-saturated, technological era – a world often far removed from the experiences of most teachers and catechists. Explore basic principles of media literacy and how to make effective use of new technologies in teaching the truths of the Catholic faith. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: Level III Catechists/DRE, Youth Ministry

        Ministry of Catechesis & the Law

        JULY 25, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        This workshop will present an overview of civil law as it affects ministry in the church. It will discuss tort law; law of negligence; the rights and responsibilities of bishops, parishes, pastors, pastoral councils, and boards; the rights and responsibilities of DREs, Youth Ministers as well as other parish-sponsored ministries; the supervision of parish programs and Catholic Schools; and the rights and responsibilities of students and parents. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Youth Ministry


        New Evangelization & Catechesis

        JULY 20, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        Drawing from the USCCB document Disciples Called to Witness, we will review the historical context of the New Evangelization and explain the relationship between evangelization and catechesis. Learn practical strategies and resources for building a “culture of witness and outreach” in our classrooms and parish communities. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: Level II Catechists/DRE, Part 1 Catholic Schools, Discipleship, Youth Ministry


        Principles of Adult Formation

        JULY 6, 2023| 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (In-person class at the Pastoral Center)
        This course will give parish adult formators the skills and strategies needed to facilitate instruction in small group settings. Using the USCCB document "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us" as a guide, the course explores the developmental stages of adult learning as well as the effective communication of personal faith stories. (4 hours)   

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Criminal Justice


        Strategic Planning

        Strategic planning is the process of envisioning a desired future and identifying goals and steps to get there. This course covers the systematic development and fruitful engagement of a strategic plan within a Catholic environment. (4 hours)

        DEVELOPMENT TRACKS: DRE, Youth Ministry


        Youth Ministry Essentials

        The Youth Ministry Essentials courses focus on the vision of youth ministry, including programming, prayer and worship, and social mission. 

    • Certification Classes | Leadership Series
      • 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.

         

        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


        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

        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


        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

        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

        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

        Youth Ministry Essentials

        The Youth Ministry Essentials courses focus on the vision of youth ministry, including programming, prayer and worship, and social mission. 
    • Spiritual Formation and Catechesis for Adults
      • 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.

    • Certification Classes | Summer
      • Registration for Summer Classes will open on April 1.

        • Class descriptions can be found in the above tabs -- under Basic Teachings, Faith Formation, and Continuous Formation for Certification.
        • All summer classes will be held in person at the Pastoral Center unless otherwise noted.

        REGISTER HERE FOR SUMMER CLASSES

        June Classes


        Ecclesiology
        • June 5-8 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Church History
        • June 12-15 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Christian Morality
        • June 19-22 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Basic Teachings: Scripture
        • June 26 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

        Basic Teachings: Creed
        • June 27 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 


        Basic Teachings: Sacraments
        • June 28 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 


        Basic Teachings: Morality
        • June 29 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 


        Basic Teachings: Prayer & Spirituality
        • June 20 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

        July Classes


        Learning Theories and Learning Styles
        • July 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Principles of Adult Formation
        • July 6 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Building Intercultural Competence in Ministry
        • July 17 & 18 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

        Directory for Catechesis (Revised)
        • July 19 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

        New Evangelization & Catechesis
        • July 20 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Media & Technology
        • July 24 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Ministry of Catechesis & the Law
        • July 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Ecumenism
        • July 26 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

        Christian Leadership
        • July 27 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
         

        Registration for Summer Classes will open on April 1.

        • Class descriptions can be found in the above tabs -- under Basic Teachings, Faith Formation, and Continuous Formation for Certification.
        • All summer classes will be held in person at the Pastoral Center unless otherwise noted.

        REGISTER HERE FOR SUMMER CLASSES 

    • Contact Us
      Questions about catechetical classes?  

      • Maryrae Stein
        Maryrae Stein
        Associate Director of Catechesis and Formation
        (512) 949-2469
        maryrae-steinaustindiocese.org
      • Carolyn Martinez
        Carolyn Martinez
        Coordinator of Catechesis
        (512) 949-2461
        carolyn-martinezaustindiocese.org
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