Credentialing for Catechetical and Youth Evangelization Leaders
March 1, 2011
Dear Pastors, Principals and Credentialed Leaders,
Greetings in Christ.
I would like to take this opportunity to update you on changes to the credentialing process for catechetical and youth evangelization leaders, those publicly appointed by the pastor with the responsibility of administering a particular parish program. Since 1994, the Diocese of Phoenix has recognized the formation, experience and expertise of these leaders by offering a Diocesan credential as either a ‘Director’ or ‘Coordinator’ in the areas of children’s catechesis, youth evangelization and RCIA/Adult Faith Formation. This has served hundreds through a process that encourages professionalism and dedication to this vital work of the Church.
As we update catechist formation for parish volunteers and Catholic school teachers, we are also be updating this credentialing process. Beginning in 2011-2012, ‘Credentialing Guidelines for Catechetical and Youth Evangelization Leaders’ will become the ‘Master Catechist Certification Guidelines’. The standards inherent in the credentialing process will remain, but a few important changes will take place. In particular:
– Credentialed ‘Director’ becomes certified ‘Master Catechist’.
– Credentialed ‘Coordinator’ becomes certified ‘Catechist Trainer‘.
This change of name eliminates a common tension between the diocesan offices and pastors that credentialing has often inadvertently caused. Many times pastors have given the title ‘director’ to an employee when the diocesan office has given the credentialing title of ‘coordinator’ that person. The change in titles will more clearly identify what the leader does in light of the our diocesan offices’ task to form catechists.
Beginning in 2011-2012, the Kino Institute will certify catechetical and youth evangelization leaders with the title of Master Catechist or Catechist Trainer. This certification qualifies the person as such:
1. Catechist Trainer: After completing systematic catechetical formation on an undergraduate or certificate level (such as the Kino ‘Prepare the Way’ program) and catechist trainer formation, Diocesan certification means that the leader is qualified to form:
a. Parish and school catechists.
b. Catechetical/Youth Evangelization leaders in areas of specialization (specifically children’s catechesis, youth evangelization and RCIA/Adult Faith Formation methodology).
2. Master Catechist: After completing Master’s level work in Catholic theology and catechist trainer formation, Diocesan certification means that the leader is qualified to form:
a. Parish and School catechists.
b. Catechetical/Youth Evangelization leaders in the areas of doctrine and in areas of specialization (specifically children’s catechesis, youth evangelization and RCIA/Adult faith formation methodology).
As a result of this, please note the following:
1. With credentialing changing to Master Catechist/Catechist Trainer certification, beginning Spring 2011, we will cease credentialing new leaders as ‘Coordinators’ and ‘Directors’ in catechesis children’s catechesis/youth evangelization/RCIA-Adult Faith Formation.
2. To continue to affirm the credential that leaders have received, the process of recredentialing as a ‘Coordinator’ or ‘Director’ will continue on an ongoing basis. The recredentialing standard of 60 hours of continuing education over a three-year span remains in place. Please note, however, that this recredentialing will not qualify the individual to instruct in the new catechist formation process. If previously credentialed leaders would like to update their credential to become a Master Catechist or Catechist Trainer, then they would go through the Master Catechist/Catechist Trainer seminar, at which point they would be reclassified as either Master Catechist or Catechist Trainer. If you are interested in this, please email me at ewestby@diocesephoenix.org.
Recredentialing applications can be found here: Credential Renewal 3-2011 PDF. Credential Renewal 3-2011 – WORD
3. The Kino Institute will begin awarding Master Catechist/Catechist Trainer certification during the 2011-2012 year.
If you have any questions about this, I will be happy to assist you.
Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis. We pray that these changes will be of benefit, not only to the leaders, but to all those whom they serve.
God Bless,
Eric J. Westby
Director of Parish Credentialing and Certification
