Foundations

In 2007, a new initiative arose from a strategic planning meeting held by the B.C. Superintendents of Catholic schools. The members expressed a need for some standardization regarding the minimum acceptable requirements for Catholic school teachers’ understanding of their Faith. Because these requirements are the same for parish catechists, the Diocesan Directors of Religious Education/Faith Formation in B.C. were invited to join the Superintendents to create a document which outlined the basic requirements, the learning outcomes and suggestions for methodology. This document was presented to the bishops of B.C. in November 2008 where it was approved as the provincial requirements for parishes and schools. Each diocese is responsible for implementing the requirements according to their own diocesan needs and structures. The certification program in the Nelson diocese is designed to honour the provincial requirements approved by the bishops of B.C.

In addition to serving as the means for catechist certification, the core courses of Foundations of the Faith are also intended for all adults in the parishes and schools who want to gain a better understanding of their Faith.

FOUNDATIONS OF THE FAITH

Diocesan Catechetical Certification Program

WHO IS THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR?

For the following ministries:

• Children’s Catechists and Coordinators
• Catholic School Teachers
• RCIA Coordinators & Teams
• Adult Faith Formation Teams (i.e. bible study, and other study groups)
• Youth Coordinators and youth leaders (core teams)

WHAT IS IT CALLED?

It is called FOUNDATIONS OF THE FAITH [formerly called Basics of the Faith].

WHAT ARE THE COURSES?

[Courses will be offered on a rotating basis over a two-three year period] 

A. Core Courses

• The Creed   (more info here)
• Liturgy and Sacraments  (more info here)
• Catholic Morality
• Prayer & Spirituality
• Scripture 

B. Methodology Courses

• Getting Started as a Catechist
• The Role of the Catechist
• Classroom & Behaviour Management
• The Roles & Responsibilities of Coordinators of Religious Education/Faith Formation, RCIA and Youth Ministry
• Teacher as Catechist
• Understanding One’s Call/Vocation of Teaching in a Catholic SchoolUnderstanding the RCIA Process and the Rites of Christian Initiation
• Understanding Adult Faith Formation and The Facilitation of Adult Learning
• Getting Started in Youth MinistryThe Role of a Youth Leader

C. Spiritual Component

• One-day spiritual retreat

WHAT ARE THE MINISTRY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION?

LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

Parish Catechists of Children 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology: 1, 2 & 3
• Spiritual Component

Parish Religious Education/Faith Formation Coordinators 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology 1, 2, 3 & 4
• Spiritual Component  

Catholic School Teachers 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology: 5 & 6
• Spiritual Component

RCIA Coordinators & Teams 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology: 2, 7, 8 & 4 for coordinators
• Spiritual Component

Adult Faith Formation Ministry 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology: 8
• Spiritual component

Youth Coordinators & Core Teams 

• Five Core Courses
• Methodology: 9, 10 & 4 for coordinators
• Spiritual component

More Information:

• Office of Faith Formation:  Yvonne Valiant, Email
• Superintendent of Schools: Arthur Therrien, Email
• St. Francis Xavier University has an adult education program called Continuing Education/Ministry available via the internet.  
  Contact: 1-877-867-5561
• Newman Theological College in Edmonton offers distance education courses for teachers and lay people.  Visit www.newman.edu and click "Distance Education."
• Thinking Faith – An online journal of the British Jesuits which covers a range of topics, with book and film reviews.
• C21 Online, a program of Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, offers online courses for adult spiritual enrichment and faith formation. With a focus on shared reflection in an online learning community, C21 Online models the kind of conversation and participation that lead to deeper understanding of and personal growth in faith.  Some courses offered:  Christian Faith and Moral Character   Spirituality Matters   Teaching Religion (Elementary)   Encountering Mark, Matthew, and Luke: The Synoptic Gospels   Grace and Commitment: Religious and Ordained.      Additional Free Mini-Courses (A unique approach to scripture study especially designed for busy people.) on  The Birth of Jesus: Four Gospel Accounts  and  The Death of Jesus: Four Gospel Accounts See also: www.bc.edu/schools/stm/c21online/courses.html