Catechist Formation

Catechist Formation at St. Thomas More

Doorways to Formation in the Faith is the Catechists Formation program of the Diocese of Raleigh. It offers opportunities for all adults, not only catechists, to grow in the Catholic faith.

• All educators in the faith (parish catechists, Catholic school teachers, homeschooling parents) are expected to participate.
• All parish Directors of Faith Formation or Youth Ministry are expected to be, or in the process of becoming, Master Catechists.

See Catechist Formation Guidelines from the Diocese.

Courses are offered in two learning formats: Onsite Courses are available at selected sites in each deanery, offered in English and Spanish, and Online Courses are available through our partnership with:

• The University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community program
• The University of Notre Dame Satellite Theological Education program 
• and for Youth Ministers, Ministry Training Source

The Diocese of Raleigh program for the formation of catechists has five components:

1. Safe Environment Training
2. The Pre-Service Certificate
3. Level I Basic Catechist Certification
4. Level II Certification
5. Master Catechist Certification

Address of Pope Francis to Catechists

Safe Environment Training

All catechists and volunteers who work with children are required to attend in person a Safe Environment Workshop approved by the Diocese of Raleigh before they do so. Participation in a similar workshop provided by any other Catholic Diocese or any other organization is not recognized. These workshops will be offered periodically at St. Thomas More. Location: the Friends and Family Hall.

Certification is valid for five years, after which people must either renew their certification on-line, or take the Safe Environment Workshop again in person. Contact Claudina Loh (942-6203) for details of renewal of certification.

Read more about St. Thomas More Child and Youth Protection Policies and Practices here.

Level I Basic Catechist Certification

The Diocese wishes all catechists to acquire a solid grounding in Catholic doctrine, and it therefore offers a sequence of 6 basic courses of 12 hours each over a 3 year cycle. After completion of these courses the catechist will have a basic knowledge of the Catholic faith and will be able to impart it the students in a Catholic School and/or Faith Development program.

The six basic courses are:

1. The Creed
2. Catholic Scripture: Bible Basics
3. Introduction to the Liturgy
4. Introduction to the Sacraments
5. Introduction to Christian Morality
6. Introduction to Christian Prayer and Spirituality

These courses will be offered at St. Thomas More when a facilitator is available.

For more information see the Diocese of Raleigh Catechist Formation Guidelines.

People are welcome to participate in online courses approved by the Diocese, or Doorways to Formation in the Faith courses offered in other parishes. Cathechists note that St. Thomas More parish will pay for your participation, upon application to Jim Hynes.

Level II Certification

After completing the Level I Basic Catechist Certification, catechists are invited to complete ten additional courses to qualify for Level II Certification. The catechist will then have a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic faith and be able to teach both children and adults. Course availability will be announced from time to time as they are published by the Diocese. 

If one of these courses is not being presented at St. Thomas More, it may be available at another parish in the Diocese. See the Doorways to Formation in the Faith web page.

Master Catechist Certification

Those seeking master Catechist certification must submit evidence of a solid background in Roman Cathoklic teaching and spiritual formation, as well as experience in catechetical ministry and in facilitating adult learning. They must hold at least a BA or equivalent in Theology or Religious Education from a Catholic college or university or a BA in Education or related field with appropriate studies in Theology. After completion of this certification, formation ministers will be able to provide training for other catechists. For more information contact the Diocese of Raleigh.

Youth Ministry Specialization Certification

The Diocese of Raleigh offers 12 online courses, each two weeks in length, for youth Ministry Specialization certification. For more information contact the Diocese of Raleigh.