Initial/Catechist Level Certification
This level is of certification is designed for those who serve as a volunteer catechist, catholic school religion teacher, OCIA volunteer, evangelical charity or worship volunteer, committee/commission chairs, etc.
For a detailed check list of the requirements for Initial/Catechist Level Certification CLICK HERE.
Who can be certified?
Candidates for Initial/Catechist must meet the following qualifications:
- A fully initiated Catholic in good standing
- Someone currently volunteering or employed at a Catholic parish, school or organization IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT under the supervision of a priest, principal, DRE or other delegated staff member
- Has a valid baptismal certificate, background check and completion of Protecting God's Children on file at the parish, school or organization at which they work or volunteer
- Has completed required formation and able to receive the required reference from supervisor
Intellectual Formation
Standard: Complete the 4 courses of On Fire for the Faith on Sacred Heart Major Seminary's Equip Online Training platform, and discuss them with your ministry supervisor. Those four courses are:
- Profession of Faith
- Celebrating the Christian Mystery
- Prayer
- Life in Christ
Candidates must discuss their progress in each course with their supervisor, who will later need to attest that these conversations have taken place.
Candidates must also keep all completion certificates from the 4 courses and will be required to submit them when they apply for certification.
Currently, the following programs are pre-approved equivalents for On Fire for the Faith:
- Catechist Formation in Spanish (in-person) at Holy Redeemer/St. Gabriel in Detroit
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certification (level 1 or above - certificate required.)
- Completion of 8 specific workshops at Franciscan University's Catechetical Institute (completion emails required)
For information on these, or to inquire about other equivalencies, contact [email protected]
Spiritual Formation
Standard: Complete an Encounter retreat or an approved equivalent. For a list of upcoming Encounter retreats or approved equivalents visit www.shms.edu/encounter.
Candidates will need to keep their certificate of completion from the retreat, or a letter/email from the retreat leader or their supervisor verifying their attendance. They will be required to submit this when they apply for certification.
Pastoral Formation
Standard: 5 hours methodology or ministry specific training. Candidates should consult with your supervisor about their expectations for how you complete this training. This can be training offered by your parish, the Archdiocese of Detroit, Sacred Heart Major Seminary or another organization/apostolate that your supervisor approves.
Candidates will need to keep their certificate of completion from these sessions, or a letter/email from the leader or their supervisor verifying their attendance. They will be required to submit this when they apply for certification.
