“There are many different gifts, but it is always the same Spirit; there are many different ways of serving, but it is always the same Lord.” — 1Corinthians 12:4
If you feel that you have been called by the Holy Spirit to serve as a catechist in one of our religious education programs, please contact the Religious Education Office at 248.689.8380
Please print out and fill in this Catechist Proposal to help facilitate your ideal placement.
Catechist Formation
Go to the AOD website’s Catechesis page to find seminars.
To see which classes are required, please view the listing: revised catechist topics. This is the current listing of all topics needed. The “transition” time from the old 20-seminar system to the new 27-seminar system has ended. Everyone is now on the 27-topic plan.
There are 3 different delivery systems available to you:
- 27 topics in the traditional 2-hour session format.
- University of Dayton online courses, which each equate to 4—8 of the 27 topics. Cost is $40 per class. These classes can be completed at a time convenient to you in your own home, with an online professor and discussion group.
- Echoes of Faith Plus DVD Course. There are 10 modules, 6 hours per module in this format. These modules can be completed by watching the DVD’s individually or within a small group, with a 2-hour interview/discussion group session with an EMCF facilitator as part of the module (whether you watch the DVD’s alone or within a group). There are equivalencies to the 27 topics for each module, some equivalent to one, others to 2 or 3 of the 27 topics. Cost is $6 per module for the catechist workbook.
The 3 delivery systems may all be used to complete your catechist certification.
The certification process allows catechists to learn more about their faith, grow in their relationship with our Lord, and share ideas with fellow catechists. Please take the time to explore your options. Please contact Maryann Brani in the Religious Education Office if you need help to determine which topics you still need to take.
Participation in these topics is a requirement for catechists, but parents and other adults are welcome to come to learn as well. It is an excellent way to grow in your own knowledge and ability to pass the Catholic faith on to your children. A complete list of opportunities for catechist certification is available in the religious education office.