“Every Catholic institution is a place to encounter the Living God, who in Jesus Christ, reveals His transforming love and truth” (Pope Benedict XVI Address to Catholic Educators, April 17, 2008, Washington DC, par 2). Drawing from inspiration given by Pope Benedict XVI, Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston aim to form disciples who transform the world.
The Catholic Schools Office maintains formation standards for school-based catechists, in tandem with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, and offers certificates for those who meet requirements.
In addition, “A religion teacher must be a practicing Catholic in good standing” (TCCB ED, p IV-48). “150 clock hours, as required by TCCB ED and any additional hours required by the (arch)diocese” (TCCB ED, p IV-48). As indicated below, the catechist formation requirements for all archdiocesan school employees are based on the specific employment position that they are hired for.
After employees receive their initial certificate, all school employees will have three (3) years to complete the renewal requirements. Renewal requirements consist of thirty (30) hours of theology, methodology, and spiritual formation every three years to keep the certificate updated per Archdiocesan policy.
*Nurses will need to complete Human Sexuality Catechesis (3 hrs) if they are teaching Human Sexuality or Puberty
If you have any questions, please reach out to the religion coordinator at your campus.
*CLICK HERE for directions on how to submit External Trainings into Capernaum.
TO RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE:
Course requirements for *school administration (principals & assistant principals), religion teachers, Catholic Schools Office employees
Must be completed within *5 years/3 years from date of hire
Theological Content (FTCM) (90 hrs) | Catechetical Modules (25 hrs) |
Introduction to Scripture (10 hrs) | Catholic Identity (2 hrs) |
Old Testament (10 hrs) | Vocation of the Catechist (2 hrs) |
New Testament (10 hrs) | Spirituality & Evangelization (2 hrs) |
Catholic Beliefs (10 hrs) | Liturgical Catechesis (2 hrs) |
Christology (10 hrs) | Catechetical Framework (2 hrs) |
Sacraments (10 hrs) | Family - Domestic Church (2 hrs) |
Morality (10 hrs) | Enculturating Catechesis (2 hrs) |
Church History I (10 hrs) | Human Sexuality Catechesis (3 hrs) |
Church History II (10 hrs) | *Curriculum Training (2 hrs) |
*Assessment Strategies (2 hrs) | |
*Lesson Design (2 hrs) | |
*Human & Spiritual Development (2 hrs) | |
Electives (20 hrs) | |
Days of Prayer/Reflection (18 hrs) | |
Teaching Experience (3 years) | |
*Credit granted for those with the appropriate education coursework or state teaching certificates |
Course requirements for full-time, Catholic professionals and counselors not teaching religion
Must be completed within 5 years from date of hire
Theological Content (FTCM) (60 hrs) | Catechetical Modules (22 hrs) |
Introduction to Scripture (10 hrs) | Catholic Identity (2 hrs) |
Catholic Beliefs (10 hrs) | Vocation of the Catechist (2 hrs) |
Christology (10 hrs) | Spirituality & Evangelization (2 hrs) |
Sacraments (10 hrs) | Liturgical Catechesis (2 hrs) |
Morality (10 hrs) | Catechetical Framework (2 hrs) |
Church History I (10 hrs) OR Church History II (10 hrs) |
Family - Domestic Church (2 hrs) |
Enculturating Catechesis (2 hrs) | |
*Curriculum Training (2 hrs) | |
*Assessment Strategies (2 hrs) | |
*Lesson Design (2 hrs) | |
*Human & Spiritual Development (2 hrs) | |
Days of Prayer/Reflection (12 hrs) | |
Teaching Experience (2 years) | |
*Credit granted for those with the appropriate education coursework or state teaching certificates |
Course requirements for part-time, Catholic professionals not teaching religion
Must be completed within 5 years from date of hire
Theological Content (FTCM) (30 hrs) | Catechetical Modules (10 hrs) |
Introduction to Scripture (10 hrs) | Catholic Identity (2 hrs) |
Sacraments (10 hrs) | Vocation of the Catechist (2 hrs) |
Morality (10 hrs) | Spirituality & Evangelization (2 hrs) |
Catechetical Framework (2 hrs) | |
Family - Domestic Church (2 hrs) | |
Days of Prayer/Reflection (6 hrs) | |
Teaching Experience (2 years) |
Course requirements for full-time, non-Catholic professionals and counselors
Must be completed within 5 years from date of hire
Theological Content (FTCM) (40 hrs) | Catechetical Modules (12 hrs) |
Introduction to Scripture (10 hrs) | Catholic Identity (2 hrs) |
Catholic Beliefs (10 hrs) | Mind & Heart - Understanding Catholic Beliefs (5 courses/2 hrs) OR Vocation of the Catechist (2 hrs) Liturgical Catechesis (2 hrs) Catechetical Framework (2 hrs) Enculturating Catechesis (2 hrs) Spirituality & Evangelization (2 hrs) |
Sacraments (10 hrs) | Teaching Experience (2 years) |
Morality (10 hrs) |
Course requirements for part-time, non-Catholic professionals
Must be completed within 5 years from date of hire
Theological Content (FTCM) (10 hrs) | Catechetical Modules (16 hrs) |
Sacraments (10 hrs) | Catholic Identity (2 hrs) |
Family & Domestic Church (2 hrs) | |
Spirituality & Evangelization (2 hrs) | |
Mind & Heart - Understanding Catholic Beliefs (5 courses/2 hrs) OR Vocation of the Catechist (2 hrs) Liturgical Catechesis (2 hrs) Catechetical Framework (2 hrs) Enculturating Catechesis (2 hrs) Human & Spiritual Development (2 hrs) |
|
Teaching Experience (2 years) |