Level I Certification:
A. Earned through the “Quick Start” program
B. Valid for 3 years
C. Nonrenewable
“Quick Start” “Quick Start” is an intense, one day, summer course designed to give first-time teachers an introduction to theology, sacraments, scripture, morality, and catechetical ministry. |
Level II Certification:
A. Earned through completion of the “Echoes of Faith” program
B. Consideration will be given to candidates who have participated in formal education programs equivalent to “Echoes of Faith”
C. Valid for 5 years
D. Renewable
Level III Certification:
A. Earned in two ways:
1. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education or some related field
2. Successful completion of an intensive non-degree program such as New Wine
B. Valid for 7 years
C. Renewable
Level IV Certification:
A. Earned by receiving a master’s degree in Religious Education or some related field.
B. Valid for 10 years
C. Renewable
Emergency Certification:
A. Valid for only one year
B. Not renewable
C. Principal / DRE recommendation required
D. Pastor recommendation required
E. Certified catechist assigned as mentor
D. Plan developed to obtain Level I certificate during the “emergency year”
Certificate Renewal
A. Level II, III and IV certificates are renewed by earning 3 college credits in Religious Education (or a related field) or earning 3 REUs (Religious Education Units) through continuing education workshops approved by the Office of Religious Education.
B. In the case of workshops, one REU will be awarded for every 10 contact hours.
C. Record sheets for REUs are kept by the individual. Completed record sheets (30 hours) are signed by the Pastor or Principal and DRE or Coordinator and sent to the Office of Religious Education so that the appropriate certificate can be issued.