Archdiocese of Washington

Answering the Call to Be a Catechist

Catechists must be able to be, at one and the same time, teachers, educators, and witnesses to the faith (General Directory for Catechesis, 237).

Being a catechist requires being in relationship with Jesus Christ. In order to form disciples, a catechist must be a disciple of Jesus, the Master Teacher. The catechist must have first said "yes" to Jesus. However, St. John Paul II reminds us, "This 'Yes' has two levels: It consists in surrendering to the word of God and relying on it, but it also means, at a later stage, endeavoring to know better and better the profound meaning of this word," (Catechesi Tradendae, 20).

Catechist Certification in the Archdiocese of Washington

View the Archdiocese of Washington Certification Brochure

To help catechists better know and explore the profound meaning of their faith, the Office for Catechesis has developed an archdiocesan catechist formation program. This program provides catechists with the necessary theological content and catechetical methodology to ensure that they are equipped to share the faith with children, youth and adults in the archdiocese.

The following are essential requirements to serve as a catechist:

Be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church
Participate faithfully in the sacramental life of the Church, and
Lead a life that is doctrinally and morally consistent with the person of Jesus and the teachings of the Church

Certification Requirements Overview

Complete background checks and child protection training as outlined in the Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy;
Complete Living Catholic (must be done in a live course by Archdiocese of Washington employees);
Complete the five core courses of Faith Foundations (Creed, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, and Morality) either in-parish from an archdiocesan approved instructor or online through My Catholic Faith Delivered.
Complete the catechist formation course Catechesis 101 either in-parish through an archdiocesan approved instructor or online through My Catholic Faith Delivered.
Participate in a one-day Archdiocese of Washington catechist formation retreat.

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Living Catholic (online)

The online lessons of Living Catholic parallel the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: the faith we profess (the Nicene Creed), the way we worship (the sacraments), the way we live (Christian morality), and the way we relate to God (prayer

$9.99 - 6 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Scripture (online)

This series on Sacred Scripture will give you an overview and introduction to this intriguing book; a book that has not only changed the world but is also given a divine role to play in each of our lives.

$29 - 8 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Creed (online)

From the dawn of Christianity, the Church has expressed and handed on "professions of faith" which serve as the fundamental frame of reference for catechesis, deepen understanding of the principal truths of the faith outlined in the Creed.

$29 - 9 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Sacraments (online)

Liturgy and Sacraments are essential to God's plan to lead us to Him, body and soul. In this Pillar we explore their transforming power to unite us to Christ and His mystical body.

$29 - 8 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Christian Morality (online)

Christian Morality unfolds the fullness of God's law revealed through Christ. Founded in God's roadmap for happiness, this Pillar covers the elements of moral decision-making.

$29 - 11 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Prayer (online)

Prayer is friendship with God, and this Pillar navigates us through the joys and difficulties of the spiritual life. Founded on Christ's examples and teachings on prayer, we explore the diversity of the spiritual life and practical applications.

$29 - 8 Lessons (1 year subscription)

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Catechesis 101 (online)

Catechesis 101 is an innovative, 8-lesson course designed to give all Catholic catechists a solid foundation. This course provides a solid understanding of the Church's vision for catechesis as well as practical, hands-on methodology that is proven to bear fruit in catechetical sessions.

$29 - 8 Lessons (1 year subscription)