Specialized Ministries
Master Catechists
The Diocese of Raleigh designates as Master Catechists individuals who have pursued theological study beyond the basic level and have also developed the skills necessary to provide catechetical training to other adult catechists.
Initial Certification Requirements
Those seeking Master Catechist certification for the first time must submit evidence of a solid background in Roman Catholic teachings and spiritual formation as well as experience in catechetical ministry and in facilitating adult learning. There are four options the candidate may use for demonstrating their qualifications.
Option I:
- Hold at least a B.A. degree in theology or religious education, or hold a bachelor's degree in education, or related field, and show evidence of completion of courses/workshops in scripture, Christology, sacraments, Catholic creedal teachings, and moral life.
- Present evidence of at least three years catechetical experience.
- Present evidence of at least three years experience teaching/facilitating adult learning.
- Participate in 16 hours of spiritual enrichment activities in the parish, diocese, or other approved venue.
- Submit Vita Form (PDF) and Certificate of Attendance (PDF) to the Office for Lay Ministry.
Option II:
- Complete certification through the diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program or the Escuela De Ministerios Program from SEPI.
- Participate in four skills workshops offered through a diocesan pastoral office.
- Present evidence of at least three years catechetical experience.
- Present evidence of at least three years experience teaching/facilitating adult learning.
- Participate in 16 hours of spiritual enrichment activities in the parish, diocese, or other approved venue.
- Submit Vita Form (PDF) and Certificate of Attendance (PDF) to the Office for Lay Ministry.
Option III:
- Complete 12 courses through the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community Faith Formation Program covering the following subject areas: Christian Beliefs, Church History, Catholic Social Teaching, Catechesis, Ecclesiology, Ecumenism, Evangelization, Jesus, Sacraments, Scripture, Morality, Liturgy and Prayer.
- Participate in four skills workshops offered through a diocesan pastoral office.
- Present evidence of at least three years catechetical experience.
- Present evidence of at least three years experience teaching/facilitating adult learning.
- Participate in 16 hours of spiritual enrichment activities in the parish, diocese, or other approved venue.
- Submit Vita Form (PDF) and Certificate of Attendance (PDF) to the Office for Lay Ministry.
Option IV:
- Complete an approved professional level Certificate Program accepted by the Diocese.
- Provide evidence of completion of theological courses/workshops in: Scripture, Christology, Sacraments, Catholic creedal teachings, and moral life.
- Participate in four skills workshops offered through a diocesan pastoral office.
- Present evidence of at least three years catechetical experience.
- Present evidence of at least three years experience teaching/facilitating adult learning.
- Participate in 16 hours of spiritual enrichment activities in the parish, diocese, or other approved venue.
- Submit Vita Form (PDF) and Certificate of Attendance (PDF) to the Office for Lay Ministry.
Master Catechist Certification Renewal Requirements
Master Catechist certification must be renewed every three years and is contingent upon 20 credit hours (2 CEUs) of formation. These hours should include both professional and spiritual formation. It is suggested that the Master Catechist consult with the director for Lay Ministry and/or the director of Evangelization and Catechesis in order to identify on-going formation activities which will best contribute to the growth of the Master Catechist?s spirituality and skills.
The Master Catechist applying for renewal must submit to the Office for Lay Ministry a new Vita Form (PDF) together with a Certificate of Attendance (PDF) covering the three years since certification was issued. Keeping records of the courses, workshops, and spiritual formation activities which they attend is the responsibility of the individual catechists