Advanced Formation for the Catechist
"'Become a Master Catechist" is a downloadable brochure (168KB PDF) that outlines the characteristics of a Master Catechist. It also explains the process for becoming a certified Master Catechist in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
About Advanced Formation for Catechetical Ministries
- What is Advanced Formation (ACM)?
- Who is the program for?
- How long does the program run?
- What is required for certification?
- What are the requirements for admission into the program?
- What themes are covered?
- What's the schedule? Where does the program take place?
- What cost is associated with the program?
- Where can I get more information?
Download an Initial Application for the Advanced Catechetical Ministries Program 2010-2011 (159KB)
Download a revised brochure outlining the process for Becoming a Master Catechist in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
What is Advanced Formation?
The program for Advanced Formation for Catechetical Ministries (ACM) is jointly sponsored by the Department of Catholic Schools, the Office of Religious Education and the Office for Worship at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Who is the program for?
This program is designed for those preparing for ministerial and/or catechetical leadership in the Archdiocese, both in Catholic High Schools and in Parishes.
It is for those interested in the following:
- Adult Religious Education
- Parish Coordinator/Director of Religious Education
- Confirmation Coordinator
- Youth Ministry Coordinator
- High School Religion Teacher/Campus Minister
- Master Catechist
How long does the program run?
The program runs for a minimum of three years, and includes three distinct phases:
Phase I: The Theological Phase involves the study of scripture and the essentials of Catholic doctrine as a common basis for all those preparing for ministerial/ catechetical leadership.
Phase II: The Catechetical Phase involves the study of catechesis, locating it within the context of evangelization, and helps to develop necessary skills for catechetical and ministerial leadership.
Phase III: The Practicum Phase involves a supervised practicum related to a ministerial area.
What is required for certification?
Certification is granted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the California Catholic Conference of Bishops. Participants who satisfactorily complete the three phases of the formation program are certified.
What are the requirements for admission into the program?
- an ability to study at the post-secondary level
- an ability to communicate with adults
- basic catechist certification (or equivalent)
- record of involvement in ministry in a Catholic high school and/or parish
- catechetical teaching and/or liturgical ministry
- sensitivity to the cultural and ecclesial diversity of people in the Archdiocese
There are additional requirements for admission into the program pertaining to the respective fields of ministerial/catechetical leadership.
Adult Religious Education
- a basic adult specialization (or its equivalent)
- five years experience in one or more of the following areas: catechetics, Christian Initiation, adult education.
Coordinator/Director of Religious Education
- basic coordinator/DRE specialization (or equivalent)
- five years experience in catechetical ministry, no less than two of which were served as a coordinator/chair.
Coordinator of Confirmation/Youth Ministry
- basic confirmation/youth ministry specialization (or equivalent)
- recent catechetical experience
Catholic High School Religion Teacher/Campus Minister
- present high school teaching experience
- evidence of studies and ongoing enrichment in the area of theology and campus ministry
Master Catechist Program
- five years catechetical experience at different levels
- evidence of ongoing enrichment in the areas of theology, catechetics and education
- recent catechetical experience.
What themes are covered?
PHASE I: Theological Reflection, Images of God, Revelation, Christology, Ecclesiology, Sacraments, Morality, Social Justice, Christian Spirituality
PHASE II: Evangelization, Faith Development, Liturgy, Christian Initiation & Catechumenate as Model for Catechesis, Formation Teams & Leadership, Adult Formation, Catechesis & Media, Safe Environment, Foundational Skills for the Catechist.
What's the schedule? Where does the program take place?
The program commences every even year (commencing again in Fall 2010), and participants meet from 8:30am – 4:00pm one Saturday every month, September through May (Two sessions in November, no session in December 2010).
If there is sufficient demand, another day of the week may be scheduled. The location varies, and is determined according to its centrality for participants.
The ACM Cycle commencing September 2010 is to be hosted at Providence High School, located at 511 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91505
What cost is associated with the program?
While we strive to keep costs as low as possible, there is a necessary financial commitment. As of Spring 2010, the fees for Phases I and II are $350 for each year of the program. If phase III involves classes, there may be a nominal fee. Otherwise, there is no charge for the practicum year.
It is desirable that the fee is paid by the parish/ institution in which the prospective candidate is ministering. This is an affirmation of a candidate's support by the institution/parish in which they minister.
Where can I get more Information?
Email for General Information: Sonia Robledo
Call or Email:
Fr. David Loftus
Office of Religious Education
213 637 7654Sr. Angela Hallahan
Dept. of Catholic Schools
213 637 7538
