The Office of Religious Education In collaboration with the Department of Catholic Schools and the Office for Worship at the Archdiocese, takes seriously the responsibilities of those engaged in catechetical ministry, and seeks to cultivate catechetical leadership to share more directly in the catechetical mission of the Church. The preparation and formation of catechists at the advanced level may lead to certification as a Master Catechist (California Guidelines), to certification as a High School Teacher of Religion (DCS Guidelines), to certification in the Liturgical Ministries (OFW Guidelines), or to ministry-specific certification (ORE Guidelines).
Formation for Advanced Catechetical Ministries
The formation program for Advanced Catechetical Ministries (ACM) is collaboratively sponsored by the Office of Religious Education and the Department of Catholic Schools.
The program is designed to provide appropriate formation for those preparing for ministerial and catechetical leadership roles in the Archdiocese, both in Parishes and in Catholic High Schools.
Certification is provided for those preparing for leadership in the following roles:
- Adult Religious Education
- Parish Coordinator / Director of Religious Education
- Confirmation Coordinator
- Youth Ministry Coordinator
- High School Religion Teacher / Campus Minister
- Liturgy/Initiation/Music Ministries
- Master Catechist (California Certification)
Advanced Catechetical Ministries: Program Description
The formation program at the advanced level 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 and catechetical leadership. Themes covered include, but are not limited to, Theological Reflection, Images of God, Revelation, Christology, Ecclesiology, Sacraments, Morality, Social Justice & Christian Spirituality.
- Phase II: The Catechetical Phase involves the study of catechesis, locating it within the context of evangelization and fostering the catechumenal model of catechesis as a central principle of formation. This phase also involves the development of particular skills for catechetical and ministerial leadership. Themes covered include, but are not limited to, Catechesis & Evangelization, Faith Development, Liturgy, Christian initiation & Catechumenate as Model for Catechesis, Formation Teams and Leadership, Adult Formation, Media & Catechesis, Safe Environment, and Foundational Skills for the Master Catechist.
- Phase III: The Practicum Phase involves a supervised practicum related to a chosen ministerial area. Supervision is conducted by consultants at the appropriate Archdiocesan Offices and/or their delegates.
Requirements for Admission
Candidates who seek admission into the formation program for Advanced Catechetical Ministries must
hold basic California catechist certification (or equivalent)
demonstrate an ability to study at the post-secondary level
demonstrate an ability to communicate with adults
- have experience of involvement in ministry in a Catholic high school and/or parish
have experience of catechetical ministry
demonstrate a sensitivity to the cultural and ecclesial diversity of peoples in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
There are additional requirements for admission into the program pertaining to the respective fields of ministry/catechetical leadership.
Adult Religious Education
a basic adult specialization (or equivalent)
five years experience in one or more of the following areas: Catechetics, Christian Initiation, Adult Education
- recommendation of ORE Consultant for Adult Faith Formation
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 coordinator/chair
Coordinator of Confirmation/Youth Ministry
Catholic High School Religion Teacher / Campus Minister
present high school teaching/campus ministry experience
evidence of studies and ongoing enrichment in the areas of theology and/or campus ministry
recommendation of HS Principal and/or Department Chair
Advanced Liturgical Certificate Program
basic Liturgy, Initiation or Music Certification
five years experience in Liturgical Ministry
evidence of ongoing enrichment
Master Catechist Program
five years catechetical experience at different levels of ministry
evidence of ongoing enrichment in the areas of theology, catechetics and education
recent catechetical experience
recommendation of ACM Team
Requirements for Certification
Master Catechist Certification is awarded to candidates who satisfactorily comply with the Guidelines for Certification of a Master Catechist as approved by the California Catholic Conference of Bishops.
Archdiocesan Certification is awarded to candidates who satisfy ministry-specific guidelines as approved by the relevant offices at the Archdiocese.
When? Where? What Cost?
The program commences every even year (commencing again on August 25, 2012), and participants meet from 8:30am through 4:00pm on Saturdays, usually once a month. The schedule may vary according to major public holidays and/or Archdiocesan events.
The location varies, and is usually chosen taking into consideration the centrality for participants. In recent years it has taken place in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, Downey and Burbank.
While we strive to keep costs as low as possible, there is a necessary financial commitment. As of Spring 2011 the fees for Phase I and II were set at $350 respectively. If Phase III involves any learning sessions, there may be a nominal fee, otherwise we seek to avoid 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.
Brochure
This information can be found on the ACM 2012 Initial Application and brochure.
Further Information: