What Does it Mean?

"Gifts for Communal Growth"

Oh yes!
In this post I will tell you what it all means to become a "Master Catechist" but before that is a reality, one must obtain the "Basic Certification" ... and to do that, FOUR classes must be taken with the Institute for Pastoral Ministry.



"What does the Institute for Pastoral Ministry do?" You ask...
     The IPM (Institute for Pastoral Ministry) supports the Diocese of Orange in th emission of Evangelization. In a World where there are great diversities (cultural, generational, economic, social and spiritual), the importance of continuous formation of Lay Ministers is vital. Therefore, the Institute seeks to provide opportunities in Lay Ministry Formation leading to various certification programs. The Institute seeks to cultivate and support this formation through spiritual, theological, and pastoral formation studies. It also seeks to equip the local communities of faith to broaden the impact of the Gospel through collaboration with other parishes, academic institutions and other dioceses.

IPM Mission Statement rcbo.org

Basic Certification
     This certificate provides students with a basic foundation in Roman Catholic Teaching. This program aims to develop basic catechetical and methodological competency in all those who teach the faith in Catholic schools or parish programs of religious education. The four course requirements for basic certification are: R210A Spiritual Formation, R210B Theological Formation, R210C Pastoral Formation, and a Methodology. Completion of the four requirements  and submission of an application within three (3) years from the first course taken will result in a basic certification valid for four (4) years. Courses are available on a rotating basis at Marywood Center and selected parish sites in both English and Spanish.

R210A Spiritual Formation
     This course explores spiritual growth built on the Word of God. Primary Church Documents are featured through as well as discussions that move from head to heart to hand. The goal is for all to articulate personal spiritual formation to enable and empower their vocational ministry.

R210B Theological Formation
     This course provides a more complete and systematic study of Catholic teachings that flows from the Scriptures, Traditions and Magisterium. Basic theological understanding of the Catholic faith is discussed in areas such as sacred scripture, Christology, moral theology among others.

R210C Pastoral Formation
     This course cultivates attitudes and skills that pertain to effective ministry. An awareness of the nature of catechesis and the catechetical process are discussed.

METHODOLOGY (Take one course of the following according to your ministry)

M100 Catechetical Methods
     This course is an overview of the principles of effective teaching of religion. Lesson planning, curriculum, classroom management and faith sharing are covered throughout the course.
M101 Teaching Religion in Catholic Schools
     This course will offer the professional teacher a practical orientation to the teaching of religion in the Catholic School. Creating a classroom environment for prayer and religious topics are included in the presentations. Teachers will leave with appropriate skills that are immediately applicable in the religion classroom at any grade level.
RCIA100 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
     This session focuses on all aspects of the RCIA from basic information about team formation, liturgical catechesis, periods of the catechumenate, celebration of the rites, discernment for rites of initiation, breaking open the word, RCIA adapted for children, and other aspects and issues of the implementation of the rites that the class would like to explore.