 Because faith development is a lifelong process through which we continue to come to a deeper understanding of our life in Christ, the certified religion teacher is called to continued growth and enrichment through workshops, seminars, or courses. Some form of annual enrichment is necessary to maintain certification. (AOD Policies and Procedures #7)
The special character of the Catholic school and the underlying reason for its existence, the reason why Catholic parents should prefer it, is precisely the quality of the religious instruction integrated into the overall education of the students. (Catechesi Tredendae, Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, 1979, #69.)
Policy # 7:
Catechist Certification in Parishes & Catholic Schools
Each catechist in the parish (for all ages and programs) or in the Catholic school shall be certified or in the process of obtaining certification by the Office for Faith Formation/Catechetics of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Implementation - All Catechists
- Each person to be certified as a catechist is to be a Catholic and in full membership/communion with the Church.
- It is the responsibility of the Parish Catechetical Leader, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator and/or the Catholic School Principal or the Religion Department Chairperson in catholic high school to maintain current files on each catechist...
Catechists in Catholic High Schools
Catholic high school religion teachers/catechists are required to have at least a BA with a major in religious education or its equivalent in order to be certified. Additional clock hours of catechist formation enrichment or a course in religious studies are required each year to maintain continuing certification.
* Excerpts from the Archdiocese of Detroit Policies and Procedures Manual for Faith Formation/Catechetics in Parishes and Catholic Schools (2007).
Because the "religion teacher is the key, the vital component" of a Catholic school, "teachers of religion must be men and women endowed with many gifts" and "they must have a thorough cultural, professional, and pedagogical training." (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, The Congregation for Catholic Education, 1988, #96)
Everything possible must be done to ensure that Catholic schools have adequately trained religion teachers; it is a vital necessity and a legitimate expectation. (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, The Congregation for Catholic Education, 1988, #97)
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