Catechist Formation at St. Thomas More

The Diocese of Raleigh program for the formation of catechists has two components:

1. The Pre-Service Certificate
2. The Basic Certificate of Competence

The Pre-Service Certificate

The Diocese is concerned that all new catechists are given knowledge of the methods and skills they will need to begin their ministry. This course will last 12 hours and is built around the book, The Catechist’s Toolbox by Joe Paprocki (Loyola Press). We have copies of this book available; free to St. Thomas More catechists, $5 to others. The program will be offered in six two-hour segments, and will be offered next in the Fall of 2012.

New catechists must also complete Safe Environment Training, which must be registered for separately.

The Basic Certificate of Competence

The Diocese wishes all catechists to acquire a solid grounding in Catholic doctrine, and it therefore is providing the following 6 courses of 12 hours over a 3 year cycle:

The Diocese has other more advanced courses leading to Master Catechist Certification coming soon. These will be presented at St. Thomas More as follows:

Further information can be found at the  Diocesan Catechetical Institute web page.

Safe Environment Training

All catechists and volunteers who work with children are required to attend in person a Safe Environment Workshop approved by the Diocese of Raleigh before they do so. Participation in a similar workshop provided by any other catholic Diocese or any other organization is not recognized. These workshops will be offered periodically at St. Thomas More. The next scheduled date is:

Saturday March 3, 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Friends and Family Hall. You may register through this form. 

If people cannot attend a workshop at St. Thomas More, they may go to workshops in other parishes in the Diocese.

Certification is valid for five years, after which people must either renew their certification on-line, or take the Safe Environment Workshop again in person. Contact Maria Del Rosario (942-6247) for details of renewal of certification.

Christian Prayer and Spirituality: The Faith Prayed

Participants will explore the basics of Christian prayer, particularly the Our Father and be introduced to some major Catholic spiritual traditions in the life of the Church. Integral to each session is prayer, course content, faith sharing, and large/small group discussion so that participants can apply the teachings to their life and ministry.

The course on Christian Prayer and Spirituality consists of six two hour sessions, on:

• Thursday evenings (7:00 PM to 9:00PM) in Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Room or
• Saturday mornings (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) in Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Room

Theology of the Body

This course provides an introductory overview of Blessed Pope John Paul II's teaching on how God reveals His Mystery through the human body. Participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the meaning of human embodiment and sexuality. Prayer, course content and group discussion are integral to each session.

The required text is: Theology of the Body for Beginners: A Basic Introduction to Pope John Paul's Sexual Revolution by Christopher West, which will be available from the parish for $13. The course is free to St. Thomas More parish catechists and school teachers, and $15 to anyone else.

The program will meet on Thursday evenings 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday mornings 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM as follows:

Registration for this program will begin in March.