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Certification for RCIA Ministers
All of the baptized have responsibility for the initiation of adults into the Catholic Church. [RCIA #9] By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously. [RCIA #4]
Within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults persons are called forth for special ministries. One of these is the ministry of Catechist. The Rite tells us that:
When they are teaching, catechists should see that their instruction is filled with the spirit of the Gospel, adapted to the liturgical signs and the cycle of the Church's year, suited to the needs of the catechumens, and as far as possible enriched by local traditions.
The Archdiocese of Detroit recommends that all catechists who take up ministry in the RCIA be properly prepared. Therefore, catechists and RCIA Team members are encouraged to take seriously preparing themselves for this ministry by participating in the RCIA Certification Process.
Process
Initial preparation for this ministry consists of becoming thoroughly familiar with the Rite. This can be done in a two ways:
- Participation in the Team Formation Process offered by the RCIA Committee and participation in the parish RCIA process as an apprentice team member for at least one year in a parish
- Thorough study of the Rite and participation in the process as an apprentice team member for at least one year in a parish
Basic Certification implies that the catechist has developed a good understanding of the Catechumenate Process and is willing to participate in on-going formation in this ministry. It also requires that the catechist is able and willing to work with the pastor, director of the RCIA and other team members.
Requisites for Basic Certification include:
- familiarity with the Rite through initial preparation
{a reflection paper and/or an interview on what has been learned will be required}
- A reference letter from the pastor and/or director of the RCIA
outlining the ability of this candidate to work with the parish team
- Participation in the following RCIA Topics or their equivalent:
- Inquiry – Pre-catechumenate
- Catechumenate
- Lent/Enlightenment
- Mystagogy
- Incorporation into full Communion
- Breaking Open the Word
- Law – Marriage
- Adult Learning
- Liturgical Year
- Devotions and Book of Blessings
- Participation in the following Catechetical Topics or their equivalent:
- 2. What is the Bible
- 3. Who is Jesus?
- 4. What is Faith?
- 7. Catechesis and Social Justice
- 8. What about the 10 Commandments & the Gospel
- 14. What is Church?
- 15. What is Sacrament?
- 16. What is Worship?
- 17. What is Prayer?
Upon completion of these sessions or their equivalent the catechist will complete an application form and submit it to the RCIA Office who will review the material and issue the Certification.
When a catechist is certified at the Basic Level he/she receives deputation from the Cardinal to preside at the minor Rites of Blessing and Exorcism. Certification is given for a period of two years. After that period of time the catechist may apply for renewal of certification.
".…at the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth…."
[Catechesi Tradendae, 18 d]
Renewal of Certification
Certification renewal is dependent on what a catechist has done to continue formation in the RCIA Process. Each year there are workshop offerings in the Archdiocese that are helpful to those in this ministry. These could be in:
Scripture
Theology
Liturgy
Forum Institutes
Various gatherings and workshops offered by the RCIA committee.
Or continuing formation could be done through self-study. There are a number of books and articles that, reflected on seriously, would enhance understanding of the Rite. Remember there is always room to grow.
To apply for a renewal of your certification please submit an application form (available from the RCIA Office). In addition to documenting your participation at a workshop or naming the material you used for self-study you will be required to relate how the experience has enhanced your understanding of the Rite, how it will influence your ministry. A letter of recommendation from your pastor and/or RCIA director will be required as well. Renewal of Certification will be issued for a period of two years.
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For Information and to apply for certification contact:
Sr. Georgette Zalewska
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