Award in catholic theological education
What is a Catechist?
"At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus proclaimed that he had been sent to announce a joyful message to the poor, making it plain and confirming by his life that the Kingdom of God is for all men, beginning with those who are most disadvantaged. Indeed he made himself a catechist of the Kingdom of God for all categories of persons... He is available to all. He is interested in the needs of every person, body and soul... Jesus concluded his earthly life by sending his disciples to do the same, to preach the Gospel to every creature on earth, to "all nation" (Mt 28:19; Lk 24 :27) "to the end of the earth, (Acts 1:8) for all time, "to the close of the age" (MT 28:20).
General Directory for Catechesis 163
In short, the Catechist is one who allows the Good News of the Kingdom to resound in the hearts and minds of people today. Catechesis is a ministry which helps people deepen their relationship with Christ, through reflection on the riches of Scripture, Liturgy, our faith Tradition and our experience of life.
What topics will be covered during the course?
During this course you will cover a variety of topics including Sacred Scripture, major topics in Theology such as the person of Christ, the nature of the Church and other aspects of Faith, Moral Theology, Sacramental Theology, Fundamental Theology and Liturgy. These are explored in four modules over two years.
What are the entrance requirements?
The admission of a participant will require a meeting with members of the Academic Committee to assess academic competence and appropriate attitudes and to clarify financial arrangements regarding fees. The candidate will also be given information about the type of support that will be offered throughout the programme. The ability to work at Scottish Higher level is required. Students will also be asked to supply the names of two referees. Normally one of these will be the Parish Priest, whose nomination is essential to acceptance for Catechist formation, given that it is directed towards ministering in parish life.
Will I need to sit any exams?
There are no formal exams. Instead, as the modules progress you will be asked to record your reflections on what you read and on the ideas in each module and to take part in an oral presentation, normally with others, for the whole group.
Will I be able to fit this into my busy schedule?
This two-year course consists of four modules per year, plus a catechetical component for those undertaking catechist formation.
All modules consist of 75 hours "notional student effort". These are made up of:
*Class contact
2.5 hrs per week for 7 weeks
= 17.5 hrs
Prescribed reading
5 hrs per week for 6 weeks
= 30 hrs
Workshop day
6 hrs
= 06 hrs
Private study
21.5 hrs
= 21.5 hrs
Total
= 75 hrs
*This is one evening per week
Certificate total = 600 hours
As well as the above, the catechetical component consists of two workshop Saturdays, 6 evenings per year (normally September and June) and an evening within each module exploring practical and catechetical applications of the theological material being explored.
What will I achieve at the conclusion of this course?
You will be given an Award in Catholic Theological Education from the University of Glasgow in a particular ceremony. If you have undergone the catechetical formation component the Archbishop will also formally commission you as a Parish Catechist during a special ceremony once the course is completed.
When does the next course begin?
The course normally begins in September. If you would like to register an interest please contact the RE Department.
An Information Evening for those interested in finding out more about this course will be held at the Archdiocesan Offices (196 Clyde Street, G1 4JY) date to be confirmed. No commitment needed at this stage, but application packs will be available.
If you would like any further information about this course please contact the RE Department:
Tel : 0141 226 5898
Email : Christine.Burke@rcag.org.uk
"At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus proclaimed that he had been sent to announce a joyful message to the poor, making it plain and confirming by his life that the Kingdom of God is for all men, beginning with those who are most disadvantaged. Indeed he made himself a catechist of the Kingdom of God for all categories of persons... He is available to all. He is interested in the needs of every person, body and soul... Jesus concluded his earthly life by sending his disciples to do the same, to preach the Gospel to every creature on earth, to "all nation" (Mt 28:19; Lk 24 :27) "to the end of the earth, (Acts 1:8) for all time, "to the close of the age" (MT 28:20).
General Directory for Catechesis 163
In short, the Catechist is one who allows the Good News of the Kingdom to resound in the hearts and minds of people today. Catechesis is a ministry which helps people deepen their relationship with Christ, through reflection on the riches of Scripture, Liturgy, our faith Tradition and our experience of life.
What topics will be covered during the course?
During this course you will cover a variety of topics including Sacred Scripture, major topics in Theology such as the person of Christ, the nature of the Church and other aspects of Faith, Moral Theology, Sacramental Theology, Fundamental Theology and Liturgy. These are explored in four modules over two years.
What are the entrance requirements?
The admission of a participant will require a meeting with members of the Academic Committee to assess academic competence and appropriate attitudes and to clarify financial arrangements regarding fees. The candidate will also be given information about the type of support that will be offered throughout the programme. The ability to work at Scottish Higher level is required. Students will also be asked to supply the names of two referees. Normally one of these will be the Parish Priest, whose nomination is essential to acceptance for Catechist formation, given that it is directed towards ministering in parish life.
Will I need to sit any exams?
There are no formal exams. Instead, as the modules progress you will be asked to record your reflections on what you read and on the ideas in each module and to take part in an oral presentation, normally with others, for the whole group.
Will I be able to fit this into my busy schedule?
This two-year course consists of four modules per year, plus a catechetical component for those undertaking catechist formation.
All modules consist of 75 hours "notional student effort". These are made up of:
*Class contact
2.5 hrs per week for 7 weeks
= 17.5 hrs
Prescribed reading
5 hrs per week for 6 weeks
= 30 hrs
Workshop day
6 hrs
= 06 hrs
Private study
21.5 hrs
= 21.5 hrs
Total
= 75 hrs
*This is one evening per week
Certificate total = 600 hours
As well as the above, the catechetical component consists of two workshop Saturdays, 6 evenings per year (normally September and June) and an evening within each module exploring practical and catechetical applications of the theological material being explored.
What will I achieve at the conclusion of this course?
You will be given an Award in Catholic Theological Education from the University of Glasgow in a particular ceremony. If you have undergone the catechetical formation component the Archbishop will also formally commission you as a Parish Catechist during a special ceremony once the course is completed.
When does the next course begin?
The course normally begins in September. If you would like to register an interest please contact the RE Department.
An Information Evening for those interested in finding out more about this course will be held at the Archdiocesan Offices (196 Clyde Street, G1 4JY) date to be confirmed. No commitment needed at this stage, but application packs will be available.
If you would like any further information about this course please contact the RE Department:
Tel : 0141 226 5898
Email : Christine.Burke@rcag.org.uk