Catechetical Leader Certification Process

The single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a
professionally trained parish catechetical leader who works under the direction of the pastor. Parishes
must allocate essential resources to obtain a competent and able parish catechetical leader. (National
Directory for Catechesis, 2005, p. 224).

The Diocese of Buffalo supports the on-going professional development and formation of lay ecclesial ministers who serve as parish catechetical leaders through the Catechetical Leader Certification Process.

Our goal is to enable parish catechetical leaders to be visionary, grow in administrative skills, and fully understand their call to support the catechetical mission of the Church. The process is consistent with the norms and standards approved by the Diocese of Buffalo and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and has four components:

1.  Orientation. Parish catechetical leaders with less than three years experience are required to participate in an orientation program directed by the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation
   or its equivalent. Contact Sharon Urbaniak, surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org (716-847-5505) for
   details. S. Tier parishes, contact Sr. Julie Uhrich, OSF (585-968-5776).
2. Leadership Course. Christ the King Seminary offers Introduction to Catechetical Leadership,
   through its Continuing Education Courses. It explores the catechetical mission of the Church
   in contemporary Church documents and engages participants in a study of the call and role of
   the catechetical leader in ministry. Course is offered on a biannual basis; (Southern Tier
   parishes, please contact Sr. Julie Uhrich.)
3. Theological Preparation. The Certificate of Pastoral Studies from Christ the King Seminary
   provides the minimum amount of theological foundation for needed for certification. Diocesan
   standards require that directors of parish faith formation/religious education possess a masters degree in theology, pastoral ministry or related. Courses/programs from other institutions are accepted pending transcript review. Contact the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation for information.
4. Mentoring Year. The last phase of this process requires that each catechetical leader seeking
   diocesan certification complete a mentoring experience after at least two-years work
   experience. A mentor is selected in consultation with the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation. The mentor is an experienced colleague who journeys with the candidate and offers support. A year-end evaluation meeting with participant, mentor, and pastor/pastoral administrator completes this phase.

This program provides a foundational understanding of catechetical ministry, administrative skill
development, and theological education to prepare lay ecclesial ministers for parish leadership.
Contact the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation for information.