About the Program
The introduction of the National Directory for Catechesis [NDC] states: "Jesus Christ is the unique emissary of the Father, and the apostles are the emissaries of Jesus Christ." It also proclaims that "the object of catechesis is communion with Jesus Christ" (NDC, p. 55). We accomplish this by both sharing the content of our faith - Sacred Scripture and Tradition - and through our personal witness of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. In order to promote catechesis that is foundational, sequential and pastoral, the Archdiocese of Seattle is offering this 6- to 8-month program to learn both the "what" and the "how" of authentically passing on the treasures of our Catholic faith. This program includes a series of classes presenting the Tasks of Catechesis and Methodology, along with a series of online videos from the Augustine Institute's Symbolon program, whose content provides elements of how to know and live the Catholic faith.
View the program requirements here.
Schedule for 2024-2025
English Language Classes at the Chancery and Online
English Language Classes at Holy Innocents, Duvall
English Language Classes at St. Augustine, Oak Harbor
English Language Classes at St. Joseph, Vancouver (Family 45)
Registration and Payment
Click below to register and indicate how you will be paying the fee. Payment is available by parish billing, personal check/money order, or by credit card.
Inscribarse aquí (para clases en Español)
Register here (for classes in English)
Required Textbooks
- Clases en español - Biblias Recomendadas
- Catholic translation of the Bible (Click here for a list of approved translations)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd edition, not the pocketbook edition)
- The Catechist's Toolbox by Joe Paprocki (Loyola Press)
Questions?
For program questions, contact Carlos Carrillo or Joseph Tancioco.
For registration questions, contact Beata Gando or call 206-274-7672.
Other Methods of Certification
1. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based faith formation experience in which children and adults listen to God together in a retreat-like setting called the Atrium.
The Sheepfold, a local consortium of communities offering CGS to families, is offering an 11-month faith formation course for adults to learn how to offer CGS to children ages 3-6. This will equip an adult to serve as a catechist in a Level I Atrium and may lead to catechetical certification.
This adult formation is offered in person on 13 weekend days during the 2025 calendar year at different sites in Western Washington. For more details and to register click here.
For more information about this method of faith formation click here. To speak with someone about how to take next steps in considering this ministry for your community, contact the Sheepfold Host.
Formation begins January 11 & 12, 2025.
2. Graduate Degree in Theology (application form coming soon)
3. Participation in and Completion of the Archdiocese of Seattle Deacon Formation Program (more information coming soon)