"The proper goal of our catechetical apostolate is not a theoretical knowledge of Christ and His mystery, but as perfect a living union with Him as possible."
The Art of Teaching Christian Doctrine: Good News and It’s Proclamation, Johannes Hofinger, S.J. & Francis J. Buckley, S.J.
Catechist Formation
The Office of Catechesis for the Diocese of Lansing (DOL) assists Bishop Boyea in his role as chief catechist to bring all people to the feet of Jesus Christ so that He can work in them the gift of salvation He won for them on the cross. The Office of Catechesis supports parish Pastors, DREs and other personnel to succeed in this mission. The recruitment of Catechists and their preparation plays a vital role in this great work.
A Catechist in the Diocese of Lansing is one who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They have the desire to teach and respond to a call from God to participate in the Church’s mission to lead and encourage others to the same.
The Catechist will foster that relationship through:
· An active prayer life
· Regular participation in the sacraments
· Living a moral life
· Diligent formation and religious study
The Diocese of Lansing provides formation for certification as a Catechist. The first step in this process is the attend a retreat called Kerygma Encounter. GO HERE for more details.
Get details about our Catechist Formation program here and other Catechist Formation Opportunities here.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Acceptance Policy for Diocesan Catechist Formation Certification
For Catechesis to work properly Catechists must receive proper formation in both doctrine and method. The first step in Catechist formation in the Diocese of Lansing (DOL) is a retreat experience entitled, Kerygma Encounter Retreat. This is an essential element of formation as it presents to the Catechist God’s plan for every human person, union with Him through the person of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This truth is the essence of all Catechesis. The second step for catechists is to begin completing formation courses in methodology and doctrine. Catechists working in an Atrium using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method, should begin or continue formation approved by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd United States.
The Office of Catechesis recognizes the value of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) as a sound and effective form of religious formation. CGS provides a very thorough formation for catechists in both methodology and theology. Catechists are required to complete 90+ hours of formation in each level before they lead catechesis in the atrium setting. The Office of Catechesis recognizes this formation as sufficient in itself and will grant completion of levels of certification in the Diocesan Catechist Formation Program according to the following system:
CGS Formation Level Diocesan Catechist Formation Certification Level
Level I + Kerygma Encounter Retreat = Foundational and Intermediate Certification
Level II = Advanced Certification
Level III = Enrichment
To apply for Diocesan certification catechists will need to supply, to their DRE or principal, a copy of their CGS certificate received from The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
There will be no need for CGS catechists to also complete the coursework which comprises the Diocesan Catechist Formation program (other than the Kerygma Encounter Retreat). They are welcome to attend the doctrinal workshops within the Diocesan program for enrichment purposes but will not be required to do so.
For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd go to the cgsusa.org.
Religious Education Curriculum
Bishop Boyea has promulgated curriculum for Religious Education programs in both Parish RE programs and Catholic Schools. DREs and Principals are responsible to ensure that this curriculum is followed. Proper training and accountability should be in place to help Catechists map out their yearly schedule according to this curriculum and approved texts should then be employed to teach the faith according to this plan.
Click Here for the UPDATED RE Curriculum K-8 (2024)
Click Here for the Theology Framework References in the 2024 Parish Lesson Guides
Pondering Scripture in Our Hearts
The Diocese of Lansing is pleased to provide our theology curriculum addendum, correlating scripture with our learning outcomes, throughout the years of formation, K-12. It is our hope and prayer that our youth will reflect upon God's word as they are formed in their faith. As they ponder God's word in their hearts may they ever draw more closely to Jesus Christ. May they live the Gospel daily. May they be a light that others may be drawn into relationship with Jesus and his Church.
Introductory Letter from Bishop Boyea
Pondering Scripture in Our Hearts: Elementary, K-8
Pondering Scripture in Our Hearts: Secondary, 9-12
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation Guidelines for Reconciliation and First Communion:
Below are guidelines to help parishes ensure that they are helping individuals prepare to participate fully in the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. These guidelines should help to form plans for parish religious education process and also serve to help parents begin this process at home. In addition, the guidelines are designed to aid parents to discern when their child is truly ready to participate in a sacrament rather than simply presume they should participate because they have reached a certain age.
Find the Preparation Guidelines for Reconciliation and First Communion HERE.
Confirmation:
Visit our Confirmation page to find creative approached, FAQs, and many more helpful and valuable resources when preparing for this sacrament HERE.
Guidelines for using Permission Forms
Click the links below to view the pertinent forms.
Parent/guardian permission form for field trips
Volunteer driver information sheet
Here are three primary guidelines to consider to determine whether you need to use permission forms for a trip with youth.
Transportation: Are we providing/arranging/coordinating transportation? Are our people traveling together as a group? and is the travel itself part of the venture?
The event being treated as part of our program: Is the event being treated as an element of our own program? For our people, does attendance at the event take the place of a normally scheduled class or session? and are our people required/expected to attend?
Our own involvement in the event: Is our staff involved in the event? Are some of the presenters, coordinators, performers, speakers, etc., coming from us? Did we help organize or present the event?
Summary: Permission slips are needed if we are driving people to an event that we are incorporating into our curriculum with our staff being involved in the production of the event. We do not need permission slips if we are not providing transportation, are neutral about whether people choose to attend, and are not involved in the production of the event. We look to those three scales to figure out whether we have made this event ours; or whether it is someone else's event we are mentioning to our people, who are free to attend or not, as they see fit.
National Catechetical Sunday
National Catechetical Sunday, designated by the U.S. Catholic Bishops as the third Sunday in September each year, is set aside as an opportunity for all the baptized to rededicate themselves to the mission of handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.
Resources: