link to Initial Catechetical Certification Application

CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER
INITIAL CATECHETICAL CERTIFICATION
Archdiocese of Chicago
Office of Catholic Schools
Elementary Teachers
Application Process for Initial Certification
Teachers must have completed the four Catholic theology courses required by Policy 220.1 for
teachers new to the system or other course work in Catholic Theology, Scripture and Religious
Education for initial catechist certification in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Catholic teachers who
have completed these course requirements may use the following application process.
The application form, the reflection paper and the day of reflection entitled Being a Catechist:
Witnessing Faith must be completed by April for certification in the month of June. Certification
lasts for five years.
**********
Teacher:
_____________________________________________________
Name Home Address City Zip
School:
_______________________________________________________________________________
Email Address
Contact Phone Number
_____________________________________________________
Name Address City Zip
The candidate has completed the following continuing education units provided by St. Mary of
the Lake University or the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry.
(Please provide month/days/year)
Scripture and Tradition – Revelation Dates: ______________ Instructor _________________________
Profession of Faith – Creed Dates: ______________ Instructor _________________________
Liturgy, Sacraments, Prayer Dates: ______________ Instructor _________________________
Catholic Morality – Life in Christ Dates: ______________ Instructor _________________________
(Or) The candidate has completed three undergraduate/graduate courses in theology related to
religious education, scripture, sacraments/liturgy, or morality in the past five years at a Catholic
university.
Course Title:
________________________ University: ________________ Date: _____
Course Title:
________________________ University: ________________ Date: _____
Course Title:
(Please attach copy of transcripts.)
________________________ University: ________________ Date: _____
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(Or) This teacher has a degree in theology or religious education from a Catholic university.
Degree Type: _______________________ Date: ________ From:_______________________
(Please attach a copy of the transcripts.)
(Or) The candidate has completed catechist training program from another diocese and is
certified by that diocese within the last five years.
Name of Diocese ________________________
(Please attach a copy of the certificate and courses attended for certification.)
***********
______ I have attended the required one-day anti-racism training sponsored by the Archdiocese of
Chicago, Office for Racial Justice. If you need to register for the next one, please call 312-534-3886.
(Must be filled in)
Date _________________________
Please submit a reflection on the following question.
How does being a catechist in a Catholic school call me to deepen my faith and enrich my
understanding of being a disciple of Jesus?
(Please answer this reflection question in 500 to 1000 words and attach to the application form.)
Signatures
***********
I have met with my principal about this application and request for certification as a
Teacher Catechist in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Teacher Candidate: __________________________
Signature
Date: _____________
I attest that this teacher has met these requirements for certification as a catechist, seeks to
deepen his/her commitment to a life of faith in the Catholic Church, and demonstrates the
ability to use effective catechetical methods in the classroom.
Principal: __________________________________
Date: _____________
Please return application and reflection paper to
Marcela Bermudez
Office of Catholic Schools
835 North Rush Street
Chicago IL 60611
(Check made payable to the Office of Catholic Schools much accompany the application)
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Being a Catechist: Witnessing Faith
JOURNEY IN FAITH
TEACHER CATECHIST CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Elementary and Secondary Teachers
Of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Registration for Day of Reflection
Name of Teacher: ______________________________________________________________
Contact Phone #____________________________________Email _____________________________________
School:
_______________________________________________________________________________
City
I am able to attend the Day of Reflection as the final requirement for acceptance as a certified
teacher catechist in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Time is 8:30 – 4:00.
______ November 30, 2012 (Friday) St. Edna Parish, 2525 N. Arlington Hts. Road, Arlington Heights
______ December 7, 2012 (Friday) St. Alexander, 7025 W. 126 th St., Palos Heights
_____ February 15, 2013 (Friday) St. Edward, 4343 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago
_____ April 19, 2013 (Friday) St. Hilary, 5614 N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago
_____ May 3, 2013 (Friday) Meyer Center, 3525 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago
Registration cost: $50. Check payable to the Office of Catholic Schools.
Please send this registration form with the 2-page application, essay and payment to:
Marcela Bermudez
Office of Catholic Schools
835 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Please note that you must be approved by Esther Hicks before you may attend a Day of
Reflection. Registration with application and payment should be submitted ten days in advance of
the date you choose. Sending in a check and no application will not hold a spot.
This reflection day is required for certification. If, for some reason, you cannot attend one of
these days, you can apply for certification next fall. The gathering for the official granting of
certificates by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., is held annually in June. Thank you!
If you have any questions about the registration process or for an application for the
Teacher Catechist Certification Process, please call Marcela Bermudez at 312-534-5242.
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