Catechist Certification

St. Clement of Alexandria d. 215

At St. Pius X, our catechists (faith formation teachers) make up a community of lifelong learners who model the Church and are committed to the Catholic faith.

The word "catechist" comes from the Greek, meaning one who "echoes down the teaching." There were many great "catechists" in the early Church, including St. Clement of Alexandria, leader of the catechetical school of Alexandria.

In the Diocese of Buffalo, catechists are expected to complete at least 5 hours of catechist formation per year, with new catechists completing at least Intro to Theology / Catechist as Minister.

The longer term expectations of the catechist formation process is to cover each of the following areas:

• Intro to Theology / Catechist as Minister (5 hrs)
• Faith Development  (5 hrs)
• Prayer & Spirituality  (5 hrs)
• Liturgy, Sacraments, & RCIA  (5 hrs)
• Catholic Morality  (5 hrs)
• Sacred Scripture  (5 hrs)
• Christology (Jesus)  (5 hrs)
• Creed & Church (Ecclesiology)  (5 hrs)
• Vatican II & Social Justice  (5 hrs)
• Other areas (optional)

Videos, books, and other materials can count toward catechist certification if the office is notified. Also, watch the St. Pius X Faith Formation blog for future events for catechist formation.

Catechists who complete and record 5 hours of catechist formation for the FF school year will receive their annual catechist certificate from the Diocese at the end of the FF year. Areas with at least 5 hours of study will be listed on the certificate.