Graduate Certificate in Catechetical Leadership

Graduate Certificate in Catechetical Leadership (GCCL)

“[M]inistries - such as catechists, directors of prayer and chant, Christians devoted to the service of God's Word or to assisting their brethren in need, the heads of small communities, or other persons charged with the responsibility of apostolic movements- these ministries are valuable for the establishment, life, and growth of the Church, and for her capacity to influence her surroundings and to reach those who are remote from her” - Pope St. Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 73

The Graduate Certificate in Catechetical Leadership (GCCL) provides a dynamic, introductory formation in catechesis, providing the competence and confidence to proclaim the truth and beauty of our faith.

The GCCL is well-designed for those who seek positions in catechetical leadership, such as faith formation directors/coordinators or volunteer catechists. It is also an excellent resource for Catholic school teachers that teach religion, theology, or other related areas. Finally, it could serve as ongoing formation for anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of the Church’s teachings and its vision of evangelization and catechesis: from priests and permanent deacons to lay men and women striving for personal enrichment.

The GCCL is comprised of five courses (15 credit hours) and can be attended live from anywhere in the country or the world, or can also be attended asynchronously (for those in difficult time zones or who have conflicting work schedules).

The 4 required courses are:

• C/D398 - Catechesis and the New Evangelization: Content, Method, and Challenges
• C/D202 - The Revelation of God: Scripture, Tradition, Creed (Catechism 1 and 2)
• C/D203 - The Drama of Life in Christ: Action, Contemplation, Communion (Catechism 3 and 4)
• C319 - Speaking the Truth in Love: Introduction to Apologetics

There is flexibility concerning the 1 approved elective requirement; any of the following courses could serve as the elective, though other courses may full the requirement as well (subject to the approval of the Program Director):

• C/D365 - Theology of the Body: Sexuality and the Sacred
• D217 - Pastoral Care
• C/D332 - Catholic Bioethics: A Matter of Life and Death
• C/D329 - The Gospel of Life: Life Issues and Contemporary Challenges
• A205 - Introduction to Catholic Biblical Studies