FAQS

Catholic School Teachers must be certified. It is highly recommended that all parish catechists be certified as well. Participants may also attend as adult learners.

Completion of the entire program is only required for certification.

To qualify for certification, Year 1 classes must be taken before Years 2 & 3. Years 2 & 3 may be interchanged.

The cost for each class is $25. Spirituality of the Catechist (commonly taken in Year 3) is an additional $10. Parishes and schools are sometimes able to assist in payment.
Contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation for more details.
Payment is due at the time of registration.
Download the Paper Registration Forms        
Go to the Schedule of classes and Online Registration

The faculty is composed of Lay Ecclesial Ministers, Priests, Religious, and Catholic School Principals and Teachers.

Classes may be made up at any of the locations and formats (summer, school in-services, parish sites). Sign in by adding your name at the bottom of the attendance sheet.

Occasionally, a class may be cancelled due to inclement weather or illness. Updated information, including the rescheduled date, will be available on the website and office voicemail.

A Catholic Study Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church (green, 2nd edition) are required texts for the program. A limited quantity is available for purchase at the classes.

To qualify for certification, completed worksheets must be submitted to the Office of Catholic Faith Formation. Participants who attend as adult learners only are not required to complete the worksheets. However, it is recommended, as it allows for reflection, offers a deeper understanding by articulating in your own words the content of the class, and provides and opportunity to apply key concepts to one’s own life. Worksheets

Completed worksheets are to be submitted to the Office of Catholic Faith Formation 3 weeks after the class was taken. Worksheets

Editable Worksheets are available under the Worksheets Menu Item

Collaboration with colleagues is encouraged as a viable learning tool, but independent thought and effort must be reflected in the worksheets.

Before certification is acquired, all worksheets are reviewed for comprehension and accuracy.

A requirement for certification, this class is commonly taken during the third year of the program. This two-hour course costs an additional $10.

Catechists are required to complete the practicum before receiving certification, the format and observation of the practicum may be modified to better fit individual circumstances. This is not required for school teachers (private and public).

Catholic School Teachers are required to complete 50 continuing education credits in five years to renew their certification.

• If you have previously been certified in this 3 year program, you may attend classes again at no charge. Completion of worksheets is not required, and each hour applies to certification.
• School and parish retreats and events may qualify, as well as school-related workshops, books and DVDs, and other archdiocesan-sponsored events.

• School Teachers (private or public) may earn Professional development credits that will advance you on the pay scale.
• Through Seattle University, you may earn 2 professional development credits for $50 by attending 20 hours (5 classes) in a 12-month period. These credits do not apply to under-graduate or post-graduate degrees unless specifically accepted by a counselor.

School Teachers (private or public) may earn Washington State Clock Hours for every class hour of this program at no additional cost. Class hours may not be applied simultaneously to professional development credits and Washington state Clock hours. However, 20 hours may be applied to professional development and 8 to Washington State Clock hours for the 28 hours that are in each year of the program.

Class titles have been modified from the original Pilot Program to better communicate the content and purpose of the class. Participant worksheets with the original titles are available on the website to download and complete if you took the earlier version.