Catechetical

Foundations

Courses

The Catechetical Foundations Courses are designed not only for those in formal catechetical roles, but for anyone who desires to possess a more confident understanding of the Catholic faith. Although not everyone is a recognized catechist, we are all called to evangelize to those we encounter each day (Cf. Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15-17; Colassians 1:23-24).

In these courses you will not merely learn several teachings of the Church on particular topics; rather, you will learn how all the truths of the faith are part of a single deposit of faith as a unified and organic whole.

Also, these courses are not so much concerned with human methods of teaching, but with the pedagogy of God. The divine method of teaching from the very beginning of the universe has very distinct and necessary elements that must never be forgotten when catechizing others about the Catholic faith.

Who are the courses for?

1. Anyone who desires to serve as a catechist in the R.C.I.A. process (click here) and Returning Home Program (click here) must complete at least Catechetical Foundations 101 before beginning

2. Any catechist for the Religious Education Program must complete at least Catechetical Foundations 101 before the start of their second year teaching

3. Anyone who desires to have a better understanding of the Catholic faith

What are the courses offered?

Catechetical Foundations 101 focuses on using the Catechism of the Catholic Church and studying basic principles of teaching others the deposit of faith. We look heavily at the pedagogy of God: from teaching the primacly grace, the hierarchy of truths, to teaching from the story of salvation. There is also an instroduction to the Ecclesial Method as presented by Msgr. Francis Kelly. The main emphasis of this course is within the first pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Catechetical Foundations 201 finishes our instroduction of the pedagogy of God, which is the context of all further study. The course then spends time of Christology and Mariology, as well as a history of catechetics and common heresies. The main emphasis of this course in within the first and third pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Catechetical Foundations 301 is concerned with that part of the pedagogy of God where we fully encounter our Triune God most completely, in the Liturgical Rites of the Church. This course focuses on the spirit of, dimensions of, and power of the Church's liturgical life. The main emphasis of this course in within the second and fourth pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

When are the courses offered?

For further information contact | Mr. Mark A. Postma | Director of Faith Formation | 616-241-4477 x103 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it