The Hearts Aflame Faith Catechist Formation Program
provides both initial and comprehensive formation
for parish catechists and elementary school teachers
of religion. Archdiocesan certification is awarded
to those who satisfy the requirements of the Hearts
Aflame Program.
Policy and Requirements
for the Certification of Catholic Elementary
School Teachers of Religion and Parish Catechists
Catechist Certification Assessment Exams
The Hearts Aflame Program also benefits those
who are preparing to serve as permanent deacons,
youth ministers and Ministers of Religious Education
(MRE’s), and it provides interested adults
with opportunities to grow in their faith and knowledge.
Hearts Aflame is structured around four categories
of courses:
- Recruitment, Discernment and Preparation Component
(RDP)
- Core Courses
- Specialization Courses
- Enrichment Courses
In 2001, Hearts Aflame was designated a “Program
of Excellence” by the National Catholic Educational
Association’s SPICE initiative.
The Recruitment, Discernment and Preparation
Component (RDP)
In 2004, the RDP component of catechist formation was added to Hearts Aflame.
The RDP is a basic level of catechist formation that has been designed
to be implemented in the parish or school. The RDP provides a strong spiritual
component that will help potential or new catechists discern if they have
been called to the ministry of catechesis. The RDP also provides basic
training in such areas as lesson planning, prayer in the classroom, classroom
management and creating sacred learning space. Please click below for the
complete RDP document.
A Recruitment, Discernment, and Preparation
Component (RDP) of the Hearts Aflame Catechist Formation Program
While completion of the RDP process is not a requirement
for catechist certification, all potential and
new catechists will benefit greatly from participating.
Core Courses
Core Courses are open to all interested adults, and are requirements for
Archdiocesan Catechist Certification. A small fee is charged to cover
costs. More information about catechist formation and certification may
be found here.
The following Core Courses are offered throughout
the Archdiocese by skilled instructors; current
offerings are on the Archdiocesan
events calendar.
- Introduction to Scripture
- Sacraments
- Christian Morality
- Christian Prayer
- Creed
Specialization Courses
Ministry of Catechesis
Ministry of Catechesis is a Hearts Aflame Specialization Course offered
by the Office for Religious Education. Taught by qualified catechetical
leaders in parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese, it is a catechist
certification requirement for parish catechists and elementary school teachers
of religion. This ten-hour, four-session course addresses the following
topics: History and Explanation of Catechesis, Person of the Catechist,
About the Learner and Classroom Applications.
Adult Enrichment Courses
The Office for Religious Education offers a referral service for parishes to provide recommendations for topics and presenters.
How Can I Learn More About Hearts Aflame?
For more information, contact the Office for Religious Education.
