Parish Catechetical Leaders

CORE Certification (Diocesan standards for Parish Catechetical Leaders) has two parts.

CORE I was developed to provide PCLs training in the pastoral skills necessary to be a catechetical leader

2012 CORE I (Pastoral skills) will be held at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway 08854.  The schedule is as follows -  9:30 AM - 2:00PM - Lunch included

       21 January         4 February            3 March           March 31        14 April                 28 April  (make up)         

Topics include:

  • Vision & Goals of the PCL
  • Faith, Family & Community
  • Administration
  • Prayer
  • Nurturing the PCL
  • Sacraments
  • Planning & Organization
  • Liturgy
  • Recruiting, Training & Retaining Catechists
  • Social Justice/Stewardship

The sessions are facilitated by seasoned, professional parish leaders who share their experience and knowledge of the realities of forming children, youth and adults in their faith.

CORE II is the continuing theological education and formation necessary to be an effective PCL.

You may choose from 3 options to fulfill this requirement:

Option 1 – online courses at the University of Dayton (http://vlc.udayton.edu)

Option 2 – undergraduate certification program at a Catholic college or university

Option 3 – Masters Degree in Theology, Religious Education or Pastoral Ministry.

University of Dayton Courses applicable to CORE II

  • Faith and Human Development
  • Catholic Beliefs
  • Images of Jesus
  • Introduction to Christian Morality OR Conscience
  • Introduction to Scripture
  • Sacraments
  • Introduction to Liturgy
  • Introduction to Catechesis
  • Overview of the GDC & NDC

*Courses may be taken in any order.

Renewal of Diocesan PCL Certification

Once a PCL certification has been achieved and celebrated, all PCLs will be expected to renew their certification every 5 years. The Church, as a living evolving community, changes and grows as must the PCL. A PCL must stay current and find new ways to deepen the parish’s relationship with Jesus Christ through his/her own continuing formation, education and spiritual journey. Please contact the Diocesan Office for Catechesis for re-certification requirements.