Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education

The Basic Leadership Training Course is required for all directors and coordinators new to the Archdiocese of New York and must be completed within a 2-year period.

It consists of 11 sessions offered at:

• Maryknoll Sisters’ Center (Fridays)
• St. John-Visitation Parish Pastoral Center, NW Bronx (Saturdays)
• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,  Middletown, Orange County (Saturdays)

Please bring your red Archdiocesan Handbook and a bag lunch/supper to each session. The fee for the entire course is $385; if you must pay per session the cost is $40 per session.

All experienced directors and coordinators of Religious Education can attend individual sessions for updating. If you have not registered for the entire Basic Training Course and wish to take individual sessions, you may e-mail Sr.Teresita.Morse@archny.org

Quick links:

• 2020-2021 Basic Leadership Training Brochure and Registration Form
• Check out the Basic Leadership Training Formation events calendar for upcoming sessions.
  

The Advanced Catechetical Leadership is designed for coordinators who are taking any of the courses in the Advanced Leadership Formation.  Advanced Catechetical Leadership is an academic program for coordinators of Religious Education.  It consists of 9 courses in theology, catechesis, and catechetical administration.    

All courses are given in 8 sessions of 3 hours each. Classes are held once a week. Students should expect several hours of homework a week.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of Catechist Formation Level 1 and 2
• Completion of Basic Leadership Training Course

The Advanced Catechetical Leadership Courses are being given in two sites:

• St.  Catharine’s Parish Center
  • Pelham in Central Westchester, Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center
  • Middletown in Orange County, Thursdays, 10am to 1pm

Advanced Catechetical Leadership Program List of Courses

If you would like to register for the Advanced Catechetical Leadership, you may e-mail Sr.Teresita.Morse@archny.org

The certified director/coordinator of Religious Education is a significant member of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Leadership Community — those people who are recognized as possessing the competencies and skills identified in the Archdiocesan Handbook for Parish Religious Education Directors and Coordinators and whose commitment to the Catechetical Ministry reaches beyond the parish to the wider Archdiocesan Church.

Steps to Certification for Coordinators:

• Catechist Certification, Levels 1 and 2
• Basic Leadership Training Course
• Advanced Leadership Training Course
• Supervision Process

Steps to Certification for Directors:

• Masters in Religious Education, Religious Studies, Theology, or related field or Masters in any area plus 24 graduate credits in these specified fields
• Basic Leadership Training Course
• Supervision Process

Certification must be renewed after five years. 

Requirements for Renewal of Certification 

• 30 class hours in catechesis or theology over 5 years; attendance at the Catechetical Forum can provide up to 4 hours a year.
• Yearly attendance at a minimum of one spiritual renewal opportunity provided either by the Archdiocesan or the Regional Catechetical Office;  this day/evening or prayer is for the purpose of providing a forum for spiritual sharing among Catechetical Leaders.
• Regular attendance each year at Regional Catechetical Meetings; regular means attendance for at least 3/4ths of the meetings.
• Yearly attendance at a minimum of one professional formation seminar/workshop sponsored by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office.  These seminars and workshops can be found listed in Basic Training and in Certification Events.
• Exercising catechetical leadership beyond the parish for the sake either of a deanery or the Archdiocese, such as serving on a committee, giving classes or workshops in a catechetical field, mentoring at the request of the Catechetical Office.
• Recommendation by the Regional Catechetical Director.
• Recommendation by the Certification Review Committee.
• Approval for Certification by the Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office.

N.B.  Developing and administering an excellent parish religious education program is NOT a requirement for Renewal of Certification.  It is the primary responsibility of the Director/Coordinator of Religious Education whether certified or not.

Certification-related events are for directors and coordinators who are certified or are in the supervision process for certification.

Meeting to Begin Supervision Process (Annually in the Fall)

For Directors and Coordinators who have completed the Basic Leadership Training Course and Catechetical Leadership Program.

This is the necessary first step in the one-to-two-year supervision process, an essential requirement for certification. The day will consist in an orientation to the purpose and content of the supervision process. Participants will complete the self-assessment upon which the entire supervision process is built.

The Wisdom Gathering (Annually in November)

For Certified Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education

The Wisdom Gathering is an overnight spiritual and communal experience. It is the primary annual event for all Certified Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education.

Consultation Luncheon (Annually in January)

For Certified Directors and Coordinators

The purpose of this luncheon is to foster community among the certified Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education and to consult these leaders who form the Catechetical Wisdom Community on overarching directions and challenges for Catechesis in the Archdiocese.

Advisory Council Meeting (Annually in March)

For Certified Directors and Coordinators

On several occasions throughout the year, the “Wisdom Community” of Certified Directors and Coordinators are consulted by Sr. Joan and the Catechetical Office staff on matters which affect the effectiveness and vitality of Parish Religious Education in the Archdiocese.

Certification Ceremony and Dinner (Annually in the Spring)

For Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education who have fulfilled the requirements for certification

At this ceremony, certification will be awarded to those Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education who have fulfilled the requirements for certification. Sr. Joan Curtin, CND, as Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, will grant the certification in the presence of a Bishop representing Cardinal Dolan. A dinner will follow the ceremony.

Re-Certification Ceremony and Dinner (Annually in the Spring)

For Directors and Coordinators to be certified

At this ceremony, re-certification will be awarded to those Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education whose certification has expired and who have fulfilled the requirements for renewal. Sr. Joan Curtin, CND, Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, will grant the re-certification. A dinner will follow the ceremony.

Celebration of Gratitude (Annually in June)

Celebration of Gratitude to Culminate the Year of Ministry for All Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education

This Mass and Luncheon is a celebration of gratitude for all that the directors and coordinators of Religious Education have contributed over the past year to the Catechetical Ministry in the Archdiocese. It is also a time to honor those who now must leave the ministry after years of magnificent service for the flourishing of faith in our parishes.

The following resources for download are a support to catechetical leaders and pastors by the Catechetical Office, including these frequently searched resources.

Handbooks

Administrative Handbook for Parish Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education (aka “the red book”)

• Part-One: Program Administration and Coordination
• Part-Two: Professional Development

Parent Handbook: Directors/Coordinators should use this template as the basis and model for the Parent Handbook of their Parish Religious Education program.   Contact your regional office for the Handbook in MS Word Format.

Catechist Handbook: Directors/Coordinators should use this template as the basis and model for the Catechist Handbook of their Parish Religious Education program.  Contact your regional office for the Handbook in MS Word Format.

Guidelines for Catechesis

Revised Guidelines for Catechesis /Directrices Catequéticas: the official guide to religious education in the Archdiocese of New York that details the religious education content to be taught at each grade level. Copyright, 1996, 2016, Archdiocese of New York, Department of Education.

In English

• PreK through K
• PreK through Six Grade
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grades 7 and 8

En espanól

• Pre-Escolar Hasta Sexto Grado
• Preescolar
• Primero Grado
• Segundo Grado
• Tercero Grado
• Cuarto Grado
• Quinto Grado
• Sexto Grado

Administration Forms and Support Catechist Forms 

Catechist Forms

• Catechist Certification Applications: upon completion of the requirements, directors and coordinators submit this paperwork so that their catechists are awarded certification:
  • Application for Level One Catechist Certification
  • Application for Level Two Catechist Certification
  • Application for Level Two Catechist Certification Renewal
• Catechist Job Description: ministry responsibilities for the catechist.
• Observation/Evaluation of Parish Catechist’s Lesson: a form to help directors and coordinators as they observe and evaluate their catechists.
• Applications to honor catechists at our annual service in November:
  • Certificate of Appreciation Application: honoring those catechists who have served for 10, 15, 20, 25 etc. years in the catechetical ministry in the Archdiocese of New York.
  • Application for Medal of Honor: honoring those catechists who have served for 30, 35, 40 or more years of service

• Crisis Management Plan Report: each year directors and coordinators are responsible for developing an emergency plan.
  • Crisis Management Plan Report: download for printing and to fill out with a pen or typewriter.
  • Crisis Management Plan Report: MS Word format; right-click the link and select “Save Target As…
• Models for Parish Religious Education: helping our parishes effectively form young people and their families for discipleship as part of the Catholic church using diverse models of program organization.
• Monthly Checklist for Directors/Coordinators: a handy list of monthly reminders to help directors and coordinators keep on top of their program responsibilities.
• Opting out of Public School Mandated Sex Education: help for parents who wish to know more about how to opt their children out of public school sex education.
• Whatever Happened to CCD?: a brief history of the catechetical ministry.
  • English: PDF Format  /  Word Format
  • ¿Qué Sucedió Con CCD?:PDF Format/  Word Format

Program Forms

• Attendance Register: prints on 11″ x 17″ paper.
• Bus Companies: please check with the Archdiocesan insurance office for an updated list. 646-794-3024. 
• Child Information Record: Registration Form in English and in Spanish for use when registering children into the Parish Religious Education program. In MS Word format, so the Director/Coordinator can make the changes necessary for the individual parish program, always with the permission of the Pastor.
• Family File (The Pink Card): prints on 5″x8″ file cards; they will be off-center on 8.5″x11″ paper.
• Media Authorization Form: form used to obtain the permission of parents/guardians so that images (e.g. pictures, videotape) of the children in their programs may be taken/used.  En espanól: Permiso de Medios de Communicación
• Order form for Catechetical Supplies: order Attendance Registers, Family File Cards, Permanent Record Cards, Released Time Cards, Progress Reports and Catechetical Personnel Application.
• Permanent Record Cards (The Yellow Card):  prints on 5″x8″ file cards; they will be off-center on 8.5″x11″ paper.
• Progress Reports: printable report for use in the religious education program.
• Safe Environment Forms: all forms are available from the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Office.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation Guidelines for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: the salary of the Lay Director or Coordinator of Religious Education is determined according to the Compensation Guidelines, approved by the Presbyteral Council and published by the Catechetical Office.
• Health, Life and Disability Benefits for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: in negotiating salary and benefits with the Pastor, the Director/Coordinator may inquire about the benefits listed in this document.
• Agreement of Employment for Lay Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education: the position of the Parish Director/Coordinator of Religious Education is a professional position and therefore, the Director/Coordinator is a “salaried employee” not an “hourly employee.”
• Application for a Director/Coordinator of Religious Education: the application to be filled out by a new director/coordinator and submitted to the Catechetical Office.

Links

• Catechist Formation Review: this review of Catechist Level One course material provides the catechist with an opportunity to check her/his knowledge and clarify her/his understanding of the material.
• Chastity Education: the Family Life Office website has Parent Guides to Human Sexuality, Chastity Speakers, and resources for teachers and parents.
• Conformity Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series: a download of the most current listing of religious education texts and series that have been found in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church; published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  
• Safe Environment Resources: resources provided by the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program ensuring the safety of children and young people who have been entrusted to our care in our parishes, schools, religious education classes, and other programs.
  
• The Catechist in the Third Millennium: a download of the October 2012 statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State supporting quality catechetical leadership in our changing parishes and world.
• Opting out of Public School Mandated Sex Education: help for parents who desire that there children opt-out of sex education in public schools.

Pastor’s Resources

• Pastors Guide a downloadable guide for pastors in helping in the selection and hiring of the parish director/coordinator of Religious Education.
• Compensation Guidelines for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: a downloadable copy of salary scale of Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education.
  
• Health, Life and Disability Benefits for Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education: a download copy of benefits of Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education.
  
• Agreement of Employment for Lay Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education: a downloadable copy of an agreement of Lay Directors /Coordinators of Religious Education.
• The Catechist in the Third Millennium: a download of the October 2012 statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State supporting quality catechetical leadership in our changing parishes and world.

• Through the Year with the DRE: a chart outlining the “typical” responsibilities that a catechetical leader/DRE is faced with over the course of a year.
• 10 Tips for New D/RE’s: new to religious education? Download this exclusive eBook from Sadlier.
• A Catechist Role Description: call people to the vocation of serving as a catechist, with a role description to describe what you are calling them to.

Professional Associations

• Federation for Catechesis with Hispanics: approved by the NCCL Board to become the first federation in NCCL to serve those who minister in catechesis with Hispanics.
• National Catholic Educational Association: a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction, and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the Church.
• National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL): a Catholic association dedicated to advancing the Church’s teaching mission in the United States, especially by promoting excellence in catechetical leaders.
• National Association for Lay Ministry: a professional organization that supports, educates and advocates for lay ministers and promotes the development of lay ministry in the Catholic Church.

Blogs and Online Resources

• Be My Disciples: find ways to help teachers, parents, catechists, and students articulate the gospel message so that others will better understand it. A ministry of RCL Benziger.
• Relevant Catechesis: a blog designed to share insights and ideas for carrying out the work of catechesis in a Catholic Parish.
• Catholic Education Resource Center: online source for information on Catholic faith and culture.
• Finding Copyright-Free Images for Catechetical Use: understanding copyright issues for catechists and leaders, and where to find copyright-free images.
• Formed: the Catholic faith on demand; provides streaming Catholic content for religious education programs and parishes.
• Sadlier’s We Believe and Share: a blog of inspiration and resources for Catholics.
• Tools to Evaluation a Religious Education Program: suggestions from the Nationa Catholic Educational Association.
• Transforming Catechesis: helping catechists, parishes, and school catechetical leaders become more effective in their roles.

Resources for Leading Staff Prayer

• Three Minute Retreat
• Pray as You Go

Catechetical Documents

• The Catechetical Leader in the Third Millennium: a Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State regarding the importance and scope of the catechetical leader in the parish.
• The Catechist in the Third Millennium: addresses the new urgency and concern for both the quality of catechesis and those who are called to this ministry; published by the New York State Roman Catholic Bishops in 1998.
• Conformity Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series: The most current listing of religious education texts and series that have been found in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church; published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Directory for Masses with Children: guides how Mass is to be celebrated with children; from the Congregation for Divine Worship.
• General Directory for Catechesis: from the Vatican Congregation of the Clergy, good resource for catechetical leaders.
• Living as Missionary Disciples: provides dioceses and parishes and other church ministries with a roadmap to “new paths for the Church’s journey” of evangelization.
• In Support of Catechetical Ministry: Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recommitting to the development and support of the catechetical ministry. (Issued June 16, 2000)
• Journeying Toward a Future Full of Promise: reflections and challenges from the NYS Bishops on catechesis in New York State (1988).
• Social Media Guidelines: USCCB’s “best practices” for Church personnel using social media in ministry.

Professional Periodicals

• Catechist: written for catechists in parish religious education programs and for teachers of religion in Catholic schools. For nearly four decades, Catechist magazine has been the leading periodical that helps both the veteran and the first-year catechist/teacher be more successful.
• The Catechetical Review: an international quarterly catechetical journal primarily written for Directors of Religious Education, catechetical leaders, religious educators, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators and anyone involved in faith formation. From the Franciscan University of Steubenville.