Credentialing for Catechetical and Youth Evangelization Leaders

 

What is Credentialing?

To be ‘credentialed’ simply means that one has the necessary qualifications to be a leader in the parish in the areas of either catechesis or youth evangelization. The intent of the credentialing process is to recognize the professionalism already existing among Directors and Coordinators of parish Catechesis or Youth Evangelization in the Diocese of Phoenix.

Credentialing also calls these same professionals to continue developing their knowledge, skills and competencies based on the Church’s catechetical documents and the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers.

In the areas of catechesis (including children’s and adult catechesis) or youth evangelization, the Diocese of Phoenix grants a credential as either a ‘Coordinator’ or ‘Director’ of one’s parish program.

Applications are reviewed in the spring.

For an overview of credentialing, listen to Eric Westby's talk from March 3, 2009 below.

 

From Bishop Olmsted

 

October 2, 2007

Dear Pastors, Catechetical and Youth Evangelization Leaders,

Greetings in Christ.  To meet the challenge of the New Evangelization in the parishes of the Diocese of Phoenix, it is essential to have well-formed leaders in catechesis and youth evangelization.  The demands of parish life call for men and women who have a deep faith in Christ, who have a knowledge of the Deposit of Faith, who have the ability to administer their programs, and who have the relational skills to reach out to all those they meet. 

In paragraph #45 of his Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America, Pope John Paul II says that

Lay works “should be undertaken only by men and women who have received the necessary training in accordance with clearly defined criteria: a stable presence, a real readiness to serve a determined group of persons, and the duty of accountability to their Pastor”. 

It is my hope that the credentialing standards outlined in this document be a service in helping leaders be formed to undertake their daily work.  I ask pastors to support their leaders in their formation towards these credentialing standards; I ask for catechetical and youth evangelization leaders to pursue their own formation as an essential step in helping others grow deeper in their love for Christ.  I pray that, as we work together to improve our skills and equip ourselves for the task at hand, our formation will be a time of deeper commitment to our Lord Jesus and the mission of His Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted

Bishop of Phoenix

 

Information and Applications

Credentialing Information Pack

Credential Information - Summary Sheet

Credentialing Application/Pastor Recommendation Form - Due April 1, 2009

Adobe Acrobat format

Microsoft Word format

Recredentialing Application - Due April 1, 2009

Adobe Acrobat format

Microsoft Word format