For almost two years now I have been taking classes at my
diocese to achieve a Master Catechist Certificate. In my diocese we have three options in terms
of certification: Initial, Intermediate and Advanced. In addition, the program is designed so that
students can go at their own pace with classes in an eight or nine week
rotation. There are the mandatory
classes that must be taken, but also the freedom to choose a few electives
depending on the type of certification achieving. These courses are the same classes that those
with the desire to be ordained permanent deacons take. Thus, since my beginning studies, I have
joined a bubbly bunch of about fifteen aspiring deacons with their wives. It’s been so much fun getting to know and
studying beside them, my perspective of ordained (or soon to be) ministers has definitely changed…
In this time and day it’s important that the body of the church
(you and I) are informed Catholics because there’s great need for Catholic
wisdom in our society. I actually began
the program for that reason alone, I wanted to learn and understand my religion more deeply so that I can better share it with others. I think this desire for deeper knowledge is
the reason that I am going for the advanced option because as the classes are
in rotation I get so attracted by different courses that I sign-up for them
without keeping track of which option they fall under (smile). I just know that in the span about three
years (two down) I will achieve advanced certification.
Today, I want to share what I have learned taking classes at a diocesan
level in case any of you have been curious or are on teeter-totter about possibly
joining the Master Catechist Program.
Be Ready to Work- These courses are at a university level in
terms of learning. Each class is
designed with a lot of reading, class work and a final paper. So know in advanced that you will have to do
more than just occupy space in the classroom.
Come with an Open Mind- The classes are usually led by
priests or Catholic theologians who practice their faith and are passionate
about the topic they are instructing on.
This also means that you get Catholics from all over the spectrum from
very conservative to extremely liberal thinkers. And the material is going to challenge some
of your thoughts and beliefs – at times clarifying at others making you more
confused. Press on, the Spirit will guide you in the right path as you learn the true theology of our faith.
Expect Disappointments- Some of the classes that I was most
excited about ended up being the worst. For example, I took a class on Liturgy of the
Hours and the instructor was horrible, I don’t think teaching was a strength of
his so I felt like I didn’t learn very much in that class. I also had a teacher teaching us about
liberal and feminist theology in a class that was supposed to be about
Christology. Then I had the teacher who
taught using the new teaching trend where we are all right in our own way, never taking sides- it was quite annoying… But I also loved Old and New Testament studies and faith formation.
Challenge the Teaching-
At first, I thought everything I was learning was set in stone and not
refutable because of the caliber of the instructors, but as I have pursued my
Catholic education I have learned that teachers come with their own preferences
and biases so in the end I have to make up my own conclusions. Sometimes those conclusions will be that I
don’t agree with the point-of-view of my instructor.
Though the road in my learning has had its bumps, I still
think that all Catholics should take classes at their diocese whether pursuing
a certificate or simply to learn their faith better. Our church needs informed Catholic’s in our
parishes, communities and in the world.
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