Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I handed them on to you. (1 Corinthians 11:1-2)

The bishops of California have called lay ministers (which includes catechists, eucharistic ministers, ushers, and lectors) to participate in a basic level of formation to prepare them adequately for their ministry. In addition, the bishops call those who are serving in ministry to continue this formation throughout their years of service. To help persons identify what is necessary, the bishops have set guidelines for Basic Certification and Renewal of Certification.

Lay Formation Certification

There are many paths leading to lay formation, to include Echoes of Faith a program approved by the Diocese of Sacramento and offered by SS. Peter & Paul Church.

Requirements for Lay Formation Certification in the Diocese of Sacramento include:

• At least eight (8) hours of Doctrinal Development study in each of the following areas:
  • Profession of Faith
    To help catechists to understand more clearly the thruths we believe so that they can share the faith more effectively with others.
  • Celebration of the Christian Mystery
    To explore the meaning of liturgy and sacrament. To demonstrate why the sacramental life of the faith community is central to our Catholic identity.
  • Life in Christ
    To explore the foundations of Catholic moral teaching.
  • Christian Prayer
    To give catechists a basic understanding of the nature of prayer and its various forms, its source in the word of God and its movement from communion with God interiorly toward communion with others in and through community life.
  • The Nature of Catechesis / Catechetical Development
    To assist catechists to be more at ease and self-confident in the catechetical setting through gaining basic knowledge of: faith and human development, evangelization, nature of catechesis and catechetical process, learning and teaching styles
• At least ten (10) hours of Spiritual Development, to include:
  • Prayer experiences
  • Retreats
  • Spiritual direction

A lay minister will receive the Basic Catechist Certificate upon:

1. Satisfactory completion of the course of studies
2. One year of ministerial experience
3. Evaluation of performance (for Catechists only)

Renewal of Certification

Certification expires at the end of four (4) years from the date of issue. Renewal of certification involves completion of at least ten (10) hours annually of Doctrinal Development, with a requirement of at least five (5) hours devoted to each of the following areas: Church History, Scripture and Spirituality (for a total of 15 hours at the end of four years).

Adapted from the Diocese of Sacramento Requirements for Formation & Certification of Catechists (September 2009)

Echoes of Faith

Each year, we offer you the opportunity to attend the Echoes of Faith sessions, which are designed to help you become certified as a lay minister.  If you are able to attend all of the sessions within one calendar year, you will have completed the requirements for certification.  If you are only able to attend some of the sessions, then we will work with you to complete the process.  THANK YOU for your interest in becoming certified.  Upcoming sessions are listed on the left-hand side of this page.  Please RSVP below with the session(s) you are interested in attending.