Certification: High School Religion and Theology Teacher

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Remain Certified:

Ongoing Faith Formation

Catechists who teach religion/theology and have earned Master Catechist Level of Certification must continue growing in their relationship with Jesus and in their knowledge of the faith.  They will participate in a minimum of 10 hours of Ongoing Faith Formation programming annually.  Ongoing faith formation can include workshops from the Catechetical Institute, retreats, seminars or other faith formation workshops. Catholic schoolteachers of religion/theology must submit these hours to their principal at the conclusion of each school year.  The faith formation hours will be counted toward professional development requirements.

Recommended workshops for ongoing faith formation can be found on the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization’s webpage or by contacting the office directly.

Certified High School Religion Teachers Must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in Catholic theology, religious education, or religious studies. This degree must include a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in theology, religious education, or religious studies. A well-balanced program of study must include courses in scripture, doctrine, church history, moral theology, and liturgical/sacramental theology. Courses in pastoral ministry, prayer, and spirituality will be recognized.
  • Complete an accredited college course in adolescent/developmental psychology, and at least one accredited course in secondary teaching methods.
  • Successful completion of a minimum of one quarter of student teaching or an equivalent practicum in teaching. This practicum must include observation of classes, lesson planning, and supervised teaching.
  • *** Part-time high school religion teachers must meet these same requirements.

All High School Religion Teachers Must Be:

  • Practicing Catholics in good standing with the Catholic Church,
  • 18 years or older,
  • In full compliance with the Safe Environment Policies,
  • Committed to present and witness to the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church,
  • Willing to continue their ministry training, and work towards Certification.

Catechists who teach religion and theology must strive to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to communicate faith effectively. They must have a solid understanding of Catholic Doctrine, Scripture and Tradition, and Church History.  They must have the necessary communication skills and ability to use various methodologies with their students; they must understand how people grow and mature, and how people of different ages and circumstances learn

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Catechetical Institute – Franciscan at Home

Diocese of Covington’s Partnership with the Franciscan University of Steubenville Catechetical Institute

 The Diocese of Covington entered a partnership with the Franciscan University of Steubenville Catechetical Institute in 2024. Therefore, workshop offerings towards Foundational, Intermediate, and Master Catechist Level of Certification should be taken from the [email protected] website.  Ongoing faith formation trainings may also be taken through the Catechetical Institute.