Religious Education Programs
Catechist Certification Program
“Catechesis involves an essential partnership of the family, the parish community and those who serve as catechist at all levels. Because catechesis is the sharing of faith, it is people intensive. It requires faith-filled, knowledgeable and skilled people who strive to grow in faith themselves and also to share their faith with others. Those who serve as catechist carry out, in the name of the Church, the systematic or intentional efforts to enable people to grow in faith.” (NCCL, "National Certification Standards for Professional Parish Directors of Religious Education," p. v)
It is vital that all who serve in ministry continue their formation and be certified through the diocese. This program provides a variety of ways to achieve this goal through: workshops offered directly from our office, Little Rock Theology Institute, "Echoes of Faith" video series, Little Rock Scripture Study and Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation from the University of Dayton.
Catechetical Study Day
This annual event provides ongoing formation for principals, teachers, catechetical leaders, catechists, deacons, sacramental preparation coordinators, youth ministers, liturgical ministers, music, worship leaders and pastors. This day includes keynote speakers (English and Spanish) and focus sessions.
Little Rock Theology Institute
“Theology seeks fuller understanding of the Gospel message through reflection on the life of Christians and the formal teachings of the Church. It employs systematic and critical methods. It uses philosophy, history, linguistics, and other disciplines in attempting to understand and express Christian truth more clearly.” ("Sharing the Light of Faith," NCD, no. 37, 1979)
Little Rock Theology Institute is a three-year academic program for adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith. Students may attend for personal enrichment or earn catechist certification. Those who already have a bachelor’s degree may pursue a second bachelor's degree in theology from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Okla. The classes, which are offered monthly from September to June, are taught by diocesan staff and professors from various Catholic colleges and universities. Participants meet on Fridays from 7-10 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. -4:30 p.m. at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. To learn more, see the following:
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA process, offered at the parish level, is intended for those adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. It generally begins in the fall and concludes with full initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. See RCIA steps. The Office of Religious Education and Christian Initiation offers training and support for parish RCIA coordinators through its annual RCIA retreat and symposium and also coordinates the Rite of Election, a vital step in the RCIA process. To learn more about Catholicism, go to Learning About the Catholic Faith or see the RCIA Q&A on the website for the USCCB.
Returning to the Church
If you have been away from the Catholic Church and would like to return, you are always welcome to come home. To find out how, go to Returning to the Faith, or if you have questions, contact the Office of Religious Education.
Diocesan Confirmation Retreat
A retreat is one of the requirements to receive the sacrament of confirmation. The retreat is available for candidates unable to attend their parish's retreat, or those from small parishes that find it difficult to offer a retreat. Co-sponsored by the offices of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, it is modeled after SEARCH and is peer-ministry driven. It highlights the gifts of the Holy Spirit and life after confirmation, and is designed to ignite the fire in a confirmation candidate's heart to truly be a disciple of Christ as well as experience an intimate connection with the Holy Spirit.