Catechists have a vocation…a calling from the Lord rooted in Baptism to carry out His mandate to teach the Gospel. The General Directory for Catechesis tells us that “The Church awakens and discerns this divine vocation and confers the mission to catechize. The Lord Jesus invites men and women, in a special way, to follow Him, teacher and formator of disciples.” (GDC, 231)

Special Summer Offering from CDU...

Please click on the link below to take advantage of CDU's special course designed with the school/academy catechists of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn in mind. 

Catholic Identity Course 

 A message from the Coordinator...

Whether we serve in parish programs of religious education/formation, Catholic schools/academies, Diocesan programs of education/formation, or other similar setting, we are called to be catechists, that is, one who echoes Christ's message. Like any other important work, appropriate and ongoing preparation is necessary for this special ministry to which we are called.  Developed from Church documents on Catholic education and "best practices" from around the nation, the Living and Leading by Faith Catechist Formation Program provides multiple opportunities for Initial, Ongoing, and Enrichment Faith Formation for catechists of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. The information on this web site is meant to provide you with the resources you need to participate in this diocesan program of catechist formation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need clarification.

May God give us strength and joy!

Mr. Theodore Musco, Coordinator

Important Program Information

The following information is meant to provide a snapshot of the Living and Leading by Faith Catechist Formation Program.  Please feel free to search other sections of this Living and Leading by Faith web site for additional information.

The Welcoming Interview and the Development of Your Catechetical Plan

Annually, you should meet with your administrator (pastor, DRE, principal, etc.) to determine your proper place in the catechist formation process of Living and Leading by Faith.  If you are new to the Diocese of Brooklyn or have not taken any catechist formation courses in the past, you should start with the courses for Initial Faith Formation.   For example, a catechist who has already taken courses for Basic Certification under the old process would not have to repeat courses in the present plan for Initial Faith Formation.  The catechist has received Basic Certification (under the old process) will begin the courses for Ongoing Faith Formation.  After completion of the Ongoing Faith Formation courses, the catechist will then move onto the Enrichment Faith Formation courses. If you have received the old Intermediate and Advanced Certificates, you should begin taking courses for Enrichment Formation.  The Coordinator of Living and Leading by Faith can clarify questionable situations or grant exemptions under certain circumstances.

Any and all previously approved catechist formation courses and catechist formation certificates remain valid, meaning that the catechist does not have to take courses that have already been completed successfully.

Three components of Catechist Formation:  A Diocesan Certificate of Completion is granted after successfully completing each component

• Initial Faith Formation Component (50 hours during the first four years, exception may be granted) Four required courses must be taken in the classroom plus elective courses which may be taken either in the classroom or online at CDU
• Ongoing Faith Formation Component(50 hours over five years) Courses may be taken in the classroom or online at CDU
• Enrichment Faith Formation Component(10 hours every year, ongoing—Certificate of Completion granted after each 50 hours completed) Courses may be taken in the classroom or online

This workshop is meant to provide those who are new to the ministry of catechesis or those who need a review/updating of the ministry an opportunity to receive an overview either in an individual or group setting.  Your administrator will determine how this is done locally.  The credit given for completion of this workshop is generally 2.5 hours to be applied to the Initial, Ongoing, or Enrichment Formation component, depending upon your placement in Living and Leading by Faith.

Ongoing Spiritual Growth

You are urged to take advantage of opportunities for spiritual growth that are made available at various times and places throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond.  We are all called to prayer and reflection. Opportunities will be presented on a regular basis online.  Spiritual Growth opportunities are not counted as credit hours toward a Certificate of Completion in the way that courses/workshops are, but rather should be viewed as enhancing what is learned in the classroom or online. 

Diocesan, Local, and On-line Courses and Registration Information

You have three options for participating in courses that are offered leading to Diocesan Certificates of Completion:

1. Courses are offered for all catechists on a diocesan level throughout the year according to a publicized schedule
2. Courses are offered for members of a particular cluster or geographical area and are publicized locally
3. Courses are offered to all catechists by Catholic Distance University (CDU) and are found online

Registration takes place on an ongoing basis by completing the online registration form or by faxing the registration form to Mr. Theodore Musco at 718-281-9651. The check for tuition payment, made out to Diocese of Brooklyn, should be brought to the first class.

How to keep track of the courses you have successfully completed

You are responsible for keeping account of your completed courses and certificates.  This information should be recorded on your personal Catechist Record Card found online or available from your administrator.  Living and Leading by Faith credit hours DO NOT count toward professional development credit for teachers in Catholic schools. The Certificates of Attendance that you receive from a LLF course/workshop SHOULD NOT be sent to the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum but rather should be kept by the catechist for his/her record.

How to receive your certificates of completion

A Diocesan Certificate of Completion should be requested from Mr. Theodore Musco, Coordinator, Living and Leading by Faith, by mail to Immaculate Conception Center, South Suite II, 7200 Douglaston Turnpike, Douglaston, New York 11362, by fax 718-281-9651, or by email tmusco@rcdob.org after you have completed the necessary requirements for the Initial, Ongoing, or Enrichment component.  Please send a copy of your Catechist Record Card indicating the courses that have been completed for the component completed and a note requesting the appropriate Certificate of Completion.

How to contact me

Mr. Theodore Musco, Coordinator, Living and Leading by Faith, by mail to Immaculate Conception Center, South Suite II, 7200 Douglaston Turnpike, Douglaston, New York 11362, by fax 718-281-9651, or by email tmusco@rcdob.org.