Since 1983, CDU has educated thousands of students worldwide who wish to deepen their faith. Now, in partnership with Catholic Faith Technologies, CDU has developed two affordable online certificate programs–the Basic Certificate in Catechetics and the Diocesan Certificate in Lay Leadership–to meet the needs of catechists, parents, dioceses, and parishes in response to Pope Francis’ call in the New Directory of Catechesis, which lays the guidelines for catechesis and presents universal norms to guide pastors and catechists in evangelization.
Serving the Needs of Dioceses and Parishes
Dioceses and parishes in need of a solution for sound, faithful training for catechists, directors of religious education, youth ministers, and diocesan and parish staff will appreciate the online convenience of CDU’s new certificate programs. According to Theodore Musco, Former Secretary for Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Brooklyn, “Catholic Distance University’s certificate programs provide dioceses and individuals with a pre-planned and well-developed program for education and formation in the Catholic Faith. The work of planning and creating courses, as well as keeping track of CEUs or clock hours, is already done for you. I urge you not to miss out on this tremendous gift to you and the Church.”
Low Cost
Tuition is $45 per course and $250 per certificate program. Contact Megan Davis at mdavis@cdu.edu or 888-254-4238 (Ext. 731) for a group discount for 20 or more.
In Tune with the New Directory of Catechesis
The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization issued the New Directory of Catechesis to guide the proclamation of the Gospel by the Christian faithful to people of all ages and in all seasons of life. The Directory points out that to be credible witnesses of the Faith, catechists have to be “catechized before being catechists.” Since 1983, CDU has been at the forefront of educating the faithful for the growth of faith, ecclesial service, and leadership for the New Evangelization. CDU is committed to fostering a strong, vibrant learning community that reflects the ecclesial communion of the Church.
The Basic Certificate in Catechetics provides catechists with a general overview of key elements of our Catholic Faith and meets many diocesan, parish, and Catholic school requirements. Courses are each worth 1 CEU or 10 clock hours.
- Profession of Faith
- Celebration of the Christian Mystery
- Foundations: Life in Christ
- Foundations: Prayer and Spirituality
- Introduction to Scripture and the Gospel Message
- Forming Missionary Disciples: The Basic Tasks of Catechesis
The Diocesan Certificate in Lay Leadership provides a strong foundation grounded in the documents of Vatican II and is designed for dioceses to use for certification of catechists and lay leaders. Courses are each worth 1 CEU or 10 clock hours:
- Profession of Faith
- Celebration of the Christian Mystery
- Foundations: Life in Christ
- Foundations: Prayer and Spirituality
- Introduction to Scripture and the Gospel Message
- Constitution on the Church
Visit cduondemand.com to learn more and register.
Online Convenience
In the midst of a global pandemic that has caused many educational institutions to cancel classes and close with sudden notice, CDU’s courses continue to be offered fully online without interruption, making the new certificate programs a reliable option for the educational needs of dioceses, parishes, and individuals.
