Hybrid Program for Catechetical Certification

FAQS

• Is the USD Hybrid program different than a Basic Catechist Formation Certificate (BCFC)
  All catechists, including Catholic school teachers are required to have a BCFC. There are three options for earning the BCFC: the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry, the diocesan institute or the USD hybrid course. The USD option combines online and classroom instruction and is the only option that offers the BCFC in a way that is geared specifically toward Catholic school teachers.
• What does the USD hybrid program involve?

  There are two portions of the USD hybrid program.

  First Portion - Online Coursework: The course will be available beginning March 21, 2019 and consists of approximately 21 hours of coursework that you can complete at your own pace. Your progress will be monitored and you will receive feedback from an instructor throughout the coursework. This online portion must be completed within 14 weeks (by June 7) in preparation for second portion.

  Second portion - Religious Educators Summit: Taking place over a day and a half on the beautiful campus of the University of San Diego, the Summit offers instruction from highly regarded professors in theology, spirituality, liturgy and education. The Summit involves classroom instruction, group discussion and opportunities for collaborative learning.

  Participation in the Summit is contingent on completion of the online portion.

  The Summit schedule is Monday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Meals are included.

• What does the hybrid program cost?

  The nonrefundable cost for the hybrid course is $150, which includes all materials, guided instruction, and meals during the Summit.

  Schools are encouraged to support their teachers in subsidizing a portion of the cost of the course or the entire cost whenever possible. Those needing financial assistance should contact their school principal to make alternate arrangements.

  Payment options are available. Please contact ccs@sandiego.edu or 619 260-4656 for assistance.

• Can I get a refund if I begin, but decide I don't want to continue with the program?
  Due to costs incurred, once you begin the program, we are unable to offer refunds.
• What if I can't attend the dates of the Summit?
  Completion of both online coursework and the entirety of the Summit is required for certification. If you are unable to attend the dates of the Summit (June 17 & 18), you can wait until the following year, or pursue one of the other two options with the Diocese to earn your BCFC.
• Will the USD hybrid program be offered again in the future?
  Yes. The USD hybrid program will be offered yearly in the spring. Dates for 2020 will be announced in the fall of 2019.
• What if I want an online only option?
  The USD hybrid program requires the classroom instruction portion. These are online options for completing the BCFC through the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry (click on the calendar icon) and the Diocesan Institute.
• How do I register?
  Register Here
• How long do I have to earn the BCFC after I am hired?
  Religion teachers have two years from the commencement of their service to complete their catechist certification.
• Once a teacher has received BCFC, how long are they certified?
  All certification issued for three years, renewable. For continued eligibility to teach religion, teachers must complete 30 renewal hours before the date of expiration. The BCFC may not be taken again to count for renewal hours. (Those teachers who have not been supervised by their school principal, shall be issued a one-year certificate, renewable for an additional two years once the supervision requirements has been met.)
• How does a teacher go about earning 30 renewal hours?

  The options for renewing your catechetical certification consist in taking a combination of the following to total at least 30 hours:

  • Courses in Scripture, Theology, Liturgy, Sacraments, Morality, Catechists, Prayer and Spirituality. These may be taken at a Catholic college or university, or through the San Diego Diocesan Institute. These courses may be taken for Credit (homework and exams required for a grade) or for Professional Development (attendance is mandatory, no homework, exams or grade--does not count toward a certificate but complete attendance hours are awarded for renewal credit).  If you are interested in receiving information about Institute courses, please call 858-490-8212 or visit http://sdcatholic.org/en-us/diocese/pastoraloffices/al/diocesaninstitute.aspx
  • Attending catechetical workshops, seminars, webinars, in-services and courses offered through the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry and the Office for Schools.
  • Webinars, workshops, and in-services sponsored by National Catechetical Organizations (NCCL, NFCYM, USCCB, NCEA (religion based)).
  • Attending the Anaheim Religious Education Congress and taking appropriate catechetical workshops. A maximum of 10 renewal hours are granted per year.
  • Participating in spiritual renewal experiences such as Cursillo, Life in the Spirit seminars, Marriage Encounter, Catholic bible study groups, etc. A maximum total of 5 hours (in the three year period) will be granted.

  For further questions, please contact Erin Bishop, Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at USD erinbishop@sandiego.edu 619-260-4785