What is Catechetical Leadership?
The word catechetical comes from a Greek word meaning echo. All who hand on the Faith echo the Word of God, Jesus Christ, as proclaimed in Scripture and in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The “aim of catechesis…is maturity: spiritual, liturgical, sacramental and apostolic. Our mission is that of the first disciples, whom Jesus commanded, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28: 19-20). We provide support and training to catechetical leaders and catechists, who are involved in the ongoing faith formation –religious education and catechesis of adults, youth, children, and persons of all ages with special needs in parishes throughout the diocese.
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College of ConsultorsThe College of Diocesan Consultors is a group of priests who act as official advisors to the Bishop in certain matters pertaining to the administration of the Diocese as detailed in canon law. The College of Consultors also acts as a governing board for the Diocese when the Diocese is vacant. Consultors are appointed by the Bishop from members of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. Consultors serve as a body for a five year term.
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Council of Priests (Presbyteral Council)The Council of Priests is a consultative body representative of diocesan and religious priests in service to the Diocese. The Council’s role is to assist the Bishop, in accordance with the law, in the governance of the Diocese, so that the pastoral welfare of that portion of the people of God entrusted to the Bishop may be most effectively promoted.
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Diocesan Pastoral CouncilThe Diocesan Pastoral Council is a body of clergy, religious and laity who advise the Bishop in those matters which concern the pastoral works of the Diocese. The Council is consultative in nature. Its primary task is to study all aspects of the life of the People of God in the Diocese and to make recommendations to the Bishop concerning them.
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CabinetThe Cabinet is an advisory body comprised of diocesan departmental directors and other leaders with whom the Bishop meets regularly and from whom he solicits input for the administration and pastoral care of the diocese.
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Priests' Personnel CommissionThe Priests' Personnel Commission is a group of diocesan priests who assist the Bishop in his responsibility of appointing pastors, associate pastors, permanent deacons, and Parish Life Directors. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Bishop and assists him in serving the pastoral needs of the People of God in the diocese.
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Diocesan Finance CouncilThe Diocesan Finance Council is an advisory body appointed by the Bishop for the purpose of assisting and advising him in the administration of the business and financial affairs of the diocese. The Council is composed of clergy and lay persons skilled in financial matters and who are familiar with the civil law. The Council works closely with the Diocesan Finance Officer. The Bishop presides at all meetings. Council members serve for a term of five years.
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Sisters’ CouncilThe Sisters’ Council is an advisory body to the Bishop and serves as a liaison between the women Religious who serve in the diocese and the Bishop.
Certification
Certification is a means of publicly recognizing the commitment that a catechist has made to continuous formation in faith, knowledge, and skills. Attaining certification attests that the catechist has met a standard of preparation and competency that has been called for in the General Directory for Catechesis.