Office of Evangelization and Catechesis	Archdiocese of Cincinnati	Catholic Schools Office
	PRACTICES & PROCEDURES   2007-2008
	Click here to print a copy

 

OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI

Cincinnati Office

100 E. Eighth Street

Cincinnati, OH  45202

(513) 421-3131

Fax (513) 421-6271

E-Mail: cincinnatimediacenter@catholiccincinnati.org

 

Dayton Office

266 Bainbridge Street

Dayton, OH  45402

(937) 223-4075

Fax (937) 223-5167

E-Mail: daytonmediacenter@catholiccincinnati.org

 

Sidney Office

119 E. Water Street

Sidney, OH  45365

(937) 498-1192

Fax (937) 498-1193

E-Mail: sidneymediacenter@catholiccincinnati.org

 

THE VISION OF THE OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS

 

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis envisions vibrant parish and school communities on fire with faith. These communities of faith engage in evangelizing catechesis to form committed disciples who reflect the light of Christ in the world.

 

 MISSION STATEMENT

 

We, the staff of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, advocate for the essential role of the catechetical ministry in the evangelizing mission of the Church.  We serve parish and school leaders by providing formation, direction, skill development and resources that promote effective lifelong catechesis.

  

DREAM STATEMENTS  OF THE OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS

 

Comprehensive Vision:   The OEC inspires catechetical leaders with a comprehensive vision of catechesis woven into the entire fabric of parish life.  We collaborate with catechetical leaders and pastors to create innovative approaches to catechesis that respond to the needs of parishes in times of transition.

 

Adult Formation:  The OEC actively supports all those who lead adults in their search to become more faith filled disciples and full participants in the life of the Church.  We believe that ongoing faith formation is an essential component of membership in the Church.  Together with those who lead adults we continually look for ways to do faith formation more effectively and to involve adults in the whole process of catechesis.

 

Formation of Catechetical Leaders:  The OEC is committed to the ongoing development of Catechetical Leaders as Lay Ecclesial Ministers in the Church.  We inspire Catechetical Leaders to be visionary, empowering, servant leaders in their parishes.

 

 

 

 P R A C T I C E S   &   P R O C E D U R E S

                                                                               

OFFICE HOURS AND OFFICE HOLIDAYS:

 

A.       Office Hours are as follows:

 

 

B.       Office Holidays for 2007-2008

 

All OFFICES OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS will be closed on:

 

                                          

PARKING IN CINCINNATI:

 

Fifteen minute parking for delivery and pick-up at the Media Center is always available in the Archdiocesan Parking Lot.

 

Two 120 minute spaces for those needing time to preview media or review resources are available in the Archdiocesan Parking Lot.

 

Please indicate to the Parking Lot Attendant which parking option you plan to utilize.

 

 

OFFICE SERVICES

 

 I.  Arrangement for the following services, which are provided without cost, can be made through the consultant assigned to your parish:

 

A.          Parish Visits

 

B.          Consultation:

 

1.      Implementation of the various national and archdiocesan documents

2.      Program planning

3.      Hiring a catechetical leader

4.      Media selection and use

5.      Religion textbook selection

 

C.             Presentations:

 

1.      Adult faith formation

2.      Evangelization

3.      The Rite of Christian of Adults

4.      In-services for faculties and catechists

 

II.        As a general rule, all learning modules and programs conducted by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis must be financially self-supported.

 

III.       Persons from subsidized parishes/school and from Urban Released Time Centers attending Office of Evangelization and Catechesis sponsored learning modules and programs may attend free of charge, however, they are encouraged to make a contribution if possible.  Generally fees are required for co-sponsored events.

 

IV.         Parishes and groups with particular needs may apply for special consideration with the appropriate Regional Director.

 

Back to Table of Contents

 

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATION:

 

High school personnel certified under Guidelines for Catholic High School Religion Teachers, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, qualify for "Advanced Catechist" certifica­tion as outlined in The Ministry of the Catechist.

  

LEARNING MODULES AND CATECHIST CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES:

 

A.       Process for Approval of a Learning Module Taught by a Presenter:

 

The first time that an instructor presents a learning module he or she is to submit a syllabus to the Regional Director of Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.  The presenter will be given permission to teach the learning module and the syllabus will be kept on file.  This procedure needs to be completed only once unless there is a change in the learning module objectives.

 

Every other time that the learning module is presented, a written request for ap­proval is to be submitted by the learning module sponsor or the learning module instructor to the Regional Director, stating that the learning module is being taught within the framework of an already approved syllabus.

 

Guidelines for those Presenting Learning Modules:

 

1.       Every religion has its unique tra­ditions.  Therefore, all learning modules must be taught by Catholics in full Communion with the Catholic Church.

 

2.      All learning modules must complete the learning objectives listed for the theological areas of study as established by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

 

3.       It is expected that those teaching present a balanced view of the subject, teach authentic Catholic doctrine, and use sound principles of adult education.

 

4.      Those teaching should be aware of nurturing the spirituality of catechist in prayer and reflection during their presentations.

 

5.      The Archdiocesan Director of Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, in consultation with the Regional Directors, reserves the right to withhold approval of any learning module that does not meet these requirements.

 

B.       Process for Approval of a Video Assisted Learning Module

 

When possible, people should cluster for the viewing and discussion of a video assisted learning module.  In groups, participants experience the unique combination of personal reflection and group dynamics which fosters the development of a mature faith.  The facilitator should promote the integrity of the process as well as keeping the process flowing.

 

Option One: Group Study

 

1.       A written request for approval to conduct the learning module must be submitted to the Regional Director of Office of Evangelization and Catechesis prior to booking the tapes and ordering the Learning Activity Packets from the Media Center.  The name of the person responsible for facilitating the learning module must be included in the request.  The facilitator should hold Advanced Catechist Certification.  If the videos and the LAPS have been purchased previously (e.g., if you have purchased the Echoes of Faith materials) a request must be filed only to approve the facilitator for the learning module.  In all cases, a list of the participants who have completed the learning module should be submitted to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

 

2.      Learning Activity Packets and Echoes of Faith booklets must be used in conjunction with a video assisted learning module.  It is expected that all materials in the packets be completed by each participant.

 

3.      The facilitator is expected to direct all group sessions.  Responsibilities include conducting the discussions, collecting and checking written assignments from each participant, and making an evaluation of the work of each participant at the conclusion of the learning module.  A list of those who have successfully completed the learning module should be submitted to the ORE. When a video assisted learning module is conducted by Office of Evangelization and Catechesis Staff, the usual learning module fee is in effect.  This fee in­cludes facilita­tion, evaluation, and the packet of materials.

 

Option Two: Individual Study of a Video Assisted Learning Module with Group Follow-Up

 

1.      A written request for approval to conduct the learning module and a general description of the process that will be used must be submitted to the Regional Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis prior to booking the videos and ordering the Learning Activity Packets from the Media Center.  The name of the person facilitating the process and conducting the final group session must be included in the request.  This person should hold Advanced Catechist Certification or be the Parish Consultant from the Regional Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

 

2.      When a facilitator from outside of the parish is hired for the group session the fee is to be negotiated.

 

3.       Arrangements can be made with the media center to pick up the videos and LAPS.  Those registered for the learning module are to view each video and return the completed assignments to the facilitator.

 

4.       At the pre-scheduled place, date, and time all persons who have completed the requirements are to gather with the facilitator for the purpose of sharing, clarification, discussion and resolution regarding the impact of the experience on their ministry.

 

5.      The on-site scheduling and the reservation of video tapes and related materials will be the responsibility of the catechetical leader.

 

C.     Evaluation of Learning Module Participants

 

In order for any person to receive credit for learning modules approved by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, a satisfactory/unsatisfactory evaluation of each participant is required.  This evaluation should be based on a written report, reflection, assignment, test, etc.  At times an oral evaluation may be more effective.  Each presenter is free to determine the particular method of evaluation.

 

D.     Process for Approval of Internet Courses

 

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is a partner with the University of Dayton for the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF).  Some – but not all – of the courses offered through the VLCFF may be used to fulfill the requirements for the learning modules in the certification process.  Contact the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for information about which courses may be used in this manner.  For information about the courses themselves and to register for the courses contact the VLCFF at www.udayton.edu/~vlc.

 

E.     When a Learning Module is Completed

 

When a learning module is completed, regardless of the process used – learning module taught by an instructor, video-assisted learning module, or an Internet learning module – a roster of those successfully completing the learning module should be sent to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

 

F.     Complaints Regarding Learning Modules

 

When the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis receives a written complaint about a learning module:

 

1.        A letter will be sent asking that the complaint be referred to the instructor or to the person responsible for the program.

 

2.        If the person is not satisfied after following Step 1, the Regional Director should be contacted again.

 

When the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis receives a verbal complaint:

 

1.         The concerned person will be asked to put the complaint in writing.

 

Back to Table of Contents

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES

 

MEDIA  EQUIPMENT

 

Video and computer equipment owned by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis or the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will not be lent or rented to parishes or outside agencies. 

 

ON THE ROAD

 

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis will publish an office newsletter, On the Road, for catechetical leaders.   The newsletter will be available electronically via e-mail and the Internet.  Catechetical leaders are encouraged to copy the calendars and articles in the newsletter for use in their parishes.

 

STIPEND

 

Extended staff members who serve as instructors for learning modules will receive a stipend for their teaching.  Travel allowances are negotiable.  A workshop leader at institutes and congresses should receive a stipend with a negotiated travel/material allowance.  When a presenter is engaged for a course or workshop, those organizing the event have no obligation to additional presenters recruited by the original presenter. 

 

INCLUSION                 

 

When choosing speakers and presenters, catechetical leaders are encouraged to be mindful of the need for balance and inclusiveness.  Consideration should be given to the gifts of minority and disabled persons.            

 

All human beings, including those among us with disabilities, are entitled to rights in faith communities.  A life of dignity and respect includes the right to religious formation, friendship, and spiritual nurturing.  The rights of minorities and the disabled are equal to the rights of all others.  As a Church, we are accountable to God to protect the rights of all people and to provide spiritual and moral leadership in our community to protect these rights.  We exercise leadership by our teaching and by our example of inclusive communities of faith that uses the gifts of all members. 

 

MEDIA PROCEDURES:   (Revised May 2006)

 

            A.        Media Scheduling and Special Fees:

 

                        1.         Media pieces can be scheduled dependent on availability.  Ordinarily, the booking time for media includes the days of pickup, usage and return (7-10 days). 

 

                        2.         Extension on usage time is dependent on availability.  Therefore, a phone call is needed to determine if an extension is possible and/or to avoid overdue charges.

 

                        3.         For patrons without contracts, preview materials are subject to the stated charges when previewed outside the Media Center.  (See: B. Charges for Those Not on Contract.)

 

                        4.         There will be a charge of $2.00 per day per piece for any overdue media.  Ten cents per day per book is charged for overdue books.  Overdue charges apply to all patrons.  There will be no charge for days when the Media Centers are closed. 

 

                        5.         Cost for repair of damages or for media pieces lost by clients will be billed separately.  When repair is not possible, the client will be required to pay replacement costs within 30 days.

 

                        6.         UPS and/or mail charges are the responsibility of the patron.

 

                        7.         Media scheduled and not picked up by 4:30 p.m. of the day following the pick-up date will be returned to the shelf for circulation.

 

            B.        Charges for Non-contract Holders: