CERTIFICATE COURSES

Course 1: The Calling & Identity of the Catechetical Leader

This foundational course invites Hispanic catechetical leaders to explore their personal vocation and identity within the Church’s mission. Rooted in the Directory for Catechesis, participants will reflect on their calling as catechists through storytelling, theological reflection, and spiritual formation. The course emphasizes the three essential roles of the catechist: witness of faith, teacher and mystagogue, and accompanier and educator.

Through Scripture-based exploration of servant leadership, participants will engage in small group discussions, guided reflections, and collaborative learning. The course integrates cultural competencies, spiritual practices, and the “Conversation in the Spirit” method to foster a deeper understanding of Church as a relational, listening, discerning, and self-emptying community.

The webinars help participants identify and develop their personal leadership style, while application projects encourage integration of learning into ministry. This course equips catechetical leaders to serve with authenticity, compassion, and vision in their communities.

Course 2: Vision & Practices for Catechesis

This course guides Hispanic catechetical leaders in understanding and applying the Church’s vision for catechesis as outlined in the Directory for Catechesis. Participants will explore how catechesis fosters a lifelong journey of faith through five key tasks: knowledge of the faith, liturgical celebration, moral formation, prayer, and community life.

Through presentations, group reflections, and practical activities, leaders will assess their parish’s current practices and begin shaping a shared vision for catechetical ministry. The course emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive approaches and holistic formation across all ages—from children and youth to adults and families.

Webinars and resources support leaders in adapting catechesis to diverse learning needs, cultural contexts, and digital environments. Participants will leave equipped to design parish catechetical programs that are engaging, mission-driven, and rooted in the lived experience of their communities.

Course 3: Leadership Practices & Skills for the Catechetical Leader

This course equips Hispanic catechetical leaders with essential leadership skills for effective ministry. Grounded in cultural competencies and emotional intelligence, participants will explore key practices such as active listening, conflict resolution, team building, and discernment-based decision-making.

Using the Situational Leadership model, leaders will assess their leadership style and learn how to adapt it to the needs and development levels of individuals and teams. Through case studies, self-assessments, and practical planning tools, participants will strengthen their ability to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Webinars and resources support growth in areas such as volunteer development, collaboration, ministerial standards, and maintaining healthy boundaries. This course fosters a leadership approach rooted in service, adaptability, and pastoral care—empowering catechetical leaders to guide their communities with integrity and purpose.

Faculty

Sr. Ruth Bolarte – Villanova University

Edwin Ferrara – Archdiocese of Seattle

Adrian Herrera – Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Bertha Peralta-Rodriguez – NCCL Certificate Coordinator

Diana Pizarro – Diocese of Rockville Center

Lisette Robustelli – Diocese of Rockville Center

Darius Villalobos – NCCL Consultant

Sponsorship

The Certificate is co-sponsored project between NCCL and a Diocese (or several collaborating dioceses).

NCCL is responsible for teaching and managing the three courses, assigning faculty, and managing registration and finances for the program.

The Diocese is responsible for promoting the program with Hispanic catechetical leaders, finding a facility for the on-site teaching sessions, managing on-site logistics including lunch for participants, and supporting leaders in the program.

The total cost of the Certificate program is $12,000 which includes 1) NCCL management of the program; 2) the faculty stipend and travel/housing costs for the 3 on-site teaching sessions; 3) the stipends for webinar leaders for each course; and 4) the Guidebooks for each course.

With a tuition of $600 per person, NCCL needs 20 participants in order to launch the program. NCCL can work with a diocese to develop a budget specific to the diocese and determine the tuition based on that budget.