Maryvale Institute
“The Father’s Work”
COURSE FOR THE CERTIFICATEINRCIA CATECHESIS
This is a one-year, collaborative-learning course leading to the Certificate in RCIA Catechesis.The course is intended for catechists involved or intending to be involved in RCIA in their parishes.
1. Authorisation
This course is authorised by the Archbishop of Birmingham and by the local Ordinary in any Diocesan collaboration. The Certificate in RCIA Catechesis is validated by Maryvale Institute.
2. Aims
The Certificatein RCIA Catechesis aims to provide you with
a solid foundation for understanding the different stages of the RCIA process which has catechetical, pastoral and liturgical dimensions based on the Rites
opportunities for personal growth in faith and the spiritual life, especially through study days and retreat days
methods for communicating and planning effectively
assistance in using the key sources for developing RCIA catechesis
an understanding of the different responsibilities of those involved in RCIA and of how to equip oneself to meet these responsibilities
3. How the course is delivered
‘Collaborative-learning’ is the name given to the particular method of learning and teaching which has been developed by Maryvale Institute and designed specifically for lay people and religious so as to enable them to study and undertake formation in the context of their own lives and work, whether in the family or in a community.
Based on the Open University’s distance-learning methodology, the Institute has developed this to encompass the particular personal and spiritual dimensions requested by the Church. It is therefore a way of studying ideally suited to lay people and religious, being both flexible and supportive.
Pope John Paul II wrote that ‘The lay faithful must be formed according to the union that exists from their being both members of the Church and citizens of human society.’
The course is ‘modular’ in design, covering the themes necessary for theRCIA catechist. You study each module in your own time following the reading and the exercises that are suggested in the module coursebooks and building up a set of useful skills and abilities.
You are supported individually by tutors who respond to your written work. The method ofmarking and commenting on the written exercises, by careful notes, is specifically designed to be of maximum help to you, working at a distance, and is undertaken by tutors who are all experienced in theology, RCIA catechesis and distance-learning methodology.
4. Structure and Outline
5. Entry Requirements
The Certificate in RCIA Catechesis is open to all Catholic adults who are already involved in the field of RCIA catechesis orwant to learn how to deliver RCIA in their parishes/chaplaincies. If you have no formal formation in Catechesis you may find it useful to take the Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis prior to the Certificate in RCIA.
6. Course Content
A coursebook is provided for each module and the modules form a comprehensive introduction to the main areas of RCIA catechesis over the duration of the course. The coursebooks introduce youto the particular subject and stimulate thinking and reflection by posing questions and review exercises. The coursebooks also indicate further optional reading and assist you in linking each particular subject with the rest of the programme.
This course does not focus primarily on doctrinal formation. It will prepare you thoroughly in the distinctive methodology needed for RCIA and will enable you to understand the RCIA process and the nature of teaching to the Rites. The course will also support you in the development of your spirituality as an RCIA catechist.
If you desire additional doctrinal formation, we suggest you take the Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis prior to taking this specialist pathway.
7. Student Support
Maryvale provides a unique level of support for you through its method of collaborative learning. It therefore provides the following:
Coursebooks. These are also referred to as modules. For the Certificate there are three modules and you work through themover a three term period, contacting the Course Director at any time if you have questions arising from your reading.
Study Days are held at the beginning of each term. There are presentations by experts in the subject and opportunities to meet with other students and discuss the course with them and the Course Director. Refreshments and lunch are provided at these days. These are an importantpart of the course not onlyfor catechetical input and help with ‘unpacking’ the course books, but alsofor the peer support which overcomes the ‘loneliness of the long distance learner’.
The RCIA Course Director fromMaryvale provides you with encouragement, support and advice. She can be contacted by telephone (+44 (0)121 360 8118), or e-mail
Course Tutors receive your assignments, comment helpfully on your work and grade it.
The Librarian at Maryvale, Paul James, isavailable to help you regarding required and further reading materials. Phone –+44(0)121 360 8118– ore-mail -
The Bookshop Manager at Maryvale is Sr Valentina and she can order books for you. You may phone her - +44 (0)121 360 8118-or e-mail-
8. Assessment
The method of assessmenthas been devised to bring about a positive appreciation of the work accomplished.
A catechetical assignment of approximately 500 words is presentedon an aspect of the subject studied. Two copies of each assignment are sent by you to Maryvale; a copy for your tutor and a copy to be kept by the registry office.Once assessed, your assignments will be returned to you. You will find that by the conclusion of the course, a portfolio of useful exercises will have been compiled, which will be helpful for your ongoing RCIA work.
9. Books needed throughout the course are:
The New Jerusalem Bible, Study edition, (1994) Darton, Longman and Todd
The Holy See (1994): Catechism of the Catholic Church, Geoffrey Chapman– also available online at
Association for Catechumenal Ministry: RCIA Catechist’s Manual, available from Maryvale Institute.
Association for Catechumenal Ministry: RCIA Leader’s Manual, published by theAssociation for Catechumenal Ministryand available from Maryvale Institute.
International Commission English Liturgy, Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy:Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Study Edition: Complete text of the rite together with additional rites approved for use in the dioceses of the United States of America [STUDENT EDITION] (Paperback). A UK edition (for UK students only) will be suitable for this level of study but please note it will not include all the optional rites.
10. Application and Fees
The current fee is£475.00. Applications for the courseshouldbe returned to the RCIA Course Secretarytogether with a non-returnable £25.00 registration fee (cheques payable to Maryvale Institute).Please send this to Course Secretary RCIA, Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences, Maryvale House, Old Oscott Hill, Kingstanding, Birmingham B44 9AG.
All course fees can be expected to increase by 2.5% p.a. to take into account inflation.
The Institute reserves the right to amend its course fees at any time to reflect inflation and any other financial changes which may impact on the efficient and economic running of the Institute.
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