Catholic Certificate Religious Studies
Home
Introduction:
The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is managed and awarded by the Board of Religious Studies on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. It was introduced in 1991 to replace its predecessors, The Catholic Teachers’ Certificate and the Certificate in Religious Education. Any person who is or wishes to be involved in Catholic education and formation may apply for this course. This includes those involved in Religious Education in schools, Parish Catechesis and other ministries in the Church and anyone who wishes to follow the course for faith development or personal interest. The course seeks to ensure that participants have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of the beliefs of the Catholic Faith. It also provides a basis for further study.The course was revised in 1992. It is designed for teachers in Catholic schools; that they may have a basic understanding of the Church, its teaching and way of life to enable them to contribute to the maintenance of the ethos of the Catholic school. It is also for catechists in order to give them a basic understanding of the faith of the Catholic Church as a foundation for their catechetical ministry, and for adult members of the Church to enable them to continue to grow in understanding as they live their Catholic faith.
Course Aims:
- provide teachers and those involved in parish ministry with knowledge and understanding of the teaching and beliefs of the Catholic Faith
- develop an appreciation of the principles of Catholic education at all levels
- employ and encourage sound adult educational processes which express Gospel values
- enhance understanding of education within the Church as a life-long process
- enable all participants to make an informed contribution to their chosen field of work in the Church
- highlight the role and function of Religious Education within the school curriculum.
Study for the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies aims to:Course Structure:
- ten hours’ contact time
- an assignment of 1500 words of equivalent.
The certificate is normally awarded after two years’ with a maximum of five years’ study.There are eight modules:
six core modules (Old Testament, New Testament, Church, Christology, Sacraments and Morality)
and two specialist elective modules.
The core modules explore the Scriptures, the Person of Jesus Christ, the Church and its sacramental life and moral understanding.
The specialist modules relate to each participant’s ministry in the Church, covering such areas as Religious Education in schools, Parish Catechesis, Liturgy, Justice and Peace. Other modules of a practical nature for teachers, for catechists, for youth workers, for liturgists are available.
Each module requires:The Course is offered in all five Catholic Colleges of Higher Education and at centres in every diocese in England and Wales.
Religious Studies By Distance Learning:
The CCRS can be partially or wholly completed by distance learning.
Please contact:
Life-light Home Study Courses, Windward, Vicarage road, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwicks CV47 8NA
Phone/Fax: 01926 810798
E-mail: lifelight@btinternet.comCatholic Certificate in Religious Studies for Deaf People:
This is a specially adapted course that has been approved to enable deaf people to acquire the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.
For more information please contact Rev Peter McDonough or refer to the Catholic Deaf Association’s website.
Further reading