What does it take to be a Catechist?

Catechist / Catechetical Assistant

(Children and Youth) 

Catechetical Trainee

​(can be attached to FY - L6)

I'm keen to be a catechist, what's next? 

OFC conducts courses, through out the year, to help equip catechists with sufficient basic knowledge and methodology (pedagogy) on how to catechise, as well as, to use OFC's curriculum effectively.


Our recommendation is to complete the Foundational Course in Catechesis (FCC) and Basic Course in Catechesis (BCC).  The timeframe to complete the Foundational / Basic Course in Catechesis (FCC / BCC) is 3 years, from the start of the first course module.


In the meantime, we suggest contacting your Parish Catechetical Coordinator for a chat to find out more about being a Catechist.  You may consider downloading this application form for submission, however, please check if your parish has its own version of the application form.  A copy of the application form can be found in DOWNLOADS

What is expected from a Catechist? 

All those involved in the work of catechesis are role models of Catholic teachings and values. They are expected:

Why attend the Foundational Course in Catechesis (FCC)? 

The ​FCC is considered as an essential course that every catechist should attend. It provides sufficient fundamental knowledge, as well as, methodology on how to catechise and use OFC's curriculum effectively. 


The FCC consist of the following modules -


Completing the FCC will give access to OFC's curriculum, which can be found on the Catechetical Exchange.  A certificate of completion will be presented to you at when you complete the FCC within a stipulated timeframe of 3 years with 100% attendance.

Why attend the Basic Course in Catechesis (BCC)? 

​The ​BCC equips catechists with basic knowledge of the Bible, Liturgy and the Catechism to be able to engage candidates during catechetical sessions.


The BCC consist of the following modules -

To complete the retreat fulfillment requirement for the completion of the Basic Course in Catechesis (BCC), please submit details of your retreat fill up this form


A certificate of completion will be presented to you when you complete the BCC within a stipulated timeframe of 3 years with at least 100% attendance.

Do I have to take FCC before BCC? 

You can take any of the *modules of the Foundational Course in Catechesis (FCC) and/or Basic Course in Catechesis (BCC) at any time - sequentially or concurrently.

This means you may decide to take EITHER course on its own OR both courses at the same time.


However, please note to gain access to OFC's curriculum on the Catechetical Exchange, the FCC modules are a requirement.

Is there a time frame to complete Foundational / Basic Course in Catechesis? 

The timeframe to complete the Foundational / Basic Course in Catechesis (FCC / BCC) is 3 years, from the start of the first course module.


Example (1)

If you registered for FCC01 Introduction to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods in November 2019, you will have until November 2022 to complete the remaining FCC modules (FCC Learning to Listen and Facilitate and FCC Five Strategies for Living out Virtues™)


Example (2)

If you register for BCC Scripture in March 2020, you will have until Feb 2023 to complete the remaining BCC modules (BCC- Liturgy: The Mass, BCC - Evangelisation and Mission Workshop, BCC - Introduction to Morality, BCC - Sacraments, BCC - Christian Anthropology) as well as attend an approved retreat** 

Are certificates issued for OFC's courses? 

A certificate of completion will be presented when the following are met

What is the age limit to attend OFC courses? 

It is recommended for participants to be at least at least 18 years of age and we welcome all interested to attend our courses. 

How do I submit retreat details in fulfilment of BCC retreat requirement? 

To complete the retreat fulfilment requirement for the completion of the Basic Course in Catechesis (BCC), please submit details of your retreat under Courses & Events 

Are there exemptions for FCC/BCC modules? If so, how do I apply? 

To apply for any exemption for FCC/BCC modules,  please submit details of your retreat fill up this form.  

Access to Catechetical Exchange

  Click here for access.