The Institute is for all adults seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith that are employed in Parishes and schools .

The Institute also offers certification for parish catechists, Catholic school principals and teachers, directors and coordinators of religious education, youth ministers, and all those involved in any form of adult religious education. Other personnel serving in parish leadership positions are encouraged to register and attend when courses are available

Primarily located at Holy Name Heights (formerly Bishop O'Connor Center), but our classes are also offered regionally throughout the diocese in order to serve the largest number of students from our 30 pastorates/ parishes. 

Though no one will be turned away for an inability to pay, tuition for each course is $20/person.

1. Determine the type of certification you are seeking:

• ​​​​​Core Basic Certification and Intermediate/Advanced Certification (for Catholic School faculty, parish catechetical staff, parish catechists, and any interested adult)
• Parish Catechist Certification (for parish catechists)
• Seeking no certification but want to take courses randomly and at will

2. If you are a Catholic school teacher or principal, or parish catechetical staff member, look through the program overview that lays out the coursework for your Core Basic Certification and Intermediate/Advanced Certification:
School PersonnelParish Catechetical Staff

3. If you have chosen the  Parish Catechist Certificate, look through the program overview for catechists:
Parish Catechist Certificate
4.  Create a login in the Diocesan Data Hub:
Diocesan Data Hub
5. After you create a login and a personal information page, you can begin registering for classes by clicking the large green "Register" button located on your personal page. A list of classes will appear, and you simply press the green check mark next to the class to register.

6. All of the courses that you register for will be recorded on your online page. You can and should keep a paper tracking of all the courses you attend. Basic Certification tracking sheets can be found here:
School PersonnelParish Catechetical Staff 
The OEC provides a binder with the overview and tracking sheets and to manage paperwork. Please ask for a binder when you attend your first SOWDI course.

7. Upon the completion of a course, the instructor/facilitator will issue a "Course Credit Form" verifying the completion of that course.  All Course Credit Forms should be kept with your tracking sheets.

8. Individuals who have completed the requirements for a level of certification will receive a paper certificate as soon as possible after verification of their coursework as indicated in the Diocesan Data Hub.  If a participant believes the Diocesan Data Hub does not accurately reflect coursework completed, they should contact the OEC, and be prepared to provide paper documentation for the courses completed.
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• Certification Expectations for Parish Catechetical Leaders
• Certification Expectations for Catholic School Employees
• WCC: Standards for Educators in Catholic Parishes and Schools