Religious Education (Summer Session) (SIRE)

The aim of the Summer Institute in Religious Education is to further the ministry of catechesis and religious education in the Church. The Institute intends to assist parents, parish catechists, directors of religious education, sacramental team members, leaders and facilitators of adult faith education, RCIA teams, and teachers of religion in schools to acquire the skills and the competence to teach a Christian life of faith and to communicate the Church’s faith tradition.

Participants normally take three courses per summer. The completion over three summers of five core courses, four electives, and the practicum modules leads to a Pastoral Certificate in Religious Education (Certificate of attendance given by the Faculty of Theology). Courses can also be taken for university-level credits.

SIRE structure

Five core courses

All participants must take Introduction to Liturgy and Foundations of Religious Education; Synthesis for Graduates (in their last session of study); and any two of the following:

• Adult Faith
• A Spirituality for Ministry
• Philosophy of Catholic Education
• Catechesis: Processes and Resources
• Catechesis: Church and its Documents
  Core courses are scheduled on rotation and should be taken when offered.

Four electives

Courses may vary according to the scheduling needs and interests of participants.

• The Development of Catechesis and the New General Directory
• Beginning with Family: Catechesis at Home
• Scripture and Religious Education
• Ethics and Christian Education
• Fostering Faith: Catholic Education
• Selected Topics in Religious Education
• Adult Faith: Spirituality

 Practicum modules