Certificate of Catholic Religious Studies (CCRS Course)

CCRS

CCRS is a nationally accredited course in Catholic theology that supports and enhances the teaching of Religious Education in schools and parishes. It is valuable for all teachers and catechists and is recommended for any teacher applying for senior management positions in Catholic education within the Diocese. We also offer this course for those who may simply wish to deepen their knowledge of their faith.

The course consists of six core modules and two professional modules. The core modules explore the Scriptures (Old and New Testament), the person of Jesus Christ, the Church and its sacramental life and moral understanding. They are designed to build together into a basic understanding of Catholic theology. Its application within a school, parish or ministry setting is explored further through the two professional modules. All modules are taught by a variety of experienced tutors and the assessment for each module is via presentation or essay.

The Core Modules

OLD TESTAMENT

The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the writings in the Old Testament in order to help them to recognise God’s revelation contained there and its continuing relevance to Christian life today.

NEW TESTAMENT

This module familiarises participants with the process through which the New Testament writings came into being and helps them to interpret the material presented and to understand its significance for the life of a Christian today.

JESUS CHRIST

This module aims to deepen participants’ awareness of the significance and centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ in the daily life of the Christian as well as in the worship of the Church.

THE CHURCH

Participants reflect on the nature of the Church and its mission in the world today.

THE SACRAMENTS

This module develops participants’ understanding and appreciation of Sacraments in the life of Catholics as a sign of Christ’s continuing presence with the Church.

CHRISTIAN MORALITY

The purpose of this module is to help participants develop the skills of moral decision making, to examine Christian teaching in its relation to the universal search for what constitutes ‘human good’, and to explore the application of Christian understanding

The Professional Modules

The professional modules build upon the understanding of Catholic theology discussed in the core modules. They consider its application within a school, parish or ministry setting.

Students must opt for two of the following modules:

• Religious Education for Catholic Primary and Secondary Teachers
• The Religious Life of the School for Catholic Primary and Secondary Teachers
• Catechetical Programmes in Parishes: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Contribution of Catechists to the Wider Life of the Parish

Specialist Tutor Support

For the duration of the course, you will have specialist tutors who will guide you through each module. The tutors will help you with any questions or any guidance that you need while on the CCRS course.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH MODULE

• 10 hours contact time (weekly twilight’s or Saturday mornings)
• An assessed group presentation (individual or small group) or an essay (1500 words) at the end of each core module.
• All eight modules are generally completed within 12 – 18 months but can be spread over a maximum of five years as allowed by the Board of Studies

Course Dates:

There are two upcoming groups with course options of either Wednesday or Saturday delivery. Module one will be starting on Wednesday 1st October and Saturday 4th October.