Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies

This two year course is for any person who is, or wishes to be, involved in Catholic Education or catechesis, either in parish or school. It aims to provide a basic theological understanding of the Catholic Faith

 What will I be studying?

This course is composed of six core modules studied over two years and two specialist modules (one each year):

Year One             Introduction to the Old Testament    This module is an introduction to the theology and literature of the Old Testament.

Introduction to New Testament    This module introduces students to the Gospels and their presentation of the Person of Christ and the theology of the other books of the New Testament.

Christology  This module introduces students to the study of the Person of Christ. Who do we as Christians say Jesus is? How does the Church come to express her faith in Jesus as truly human and truly divine?

One Specialist module this studied on two Saturdays in January and February

Year Two     The Church  This module study’s the Catholic understanding of the role and importance of the Church particularly in light of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.

The Sacraments   This module explores the sacramental nature of the Catholic faith and the importance of the seven sacraments of the Church.

Christian morality   This module explores Catholic approaches to moral issues.

One Specialist module this is studied on two Saturdays in January and February.

Is it possible to join the course in Year Two or must I wait until Year One?

CCRS is designed to be a rolling programme of module study and as flexible as possible,  so its is possible to join the course at any point in Year One or two, but it is obviously better to start at the beginning of either Year One or Year Two.

Where is the course taught?

CCRS is taught at three diocesan centres Stockport, Birkenhead and Chester? The course runs from September-February in Stockport and Birkenhead and from March to May in Chester. The specialist modules are always taught at Our Lady’s in Ellesmere Port on two Saturdays January and February.

How is the course taught?

The course is taught by experienced priests and lay men and women. Each module should offer a clear presentation of the Church’s tradition and its relation to experience. The course is delivered through lectures and discussion.

How is CCRS assessed?

CCRS is assessed by attendance and the completion of a 1,500 word essay for each module. It is validated by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Successful completion of all modules leads to a certificate issued by the Bishops’ Conference and recognised nationally.

I haven’t done any study of theology is this course suitable for me?

The course is a very basic introduction to a theological understanding of the Catholic faith. It does not presuppose any prior theological knowledge or study skills.

How much does the course cost?  There is an initial registration fee of £35. The fee per module is £30.

Where can I find out more?  You can contact either:  Course Administrator   Mrs Rowena Nield  0161 440 8619                                                        

Please see under Current Courses for dates and modules for 2010