CCRS — Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

The CCRS enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process which leads to greater intimacy with Jesus Christ.

Teach the Faith with greater confidence

What is the CCRS?

The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is a knowledge-based, internationally recognised qualification that provides participants with an understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith.

This course presents the basic foundational teachings of the Catholic Church in a manner that is captivating, inspiring, and practical. It enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process.

The CCRS is managed and awarded by the Board of Religious Studies (BORS) on behalf of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales; it is designed primarily for teachers in Catholic schools but it is open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

CCRS in Southwark

The CCRS is designed and intended to support the Archbishop’s vision of missionary parishes and schools by cultivating an evangelistic spirit. Participants will be equipped to make an informed contribution to their chosen field of ministry within the Church.

We are now offering the CCRS as a two-year in person course or as a one-year online course through Zoom.

The course is taught through lectures, group discussions and guided reading with a 1,500 word assignment due for each module. To successfully complete the course you must pass each written assignment and have an attendance of 100%.

The certificate can be awarded after a minimum of one year and within a maximum of five years of study. There is also the possibility to audit the courses without completing the assignments.

What is the cost and who should pay?

The course is subsidised by the archdiocese, so that the cost to the schools, parishes or individuals is minimal. The cost of the course includes registration with the Board of Religious Studies and covers lecture costs, marking fees, course administration and student support on each step of the course.

The course fee can be paid as a full course payment (£400) or paid for per module (£52).

For those students wishing to audit the course, the cost will be £30 per module.

Applicants engaged in parish ministry or teaching may wish to apply to their parish or school for assistance with the payment of these fees.

What is covered on the CCRS?

There are eight modules: six core modules and two specialist modules. The specialist modules (of which students choose two) relate to a participant’s area of interest, covering such topics as religious education in schools, catechesis, liturgy & worship, ministry and spirituality.

More information on the core modules can be found below.

Old Testament

This module studies God's self-revelation throughout the Old Testament.

New Testament

An introduction to the literature of the New Testament, with an emphasis on the theological-historical significance.

Jesus Christ

An examination of the person and mission of Jesus Christ. Communicated in the New Testament, the writings of the early Church and the Councils.

Church

This module delves into the nature, history, and mission of the Church as understood in the Catholic tradition.

Sacraments

A theological overview of the structure of the sacramental life of the Church and a study of the major theologies of the individual sacraments.

Christian Morality

This module illuminates the principles of morality that guide Christian living.

How do I apply?

Please download the application form below and indicate how you will be paying for the course.

You will then receive details of how to pay either online or via cheque or bank transfer. If your school or parish is paying they will receive an invoice.

At a later stage you will be asked to specify which two specialist modules you would like to choose (more details to come).

For any questions please email Ann Williams at ccrs@rcaos.org.uk.

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