How does LIFE Certification work?

LIFE is a systematic way of studying theology and scripture vital to living the Christian life. Four levels of certification (listed below) are awarded. Many adults in parishes are searching for goodness. They want a sensible sound way to increase their knowledge and love of God.

Act now, plan to use the LIFE program to enrich your life today.

• Foundation (Level 1)
  12 hours of basic doctrine in Church teachings for the beginner covering 6topics: Revelation, Trinity, Church, Sacraments, Mary/Saints, Grace/Morality.
• Basic (Level 2)
  15 hours of study in Theology and 15 hours of study in Scripture. Models of the church, introduction to the sacraments, and an overview of how to study the bible are the basis for this level.
• Intermediate (Level 3)
  15 hours in Theology and 15 hours in Scripture. Participants are invited to reflect, read, and write essays on major teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Advanced (Level 4)
  40 hours of study in a specialized area of church doctrine or scripture.

LIFE has touched...

• 50 parishes and missions
• 60 cities within the diocese
• over 1100 participants since 1994
• 407 have completed Level 1
• 55 have completed Level 2
• 36 have completed Level 3
• 26 have completed Level 4
• 100 diocesan endorsed catechists

Certificates are awarded by the Bishop upon completion of each level. For more information you may contact your local parish or the Office of Religious Education at 903) 534-1077.

Know what? Know who? Know Jesus Christ!

Diocesan Courses - Locations

Are you confident in your own knowledge of the Faith? Would knowing more help you in living your daily life? Are you comfortable sharing your faith with your children, friends, and neighbors?

For schedule of classes see "What's New" on our home page.

Video Assisted Learning

If you can get 2 or 3 people together you can check out materials from the Diocesan Resource Library and have your own programs with the help of video tapes and materials for study, reflection and discussion.

DeSales Adult Ed Program:
Video based series on nearly all aspects of theology/scripture (Level 1 or 2)
Mystery of Faith:
Father Michael Himes Basic review of our faith. (Level 1)
Visions of the Gospels:
Father Michael Himes: General introduction to each of the Gospels (Level 2)
What Catholic Believe About:
Liguori Press: Basic review of our Faith (Level 1 )
Echoes of Faith:
RCL publisher: Sessions on Morality, Liturgy/Sacraments, Creed, Prayer, and Scripture (Level 2)
Come Journey With Me:
Provide a more in depth look at various theme in the Old Testament as seen in the Prophets. (Level 3)
Little Rock Scripture Study:
Weekly Bible study program with daily prayer, and group study aided by a taped presentation on the passages being read. (Level 2)
Vatican II in Plain English:
Group study and reflection focused on families and Church in light of Vatican II. (Level 3)
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Three sessions on the Trinity (Level 2)