What should I do first?

The first place to visit is the "Enrollment Process" page.  Whether you are enrolling in the Adult or the Youth Division, start there.  This page clearly outlines the steps of the Enrollment Process and also provides audio instructions.

What are the system requirements for using the Searchlight^® online courses?

•   High Speed Internet Connection: Do not try to use these programs online with a dial-up internet connection.

•   You will also need three of the most current browser plug-ins installed on your computer:

•   Playback Efficiency: How well these programs function online is affected by the speed and power of the computer used to access them. Allow extra loading time when accessing the Searchlight Programs with older or slower computers.  If the buttons flicker when you try to click, allow a little more download time, then try again.  Also consider the following:

What is a Shockwave Player?  How do I get a Shockwave Player?

The Shockwave Player is a "plug-in" for your internet browser, and it is a free download from the Adobe web site.  Most of the online tutorials are created with a software application which makes interactive web-based "Shockwave Movies."  In order for your internet browser to make it possible for you to see and interact with a Shockwave Movie, the Shockwave Player must be "plugged in."

If you aren't sure whether or not you have a Shockwave Player installed on your computer, go to the Enrollment Process page, then listen and follow the directions in Step 1.  This information will also explain what to do if you need to download the player.

What is the difference between Catechist Certification, Certificate of Completion, and Youth Evangelizer Certification?

• Catechist Certification: The Diocese of Palm Beach recommends that all persons who serve in the role of a catechist (teacher of the faith) receive the proper training.  The Diocese of Palm Beach currently offers two Catechist Certification Programs: Echos of Faith, which is a parish-based training program and the Searchlight Virtual School's Foundations Courses, which is a web-based training program. For more information on Catechist Certification, visit that page.
• Certificate of Completion: Adults who want to learn more about their faith, but are not necessarily interested in earning Catechist Certification, may take Foundations Courses 1 - 5 and earn a Certificate of Completion from the Diocese of Palm Beach.
• Youth Evangelizer Certification: Students in grades 7 and up may take diocesan-approved religious education courses online.  For various reasons young people may find it difficult to participate in their parish religious education program, so taking courses online provides a more flexible option.  For more information on the Youth Evangelizer Certification courses, visit that page.

What is the difference between Echos of Faith Catechist Certification and Searchlight Virtual School Catechist Certification?

Echos of Faith is a video-assisted, parish-based Catechist Certification program which the Diocese of Palm Beach has been using for a number of years.  It is still a valid method for obtaining Catechist Certification in this diocese.

The Catechist Certification program offered by the Searchlight Virtual School is called "Getting Up To Today: An Online Adult Religious Studies Program For Catholics."  It consists of six web-based "Foundations" courses that are available for online study 24/7.  For those who have difficulty participating in the parish-based sessions or prefer the flexibility of the internet, this is a good option.

Is the Searchlight Virtual School part of the Diocese of Palm Beach?

The Searchlight Virtual School was created for the purpose of serving the Diocese of Palm Beach.  However, it is a division of Ocean East Publishing, which is a privately-owned company.

Who issues Certification: The Searchlight Virtual School or the Diocese of Palm Beach?

While the Searchlight Virtual School provides and facilitates the online courses, the Diocese of Palm Beach issues both the Certificates of Completion, as each course is completed, and the Catechist Certification, when certification requirements have been met.  Careful records of all who complete the Foundations courses and earn Catechist Certification are maintained by the Office of Catechetical Leadership and Youth Ministry Formation for the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Can other dioceses make use of the Searchlight Virtual School for Online Catechist Certification, Adult Faith Formation, Youth Religious Education, and Character Education?

Yes.  All the information needed for a diocese to participate in the Searchlight Virtual School is provided on the Diocesan Affiliates Page.

Can I take the courses using different computers in different locations?

Yes.  The online tutorial portion of each course is online and available 24/7.  If you want to be able to complete the worksheets from a second computer, for example, your computer at work, save the worksheets to a USB Flash Drive* (sometimes called a Jump Drive).  Always access, enter information, and save your answers using the document saved to the Flash Drive.  This way you can work on the courses anywhere you can connect to the internet.

* Flash Drive: A small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer's USB port and functions as a portable hard drive. USB flash drives are touted as being easy-to-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug into any computer with a USB drive. USB flash drives have less storage capacity than an external hard drive, but they are smaller and more durable because they do not contain any internal moving parts. USB flash drives also are called thumb drives, jump drives, pen drives, key drives, tokens, or simply USB drives.

What is an "Orientation Conference?"  Why is this needed?

After we receive an Enrollment Application, we respond by e-mail and attach a set of instructions.   Before a prospective student pays for a Searchlight Subscription, we want to be sure he or she can access the online tutorials.  The instructions contain two choices: To move ahead without the Orientation Conference or to schedule a Phone Orientation Conference. 

For those students who already know that they have successfully installed the Shockwave Player and can access and interact with the online tutorials, the first choice is appropriate.

For those who need assistance, scheduling a Phone Orientation Conference is the appropriate choice.  This conference also establishes an opportunity for a student to get to know us and for us to know each student. During the conference, a Searchlight representative will show the new student how to access the online tutorials, introduce him or her to the operating features of the tutorials, answer questions, and offer help in any other areas with which a student may need assistance.

I sent in an Enrollment Application, but haven't been contacted by a Searchlight Representative. What should I do?

If you sent in an electronic enrollment form and you have not received an e-mail confirmation within 24 hours, please call our office: 772-563-9457. Also, please review the information provided in the next question.

I am having trouble using the "Auto Submit" button on the forms. What should I do?

If your computer is not responding well to the auto-submit buttons we have embedded in the electronic forms, you can use an alternate method for submitting the forms.  Use File > Save As and save the form on your local computer.   Access the form, fill it out, and save it again.  Then send us an e-mail and attach the form to that e-mail. Send the e-mail to: oepub@mpinet.com.  An e-mail link can be found at the bottom of each page in the web site,  as well as on the "Staff/Contact Us" page

I am a catechist in another diocese and would like to use the Searchlight Virtual School courses for my certification. Can I do this?

The answer depends a great deal on your own diocese. The best thing to do is to call the Office of Catechetical Leadership and Youth Ministry Formation for the Diocese of Palm Beach and ask the diocesan director, Anthony Marchica, to get in contact with the catechetical director of your own diocese.  He can discuss this with your diocesan leadership.

You might also consider calling the Director of your own diocese's Catechetical Office and telling him or her about the Searchlight Virtual School. Ask him or her to visit the web site and to consider using the school as part of the diocese's catechist certification training. Direct him or her to the Diocesan Affiliates page.

For contact information go to the Staff/Contact Us page.

Can a Catholic Diocese other than Palm Beach use the Searchlight Virtual School courses?

The Searchlight Virtual School has been set up in a way that will allow other dioceses to make the school part of their diocese's catechetical ministry. Please visit the Diocesan Affiliates page.

How do I access the Adult Division courses?

The Adult Division courses can be accessed from any page of the web site. Roll over the "Searchlight Classes" button at the top of the page. Choose "Adult" from the drop-down menu. Read and follow the directions on the page that opens.

How do I access the Youth Division courses?

The Youth Division courses can be accessed from any page of the web site. Roll over the "Searchlight Classes" button at the top of the page. Choose "Youth" from the drop-down menu. Read and follow the directions on the page that opens.

How do I register for a course?

We send all the course mataerials needed for a particular level of certification as attachments to an e-mail when we receive your Subscription Purchase Notification.  It is only necessary to register for a course if you loose the original documents.  Click on the "Register/Download" button at the top of the screen.  The page provides audio and written directions about registering for courses. You can also send an e-mail and request us to re-send the documents. Always provide your Student Number.

How can I get the class materials needed for a course?

To receive course materials you must:

• Be enrolled in the Searchlight Virtual School.
• Download the Shockwave Player and access the online tutorials on your own, or schedule a "Orientation Phone Conference" so you can have assistance doing this.
• Purchase a Searchlight Subscription Plan or have the cost of the Subscription Plan underwritten by your parish.

When the above steps are complete, your class materials are sent to you as an attachment to an e-mail.

How do I save a copy of an electronic form or PDF on my computer?

Open the electronic PDF, then go to File > Save As. (Avoid using "Save as a Copy" or "Save a copy.")  Browse to the folder on your computer into which you want to save the document.  Open the destination folder and save your PDF document into that folder.  (If you do not designate a specific folder on your computer, the document will be saved to your default location. For Windows users that is the "My Documents" folder.  For Mac users it will be saved into the folder where you last saved a document.)

How do I attach a form or the worksheets to my e-mail?

In your e-mail program you should compose a simple message and address it to: oepub@mpinet.com.  Give the message a "subject." Then click the "attach" icon (typically looks like a paper clip). Choose "Browse." The "Browse" feature allows you to find and choose the folder containing the document you want to attach. When you locate the appropriate document, highlight it, then choose "attach."  A PDF icon should pop into your e-mail. Once it does, you can send the e-mail.

If you have any questions which have not been answered here, please call us. We are always happy to lend assistance.