Question 1

SEPTEMBER 8 – OCTOBER 12, 2025:  Survey of Catholic Doctrine

Accepted Answer

This course will look at some of the major doctrines of the Catholic Church. Participants will come to a better understanding of the Trinity, original sin, church, salvation history, and the communion of saints. Participants will be asked to identify the meaning of magisterium, ecumenism, eschatology, and other Catholic terms.

Required Reading: Pennock, Michael Francis This Is Our Faith Ave Maria Press, 2018.

Question 2

OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025:  Directory for Catechesis

Accepted Answer

The Directory for Catechesis, presented to the universal Church on June 24, 2020, was developed to address the current needs of catechesis such as the globalization of culture, the rise of a digital culture, the need for the “way of beauty” in catechesis, and other pastoral needs and opportunities for catechesis. This e-course will explore those issues as well as practical guidelines for catechesis within the work of evangelization. The e-course is recommended for all involved in formal religious education.

Required Reading: CCCB, Directory for Catechesis, 2020.

Question 3

JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 14, 2026: Jesus the Master Catechist

Accepted Answer

In this four-week seminar, we will take the opportunity to reflect on our role as catechists through the example of Jesus.  Following the twelve lessons of Bill Huebsch, we will gather a greater understanding of how to integrate Jesus’ gospel message into our identity as catechists and then apply this learning through practical resources for ministry.  This course will strengthen one’s understanding of vocation as a catechist as well as provide helpful takeaways for future ministerial application.

Required Readings: Huebsch, Bill Jesus the Master Catechist Novalis, 2015 
CCCB, Directory for Catechesis, 2020.

Question 4

APRIL 13 – MAY 17, 2026: Sacraments of Initiation

Accepted Answer

The sacraments of initiation draw us deeply into Christ's life and life within the Christian community, and through them, we are sent out in mission in Christ's name. This course will provide a foundational study and reflection on the history and theology of these key sacramental moments.

Required Reading:  Stasiak, Kurt Sacaramental Theology Means of Grace, Ways of Life Loyola Press, 2002
All other required reading will be made available online.

Question 5

MAY 25 – JUNE 27, 2026: Understanding Culture in Ministry: Building Bridges

Accepted Answer

Ministry around the world is often to and with persons of different cultural backgrounds.   What may work for one group in a particular cultural setting, may not work for another cultural setting.   Thus, there is the need to understand the skills needed to reach across cultures and build bridges even as ministry takes place.  A careful reflection on the Canadian mosaic is presented by Mary Jo Leddy and her work, “Why Are We Here? A Meditation on Canada”.
Required Readings: Ospino, Hosffman, Interculturalism and Catechesis 23rd Publications, 2017

Question 6

ANY CYCLE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2026:  An Elective of Choice

Accepted Answer

This elective period is intended to cover any specialty areas of catechetical ministry that may require supplemental learning.  A strong encouragement of any of the following will be made on behalf of the Diocesan Office:
–      Prayer and Worship with Adolescents 
–      Faith and Human Development
–      Bible Basics
–      Introduction to Pastoral Care
–      Spirituality in Adult Learning and Faith Formation  
–      To Inform, Encourage and Heal: A Canadian Response to the Residential School Crisis

CATECHIST FORMATION

Program Overview