CATECHIST FORMATION

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.

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.

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.

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.

During the five sessions of this course, you will learn the importance of culture in ministry. You will study theory and concepts related to culture, learn about the responsibility of the Church in response to culture, and learn the skills you need to being to work effectively in a culturally diverse pastoral setting.  Required Readings: All required reading will be made available online.

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