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Welcome Pastors, Parish Coordinators, and Pastoral Leaders!

This section offers some tools and references to assist you in your role. The Office of Catechetics and Adult Faith Growth is here to assist and support your pastoral work in your local parish setting. The Directory for Catechesis is clear as to the importance of the parish as a setting for catechesis and evangelization. Together we can engage meaningfully with those that have been part of the church, those returning, and those seeking to encounter Jesus and the people of God today!

Local Formation

If you would like to learn more about this formation please contact the archdiocesan office of Catechetics and Adult Faith Growth directly or explore the links below. 

 

 

Formation for Adults to Learn How to Share Faith with Children

Click here for a video introduction of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  (3:14 minutes)

Click here for a video of children's and parents' experiences (3:47 minutes)

Click here for a video about the beginning of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (9:43 minutes)

Click here for an article Discovering God through Play - Are Children Innately Spiritual? CBC Tapestry

Click here to go to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada (new website) with great resource for parents to use at home. The home is known as the domestic church and we seek to strengthen and support the domestic church. Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) This means that it is in the context of the family that we first learn who God is and prayerfully seek His will for us. In the following bullet points, you will find some suggestions on how to build your “domestic church” through a life of prayer that can help all the members of your family. 

 

 

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori- based religious formation for children starting at the age of 3. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, ‘hands-on’ space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and their catechists can listen, ponder and celebrate the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in Scripture and Liturgy. Founded in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in 1954, the Catechesis has spread worldwide and is used by various Christian traditions to nurture the child’s relationship with Jesus. The course is presented in the Roman Catholic tradition but includes awareness of material adaptations to the Anglican, Lutheran, and Orthodox traditions.

There are three levels of training for adults interested in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:

• Level 1 for children 3-6 years of age
• Level 2 for children 6-9 years of age
• Level 3 for children 9-12 years of age

Level 1 training must be completed before beginning Level 2.

Level 2 training must be completed before beginning Level 3.

The Level 1 course lays the foundation of the theory and practices of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for all three levels of CGS. This 90+ hour course concretely prepares the adult to work, to listen to the Word of God, and to learn with and from children.

 

Fall Formation Sessions

Annual Fall Formation September Sessions are held for all catechists, coordinators, and those that walk with others in faith.  These sessions are fully sponsored for you by the Service of Catechetics Archdioceses of St. Boniface and Winnipeg.

In addition there are a variety of webinars for you to access from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Upcoming in September 2024 is a part two of a series:

Videos Available Webinar Series “A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life” presented by Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine's Seminary) these first four of eight English-language webinars on prayer  are now available!

1.  “Why did Jesus address God as Father?”
2. “Seeking God’s Kingdom and Knowing God’s Will”
3. “Daily Bread and the Gift of Forgiveness”
4. “Managing Trials and Resisting Evil”

You can still register for the Fall 2024 Series on Prayer webinar videos and the recordings will be available after the conclusion of its final session by contacting your diocesan coordinator:

1. “Praying with Mary/The Rosary”

1. “Praying with the Saints/St. Teresa of Avila”

1. “The Prayer of Jesus/John 17”

1. “Lectio Divina/The Storm at Sea”

Please do share these resources with friends, family, and colleagues! All four videos and the reflection guide can be found at cccb.ca/ourfather

 

Click on the links below for the webinars and study guides.

 

Webinars & Conferences

December 5, 2022 - Where Faith and Life Meet: A Resource Launch and Interactive Webinar for All Who Accompany Adult Faith

 

Click here for more information on Phase I and Phase II, as well as recordings of the "Where Faith, Meets Life Symposium" — September 27, 28, 2021.

Click here for the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis - Resources (ustpaul.ca)

 

Regional and National Conferences

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops(OEC CCCB) has numerous video series of prerecorded webinars.

Click here to access the video resources from the OEC CCCB.

Click here for the series on the Directory for Catechesis.

 

From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Click here for USCCB's short video introducing the new Directory for Catechesis. 1:11 min

Click here for "Why does the Directory for Catechesis Matter Today? - With Dr. Petroc Willey" 30:42 min

 

Past Regional and National Conferences

 

HE THIRSTS FOR YOU APRIL 4-6 2019

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, through the Episcopal Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis, hosted the 2019 National Conference on Evangelization and Catechesis on 4-6 April 2019, at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel - Ottawa Airport. The theme of the conference, He Thirsts for You, is inspired by John 4: 4-26 – The Woman at the Well.

Highlights of the Conference included an opening play, He Thirsts for You, written and performed by Catholic playwright Elisa Lollino, as well as the following keynote speakers: the Most Reverend William McGrattan, Father Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I., and Dr. Josephine Lombardi. Additionally, each participant had the opportunity to choose four workshops on a variety of topics related to evangelization and catechesis.

The Western Region of Canada had about thirty participants! Thank you to all participants for a successful conference.

 

 

Facilitating a Small Group Discussion with Adults or Older Youth

 Online & Distance Faith Formation Courses

 

St. Paul's College - University of Manitoba

 Click here to learn more about St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba.

 

Newman Theological College (Edmonton, AB)

Newman Theological College offers a comprehensive selection of courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. All are offered online, so you can study from the comfort of your home and work around your personal schedule. Take an individual course for interest, or work toward one or all of the six specialized Certificates in Catholic Studies.

This program is open to adults and youth of all backgrounds and education levels.

The college has recently created the Benedict XVI Institute which offers a Certificate in Catechesis through non-academic online courses. To see about the program and courses offered click here ...

 Online Faith Formation Courses and Programs

We offer a comprehensive selection of courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. All are offered online, so you can study from the comfort of your home and work around your personal schedule. Each course runs five weeks. Take an individual course for interest, or work toward one or all of the 22 specialized Certificates in Catholic Studies.

This program is open to adults and youth of all backgrounds and education levels in all countries.

Certificates

• Foundations in Faith Year I (FFI)
• Foundations in Faith Year II (FFII)
• Certificates in Catechesis
• Certificate in Catholic School Trusteeship (CST)
• Certificates in Diaconate Discernment
• Certificates in Eastern Christian Traditions
• Certificate in International Development (ID)
• Certificate for Lectors in the Eastern Christian Rite (LEC)
• Certificate in Liturgy (LIT)
• Certificate in Mercy in the Catholic Tradition (MER)
• Certificate in New Evangelization (NE)
• Certificate in Pastoral Care (PC)
• Certificate in Religious Education (RE)
• Certificate in Sacramental Preparation (SP)
• Certificates in Scripture
• Certificate in Social Justice (SJ)
• Certificate in Youth Evangelization (YE)

 

 

 

 

Helpful Links

Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in Our Time) by Saint Pope John Paul II

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechist’s Journey
            
Effective Catechetical Leader Series (Loyola)

Evangelii Nuntiandi (Evangelization in the Modern World) by Saint Pope Paul VI

  Evangelization, Catechesis and Catholic Education (CCCB)

Vatican II Documents

General Directory for Catechesis

Professional Development Webinars for Parish Ministry Leaders (Ave Maria Press)

Resources for Healthy Life and Ministry (Saint Luke Institute)

Sanctuary (Mental Health Ministries)

Are You a Catechist? 

 

Who is a catechist? There are many faces to catechists, and many ways to engage in catechesis. Consider sharing the journey as a catechist!

“A Catechist is a person who facilitates the process of faith formation. This is done first by echoing the word of God in his or her own life, and second by helping others to do so.... Through your work with adults, families, adolescents, and children, you are passing on a lived faith.”
                  - Joe Paprocki, The Catechist's Toolbox

"Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways."  (General Directory for Catechesis #105) Jesus empowered the Church to continue His mission when He said, Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of time. (Mt. 28:18-20)

This great commission has been handed to women and men, whom God has called, to proclaim the Good News. This ministry of teaching and forming has traditionally been referred to as catechesis.

The name of catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God...and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ. (Catechesi Tradendae #1)

The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning "to echo the teaching" meaning that catechesis or the teaching of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit! Catechesis is a life-long process of initial conversion, formation, education, and on-going conversion. Through word, worship, service and community, it seeks to lead all God's people to an ever deepening relationship with God who reveals himself in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Catechesis takes many forms and includes the initiation of adults, youth and children as well as the intentional and systematic effort to enable all to grow in faith and discipleship.

Source: http://www.catechesis-chicago.org/

 

Programs

Ongoing Catechesis:

Finding God  - Loyola Press

Click here for 2021 Edition

Click here for 2013 Edition

Click here for Adaptive Program

 

 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

 Immediate Catechesis (Sacraments):

• We Prepare for Reconciliation - Novalis
• We Share in the Eucharist -Novalis
• Alive in the Spirit - Novalis
• Come Join Us at the Table - Novalis
• Blessed -Dynamic Catholic
• Decision Point -Dynamic Catholic
• Others in consultation with the Service of Catechetics

Planning a retreat for Confirmation, Youth Group, or Families?

Here are some links to ministries that provide retreats for youth and others:

CSE (local)

Website

 

NET Canada (National)

Website

FACE 2 FACE (in Saskatoon, SK)

Website Newsletters

 

Three Minute Retreat

Click here or on the photo below for the Loyola Press Three Minute Retreat: A Work in Progress.

Additional Formation

 Called to be a catechist?

   

 

Catechist Online Support & Webinars from Home

Thank you for saying yes to the ministry of the catechist!

Today, growing as a catechist can be convenient and customized to fit your personal schedule.  If you have your own family or a demanding work schedule or aging parents to care for, your vocation as a catechist can still be a nourishing and fulfilling response to God's call.  A variety of formation opportunities await you.  Just a click away there is information, support, and formation ready to meet you where you are in your journey of faith as you hear and echo the Word of God to others. 

Finding God 2013

(Loyola Press)

Our ongoing parish and home catechism program Finding God has many online support resources for catechists and coordinators (DREs).  There are also parent materials available.  Click here to explore the support materials available.

In this series of seven webinars, parishes, and catechists Loyola Press presents ways to introduce you to the program for grades 1--6 and assist you in planning a successful and reflecting on a faith-filled year using Finding God.

 

   

3-Dimensional Catechist (Catechist's Journey)

In this pre-recorded series of Webinars, Forming a 3-Dimensional Catechist, Joe Paprocki leads catechists through formation exercises designed to help them grow in these three critical areas: Being, Knowing, and Doing.  Published on 3 Sep 2013 Learn more at www.catechistsjourney.com.

 

Catechetics