"The formation of catechists is nothing other than an assistance for them in identifying with the living and actual awareness that the Church has of the Gospel, in order to make them capable of transmitting it in her name." General Directory for Catechesis, 236

About the Program

The Archdiocese of Toronto and Saint Monica Institute, in partnership with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton, provides formation programs for those involved in catechetical ministry in the Archdiocese of Toronto. This includes those who are involved in Sacramental Preparation (both for children/teens and adults) but also in a variety of other ministries that are also catechetical. This includes, but is not limited to, liturgical ministers, ministers with maturing adults, ministers to the sick and homebound, family life ministers, stewardship committee members, and many more.

There are two program options outlined below. The 5 Course Program has a focus on Sacramental Preparation for children/teens or RCIA. The 4 Course Program has the option to allow the participant to take one course in an area more specific to their ministry. This includes Scripture, Liturgy, and Maturing Adults.

Each program has the same fundamental features, including:

• Facilitated by archdiocesan staff
• Paced, weekly online learning
• Opportunities to share, learn, reflect, and pray with other catechists from other parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto
• Ongoing faith formation
• Certificate of Completion

Prerequisites for both programs:

• Approval of pastor (hard copy or by email)
• $250 deposit that is refundable after the entire program is completed
• Plus the cost of books

Register HERE 

The 5 Course Program Consists of:

Online Orientation Session Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7-8 p.m.

A. 5 Online Courses (5 weeks each)

1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
    October 16-November 19, 2023

2. Survey of Catholic Doctrine I
    January 15-February 18, 2024

3. Introduction to the Sacraments of Initiation (three-week seminar) 
    March 4-March 24, 2024

4. Survey of Catholic Doctrine II
    April 8-May 12, 2024

5. Specialized Course
    May 20-June 23, 2024
    Participants will choose one of the following elective courses:

• RCIA - includes one online seminar with Michelle Brylowski Wednesday, June 5, or Sunday, June 9, 2024;
• Bible Basics;
• Disabilities in Parish Life;
• Foundations for Liturgy;
• Praying with Children;
• Prayer and Worship with Adolescents;

Depending upon numbers Praying with Children and Prayer and Worship with Adolescents could be offered in alternate years.

B. 6 Seminars
    (Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2 or online, TBD)    

1. Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year
    Presenters: Dr. Connie Price & Michelle Brylowski 
    Sunday, January 14, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

2. Spirituality of the Catechist
    Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Leslie Miller
    Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 7-9 p.m.

3. Visio Divina (Preparation for Lent using Sacred Art)
    Presenter: Leslie Miller 
    Sunday, February 4, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m.

4. Practical Strategies for Catechesis
    Presenter: Leslie Miller 
    Sunday, March 3, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

5. Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
    Presenter: Dr. Connie Price  
    Sunday, April 7, 2024, 2-5 p.m.

6. Catechesis in the Language of the Church
    Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda
    Sunday, May 26, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

C. Closing Retreat
    (St. Augustine's Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough ON M1M)
    Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 

    Virtuous Leadership
    Presenter: Dr. Josephine Lombardi

    Mass and Blessing of Catechists
    Archbishop Francis Leo

    Lunch for Participants

The 4 Course Program Consists of:

Online or at Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2 or online, TBD, Orientation Session Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 7-8 p.m.

A. 4 Online Courses (3 or 5 weeks each depending on the course)

1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
    January 15-February 18, 2024

2. Introduction to the Sacraments of Initiation (three-week seminar)
    March 4-March 24, 2024

3. Survey of Catholic Doctrine I
    April 8-May 12, 2024

5. Survey of Catholic Doctrine II or Specialized Course
    May 20-June 23, 2024
    Participants will choose one of the following elective courses:

• RCIA - includes one online seminar with Michelle Brylowski Wednesday, June 5, or Sunday, June 9, 2024;
• Bible Basics;
• Disabilities in Parish Life;
• Foundations for Liturgy;
• Praying with Children;
• Prayer and Worship with Adolescents;

Depending upon numbers Praying with Children and Prayer and Worship with Adolescents could be offered in alternate years.

B. 6 Seminars
    (Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2 or online, TBD)    

1. Spirituality of the Catechist
    Presenters: Dr. Connie Price & Leslie Miller
    Sunday, January 14, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

2. Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year
    Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Michelle Brylowski 
    Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 7-9 p.m.

3. Visio Divina (Preparation for Lent using Sacred Art)
    Presenter: Leslie Miller 
    Sunday, February 4, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m.

4. Practical Strategies for Catechesis
    Presenter: Leslie Miller 
    Sunday, March 3, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

5. Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
    Presenter: Dr. Connie Price  
    Sunday, April 7, 2024, 2-5 p.m.

6. Catechesis in the Language of the Church
    Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda
    Sunday, May 26, 2024, 2-4 p.m.

C. Closing Retreat
    (St. Augustine's Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough ON M1M)
    Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 

    Virtuous Leadership
    Presenter: Dr. Josephine Lombardi

    Mass and Blessing of Catechists
    Archbishop Francis Leo

    Lunch for Participants

Contact Details
If you have questions about the Archdiocesan Catechist Formation Program, please contact Constance Price, M.Div., Ph.D., Associate Director, Catechesis, at 416-934-3400, ext. 513 or cprice@archtoronto.org, or the Office of Formation for Discipleship at 416-934-3400, ext. 523 or formation@archtoronto.org.