Catechists are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive in themselves and they are able to revive it in others.  This is something beautiful:  to remember God, like the Virgin Mary, who sees God's wondrous works in her life but doesn't think about honour, prestige or wealth; she doesn't become self-absorbed.  Instead, after receiving the message of the angel and conceiving the Son of God, what does she do?  She sets out, she goes to assist her elderly kinswoman Elizabeth, who was also pregnant.  And the first thing she does upon meeting Elizabeth is to recall God's work, God's fidelity, in her own life, in the history of her people, in our history:  "My soul magnifies the Lord ... For he has looked on the lowliness of his servant .... His mercy is from generation to generation" (Lk 1:46, 48, 50).  Mary remembers God.  (International Day of Catechists, September 29, 2013)

About the Program

The Archdiocese of Toronto, in partnership with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton, provides formation for those involved in catechetical ministry in the archdiocese.  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: liturgical ministers, ministers with maturing adults, ministers to the sick and homebound, family life ministers, stewardship committee members, and many more.

Features of the Program

• 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

There are two program options: a 5 Course Program that begins in October or a 4 Course Program that begins in January.  Both program options consist of A) online courses B) seminars and C) a closing retreat with Mass and blessing of catechists.  A, B and C components are required to complete the program. 

A. Online Courses (5 weeks per course)

5 Course Program Option: 

Online Orientation to Dayton platform: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m.

1. 1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
      October 21-November 24, 2024
      
      
   2. Survey of Catholic Doctrine
      January 20-February 23, 2025
      
      
   3. Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2
      March 10-April 13, 2025
      
      
   4. Sacraments of Initiation (3 weeks) 
      April 28-May 18, 2025
      
      
   5. Elective Course
      May 26-June 29, 2025
      
      Participants will choose from one of the following:

• • • RCIA;
    • Bible Basics;
    • Disabilities in Parish Life - An Overview. 

4 Course Program Option: 

Online Orientation to Dayton platform: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 7-8:30 p.m.

1. 1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
      January 20-February 23, 2025
      
      
   2. Survey of Catholic Doctrine
      March 10-April 13, 2025
      
      
   3. Sacrament of Initiation (3 weeks)
      April 28-May 18, 2025
      
      
   4. Elective Course
      May 26-June 29, 2025
      
      Participants will choose from one of the following: 

• • • Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2;
    • RCIA;
    • Bible Basics;
    • Disabilities in Parish Life - An Overview. 

B. Seminars

NOTE: Subject to change. Last updated October 02, 2024. 

1. 1. Spirituality of the Catechist
      Presenters: Dr. Connie Price & Mr. Leslie Miller 
      Sunday, January 26, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Online
      
      
   2. Practical Strategies for Refining Your Catechesis 
      Presenter: Mr. Leslie Miller 
      Sunday, February 23, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Online
      
      
   3. Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year 
      Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Ms. Michelle Brylowski 
      Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      
   4. Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
      Presenter: Dr. Connie Price 
      Sunday, April 6, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      
   5. Catechesis in the Language of the Church
      Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda 
      Sunday, May 25, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible

C. Closing Retreat 

Virtuous Leadership
Presenter: Dr. Josephine Lombardi

Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Cardinal Leo

Lunch for Participants

Saturday, June 28, 2025, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: St. Augustine's Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3

Prerequisites

• Approval of pastor (hard copy or by email)
• $250 deposit, refundable after the entire program is complete
• The cost of books, paid by either the participant or the parish

Time Commitment

Participants can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.

Contact Details
Office of Formation for Discipleship 416-934-3400, ext. 523 or formation@archtoronto.org.

Registration opens Fall 2025