"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 include, but are 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 both programs:

• Approval of pastor (hard copy or by email)
• Refundable deposit of $250, after entire program is completed

The 5 Course Program Consists of:

A.  5 Online Courses (5 weeks each)

1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
   (October 24-November 27, 2022)
2. Survey of Catholic Doctrine I
   (January 9-February 12, 2023)
3. Survey of Catholic Doctrine II
   (February 27-April 2, 2023)
4. Introduction to the Sacraments of Initiation (three weeks seminar)
   (April 17-May 7, 2023)
5. Specialized Course
   (May 22-June 25, 2023) Participants will choose one of the following elective areas: RCIA; Bible Basics; Disabilities in Parish Life; Foundations for Liturgy. Depending upon interest, Praying with Adolescents or Prayer and Worship with Children could be offered in alternate years.

B.  4 Group Gatherings:
Location: Virtual platform, OR Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2

1. October 30, 2022, 2-5 p.m. (includes dinner)
   Five Tasks Inventory Spirituality of the Catechist Orientation to the VLCFF
   Presenter: Office of Formation for Discipleship
2. February 12, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Catechesis in the Language of the Church
   Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda
3. Date: TBD, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Practical Approaches for Refining Your Catechesis: Strategies for Success
   Presenter: Mr. Leslie Miller
4. June 4, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
   Presenter: Dr. Connie Price

C.  Retreat with Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Location: St. Augustine’s Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3

Dr. Josephine Lombardi
Virtuous Leadership

Cardinal Collins
Mass with Blessing of Catechists

Date: June 24, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The 4 Course Program Consists of:

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

1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
   (January 9-February 12, 2023)
2. Survey of Catholic Doctrine I
   (February 27-April 2, 2023)
3. Introduction to the Sacraments of Initiation (three weeks seminar)
   (April 17-May 7, 2023)
4. Survey of Catholic Doctrine II or Specialized Course  
   (May 22 – June 25, 2023) Participants will choose one of the following elective areas: RCIA; Bible Basics; Disabilities in Parish Life; Foundations for Liturgy. Depending upon interest, Praying with Adolescents or Prayer and Worship with Children could be offered in alternate years.

B.  4 Group Gatherings:
Location: Virtual platform, OR Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2

1. January 8, 2023, 2-5 p.m. (includes dinner)
   Five Tasks Inventory Spirituality of the Catechist Orientation to the VLCFF
   Presenter: Office of Formation for Discipleship Staff
2. February 12, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Catechesis in the Language of the Church
   Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda
3. Date: TBD, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Practical Approaches for Refining Your Catechesis: Strategies for Success
   Presenter: Mr. Leslie Miller
4. June 4, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
   Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
   Presenter: Dr. Connie Price

C.  Retreat with Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Location: St. Augustine’s Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3

Dr. Josephine Lombardi
Virtuous Leadership

Cardinal Collins
Mass with Blessing of Catechists

Date: June 24, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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