Archdiocesan Catechist Formation Program

"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

Fall 2024 Registration coming soon

The 5 Course Program Consists of:

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

A. 5 Online Courses (5 weeks/sessions each)

Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
October 16-November 19, 2023
Survey of Catholic Doctrine
January 15-February 18, 2024
Sacraments of Initiation: A Canadian Approach (3 weeks/sessions)
March 4-March 24, 2024
Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2
April 8-May 12, 2024
Specialized Course
May 20-June 23, 2024

Participants will choose one of the following elective courses:

- RCIA - A Canadian Approach, includes one online seminar with Michelle Brylowski Wednesday June 5, or Sunday June 9, 2024;
- Bible Basics;
- Disabilities in Parish Life - An Overview;
- 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
NOTE: Locations subject to change (last updated April 2nd, 2024)

Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year
Presenters: Dr. Connie Price & Michelle Brylowski
Sunday, January 14, 2024, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Online
Spirituality of the Catechist
Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Leslie Miller
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Online
Visio Divina (Preparation for Lent using Sacred Art)
Presenter: Leslie Miller
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Tools and Resources for Catechesis, Part One - Primary Resources
Presenter: Dr. Connie Price
Sunday, March 3, 2024, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Online
Tools and Resources for Catechesis, Part Two - Secondary Resources and Practical Strategies for Catechesis
Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Leslie Miller
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 2-5 p.m.
Location: Online
Catechesis in the Language of the Church
Presenter: Anna Boyagoda
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4T 1W2

C. Closing Retreat

Virtuous Leadership
Presenter: Dr. Josephine Lombardi

Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Archbishop Francis Leo

Lunch for Participants

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: St. Augustine's Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3

The 4 Course Program Consists of:

Online Orientation Session Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 7-8 p.m.

A. 4 Online Courses (5 weeks/sessions each)

Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
January 15-February 18, 2024
Sacraments of Initiation: A Canadian Approach (3 weeks/sessions)
March 4-March 24, 2024
Survey of Catholic Doctrine
April 8-May 12, 2024
Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2 or a Specialized Course
May 20-June 23, 2024

Participants will choose one of the following elective courses:

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