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

A new cohort program begins in October 2025 and ends in June 2026.  Requirements consist of all of the following courses online (5 weeks per course), seminars and a retreat with Mass and blessing of catechists: details are subject to change, last updated on August 5, 2025

Orientation to the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) online platform: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7-8:30 p.m. 

COURSES ONLINE

1. 1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
      October 27-November 30, 2025
      
      
   2. Bible Basics
      January 12-February 15, 2026
      
      
   3. Survey of Catholic Doctrine 
      February 23-March 29, 2026
      
      
   4. Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2
      April 13-May 17, 2026
      
      
   5. Elective Course
      May 25-June 21, 2026
      
      Participants will choose from one of the following:

• • • RCIA - A Canadian Approach;
    • Prayer and Worship with Adolescents;
    • Praying with Children;
    • Disabilities in Parish Life - An Overview. 

SEMINARS

1. 1. Spirituality of the Catechist
      Presenters: Dr. Connie Price & Mr. Leslie Miller 
      Sunday, October 26, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      
   2. Catechesis in the Language of the Church
      Presenter: Dr. Anna Boyagoda 
      Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      
   3. Practical Strategies for Refining Your Catechesis 
      Presenter: Mr. Leslie Miller 
      Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Online
      
      
   4. Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
      Presenter: Dr. Connie Price  
      Sunday, April 12, 2026, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      
   5. Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year 
      Presenter: Dr. Connie Price & Ms. Michelle Brylowski 
      Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2-5 p.m.
      Location: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
      Free underground parking, TTC accessible
      
      

RETREAT

Virtuous Leadership
Presenter: Dr. Josephine Lombardi

Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Cardinal Leo

Lunch for Participants

Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: St. Augustine's Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3
Free parking

Prerequisites

• Approval of pastor (hard copy or by email)
• $250 deposit, refundable after the entire program is complete. Paid by either the participant or the parish.
• The cost of course material (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 weekly 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.