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

Participants will receive foundational formation in Catholic doctrine, using Catechism of the Catholic Church; the spirituality of the catechist based upon Pope Francis's message to catechists, Scripture; an elective course tailored to the catechist's particular are of parish ministry (RCIA, children, ministry with persons with disabilities). Five seminars cover pedagogical strategies and education in the primary sources of the Church, including the Catechism, Compendium, Directory for Catechesis, Marian doctrines and history. A retreat centered on virtuous leadership is followed by Mass with Blessing of Catechists. 

The program is open to those who are involved in sacramental preparation (both for children/teens and adults) and those who lead other parish ministries that are also catechetical. These include but are not limited to leader in Liturgy of the Word with children; Christian Initiation (RCIA); family life; adult faith formation; ministry with maturing adults (seniors) and other faith-based groups. 

Features of the Program

• • • Online courses facilitated by archdiocesan staff;
    • Paced, weekly online learning;
    • In-person seminars and opportunities to share, learn and pray with catechists from other parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto;
    • Ongoing faith formation;
    • Certificate of Completion.

Program requirements: completion of all five online courses; attendance at all five seminars; participation in retreat with Mass and Blessing of Catechists.

A.  Courses are delivered through Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) online platform. Each course is five weeks in length. While courses are asynchronous, participants are expected to spend approximately 4-7 hours a week completing weekly session requirements (readings, online discussions, assignments, etc). An online orientation session, covering program expectations and use of platform, will be offered the week prior to the start of the program. 

1. 1. Starting Anew From Christ: On Being a Catechist
   2. Bible Basics
      
   3. Survey of Catholic Doctrine 
   4. Survey of Catholic Doctrine Part 2
   5. Elective Course - participants will choose from one of the following:

• • • RCIA: An Introduction to Christian Initiation
    • Prayer and Worship with Adolescents*
    • Praying with Children*
    • Disabilities in Parish Life - An Overview
      *Depending on registration numbers, these may be offered in alternate years

B.  Seminars will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto (TTC accessible, free underground parking). 

Spirituality of the Catechist
Dr. Connie Price and Mr. Leslie Miller 

Practical Strategies for Refining Your Catechesis 
Mr. Leslie Miller 

Tools and Resources for Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Toronto
Dr. Connie Price  

Catechesis in the Language of the Church
Dr. Anna Boyagoda 

Walking with Mary through the Liturgical Year 
Dr. Connie Price & Ms. Michelle Brylowski 

C. Retreat with Mass and Blessing of Catechists for participants will be held at St. Augustine's Seminary, 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough (TTC accessible, free parking) 

Virtuous Leadership
Dr. Josephine Lombardi

Mass and Blessing of Catechists
Most Reverend Ivan Camilleri

Lunch 

Prerequisites

• • • Approval of pastor (hard copy or by email).
    • $250 deposit, refundable after the entire program is completed; paid by either the participant or the parish.
    • Cost of course material; paid either by the participant or the parish. ​

The program may be started in October or in January. Click below to see each schedule: 

October 2026

January 2027

For more information, contact the Office of Formation for Discipleship at 437-900-4287 or formation@archtoronto.org.