Archdiocese of Philadelphia Adopts the Catechetical Formation Series for Basic Catechist Formation

For many years, the catechetical efforts of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have been guided by the steady hand of Ann Menna, who just recently retired. (Congratulations, Ann!) I’m proud to say that one of Ann’s last actions as Director in Philly was to adopt the Loyola Press Catechetical Formation Series for basic catechist formation in the Archdiocese.

I developed the Catechetical Formation Series as an online training and formation experience for catechists and others seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills for faith formation and evangelization ministries. The focus is on three areas critical to their vocation as a catechist: being, knowing, and doing. The series is hosted by yours truly and Deirdre Mullane, MAPS. Together, we provide practical and easy-to-digest content that can be accessed in a variety of settings: at home on the individual level or in a group setting for an entire catechetical team.

For more information on the content of the series, including recommended reading from my Toolbox Series, check out the Catechetical Formation Series. In addition to the content, each learning session is enhanced by a downloadable worksheet with questions to review information and initiate meaningful discussions on topics covered. Catechists can submit these worksheets to their parish catechetical leader, who will work with the diocesan director to determine the extent to which participation can be applied to local catechist certification requirements. Likewise, diocesan directors can use the worksheets to facilitate additional or expanded sessions to synthesize the learning that takes place.

Thanks, Ann Menna, for making the Catechetical Formation Series a normative part of catechist formation for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia! I’m already in discussion with another diocese that’s planning to adopt the series for basic formation.

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