With summer almost upon us, it is a good time to think about what we can do as catechists to find enrichment and renewal that will help us to deepen our faith. Summer is also a great time for new catechists to prepare for this exciting venture!
Too often, catechist formation is either impractical (doesn’t speak to actual needs), inaccessible (difficult to attend or to fit into one’s calendar), or expensive (costs too much). In response to all of those problems, I have developed for Loyola Press a catechist formation opportunity that is practical (speaks to real needs of catechists), accessible (participation in learning sessions from home), and affordable (respects limited budgets): the Catechetical Formation Series.
The Catechetical Formation Series consists of 10 online sessions, each 45–60 minutes.
- Learning Session 1: Getting Started and Getting to Know Your Learners
- Learning Session 2: The Catechetical Process
- Learning Session 3: Prayer and Leading Prayer
- Learning Session 4: Facilitation Skills and Handling Difficult Situations
- Learning Session 5: What We Believe—The Creed
- Learning Session 6: What We Believe—The Sacraments
- Learning Session 7: What We Believe—The Moral Life
- Learning Session 8: What We Believe—Prayer
- Learning Session 9: Understanding God’s Word—Scripture
- Learning Session 10: The Person of the Catechist
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. These worksheets can be submitted to parish catechetical leaders, who will work with diocesan directors to determine the extent to which participation can be applied to local catechist certification requirements. Likewise, diocesan directors can utilize the worksheets to facilitate additional or expanded sessions to synthesize the learning that takes place.
Upon completion of each session in the series, participants watching individually will receive a certificate of completion.
The Catechetical Formation Series can be purchased and experienced as an individual for only $24.99 or as a parish or school for $199.99. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a catechist!
If I subscribe, do I have continued access to the online sessions so I can view them more than one time or refresh the information as needed?
Hi Mary. Yes, I believe so!