Catechist Formation Process

Catechist Formation Other Formation Programs Catechist Days

Catechist Formation

Catechists Formation

"[T]he formation of catechists requires particular attention because the quality of the pastoral initiatives is necessarily connected to the person who bring them into being"
- (Directory for Catechesis 130).

The Catechist Formation Process of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is a religious studies and Christian experience process that is required for all catechists and Catholic school teachers in the diocese. The process is offered and administered by the Office for Catholic Education in collaboration with the Evermode Institute. Its general purpose is to provide opportunities for catechists to enrich their love and knowledge of the Catholic faith in order to be more effective communicators of the Gospel to those whom they are called to minister.

Other Formation Programs

Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is a program of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton. Courses through the VLCFF are synchronous, online adult religious education and faith formation classes in support of the Church's catechetical ministry.

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois partners with the VLCFF to extend these opportunities to all the faithful in our diocese at a reduced cost. Course topics include:

Catechesis
Catholic Doctrine
Church History
Communication
Ecclesiology
Liturgy, Sacraments, Prayer
Marianist Studies
Morality
Scripture
Social Justice
World Religions

For more information, go to vlcff.udayton.edu/

You can also connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VLCFF/

VLCFF and the Diocesan Catechist Formation Process

VLCFF At-A-Glance Certificate Programs with Corresponding Courses.pdf
VLCFF_2022_courses.pdf - listed by date available
List_of_Courses_VLCFF_-_by_Cycle.pdf
List_of_Courses_VLCFF.pdf - Comprehensive course catalog with alignment to diocesan Catechist Formation Process, updated 09/2021
List_of_Courses_VLCFF_-_Simplified.pdf - Course name and diocesan alignment, updated 09/2021

For more information, visit the VLCFF web site or contact the Office for Catholic Education.

Other Programs

A key aspect of course approval is how course completion is documented. Many fine resources are available but are not included on the list above because there is no systematic aspect to how these platforms assess participant mastery of the subject matter or document proof of completion. Resources in this category can still be considered for credit using the Summary of Participation in a Live or Recorded Webinar form.

Approved_Formation_Programs.pdf

Catechist Days

Catechist Days are workshops and seminars that supplement the Catechist Formation Process by providing formation on topics not addressed in the core curriculum from the Augustine Institute. Topics can be specific areas that help catechists and Catholic school faculty improve their skills and can be unique to a parish based on the local need. For example, some parishes have a need for more formation on cultural diversity, or there may be a community dealing with a pastoral situation that people need more skills to address. Input is needed to identify topics that will meet your local needs. Please send any suggestions to catechesis@dio.org.

Notes from the Fall 2022 Workshop

Catechists Formation

Catechist Days

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