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Catechist Formation 2.0

Here you’ll find the updated requirements and guidelines for the newest iteration of catechist formation, Catechist 2.0.

En español
A dynamic and complex reality at the service of the Word of God, catechesis is accompaniment, education, and formation in the faith and for the faith, an introduction to the celebration of the Mystery, illumination and interpretation of human life and history.
—  Directory for Catechesis,   55

Why "2.0"?

An essential part of the work of The One is the need for catechesis to be reimagined as part of a larger process of evangelization. Given the fact that we live in a secular world, we can no longer presume that those who come to us seeking formation understand or seek personal discipleship with Christ.

We must reorient our work to explore the deeper dimensions of a living relationship with the Lord, in and through His Church, for those entrusted to our catechetical care. To meet this new challenge, all those in leadership in the Church, especially those who lead the work of catechesis and evangelization in all its forms, must undergo ongoing personal and ministerial formation.

We are at a turning point in our diocese. The work of the Holy Spirit continues to inspire and surround us as we facilitate encounters between our young people and the person of Jesus Christ. You are an essential part of this renewal. This formation will prepare you to take part in this important work.

Formation is now completely online. Please email institute@diobpt.org or call 203-416-1657 if you have questions.

Catechist Formation

We are grateful to all our catechists and want to offer them support, resources, and formation. To make sure the young people and adults in our communities are served by those who are well-formed, all those who serve their parishes as catechists are required to enter into ongoing formation.

Required Formation   En Español

I'd like to know...

What is a Catechist?

What are the prerequisites?

What are the formation requirements?

What is included in online formation?

More information about Catechetical Formation

A Catechist is a person of faith who leads others in understanding the faith teachings according to the official teachings of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. To learn more about the goals and offerings of a catechist, please click the button below.

Learn More

To serve as a catechist, one only needs to have a passion to share their faith and appropriate formation. This formation begins with meeting the Virtus requirements for the Diocese of Bridgeport. 

 

Given this crazy world in which we find ourselves these days, we have streamlined formation so that it can all be done online and in the comfort of your own home.

See how to get started.

 

Online formation includes a series of modules. 

  • One module is an opening prayer.
  • Another two modules introduce you to the various generations you will encounter as a catechist and how each is unique and gifted in their own right.
  • One module asks you to take an inventory. This will help us gauge the need for future formation.
  • The final module discusses the intersection of catechesis and evangelization.
  • Your assignment, which completes your initial formation, is to write a letter to your pastor or director/coordinator of faith formation and reflect upon what you have learned and what you hope to bring to your experience as a catechist.

More information is available online.

Check out our FAQ page for general questions and information about Catechetical Formation.

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What is a Catechist?

The Catechist is a person of faith who leads others in understanding the faith teachings according to the official teachings of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The role of the catechist is a vital ministry to the Church. It is a gift that has tremendous value to the world community at large because through the catechist’s word and action, the message of Christ continues to have a place in all human affairs.

The primary goal of a catechist is to model God’s love to others. As a result, the primary requisite of a catechist is a love for God and a love for children. A catechist develops a lesson plan and uses that plan to teach in the classroom. By creating the lesson plan the catechist ultimately designs and structures experiences for students that help them grow in their personal faith and spirituality. The catechist passes on to students a set of shared meanings and values that are Catholic and Christian. A catechist also initiates others into the faith community, into its life, its worship, symbols and practices.

Formation is now completely online. For those without consistent computer access, an offline workbook is available. Please email institute@diobpt.org or call 203-416-1657 to make a request.

Those required to participate in formation include:

  • Catechists in parish school of religious education
  • Volunteers in Vacation Bible Camps or other pre-school programs
  • RCIA team members
  • Pre-Cana team members/sponsor couples
  • Pre and Post Baptism team members
  • Adult education team members

What Do I Need to Do?

  1. Register by joining the Catechist 2.0 Group in LEAD. Click here to get started. Please note that you’ll need a LEAD account to join.
  2. Complete your Virtus requirements and make sure your parish Virtus coordinator has marked you as a catechist in the Virtus database.
  3. Complete the initial formation learning path. This initial formation focuses on three dimensions: personal, intellectual, and practical. Your initial formation is valid for 6 months.
  4. Fill out the inventory to help you choose your ongoing formation. 
  5. Choose from among the many learning paths to complete your ongoing formation. You will need to continue to complete ongoing formation every 6 months.

General FAQ

I’ve been teaching for a long time, why do I need formation?

Every good teacher is committed to life-long learning. The commitment to catechetical formation is not meant to be overwhelming. Rather, it is an opportunity to learn more about the call you have received to teach others the faith.

Are the requirements the same for Catholic school teachers?

Yes. Though the Catholic school teachers will host their own face-to-face session initially (held in fall 2019), the formation process is essentially the same.

If I do not participate, will I be fired as a catechist?

Let’s ask the question another way: don’t the young people you serve deserve the very best? Do they not deserve someone who is well-formed and well-prepared?

If I am a liturgical minister (reader, musicians, EMHC) and participated in formation for one of those ministries, do I still have to participate in this formation?

Yes. This formation is completely different and structured to help you become more effective in your ministry.

How do I begin online formation?

Use the link below to log onto LEAD and begin. If you think you are already enrolled, ask the system to send you a new password. If you need help getting started check out the Lead Registration Guide

Lead Registration Guide

How will my parish know that I have completed everything?

Parish leaders can contact the Institute at any time to ask which catechists have completed formation.

I heard something about letters of recommendation. Are those necessary?

Letters of recommendation are only required for those who wish to begin serving as a reader or EMHC in their parish or school. They are not required for catechists.

I attended a face-to-face formation session for catechists. Isn't that enough?

Nope. When the process started (pre-pandemic), there were two requirements: face-to-face formation and online. Now we've built the online to handle both. If you attended a face-to-face session, scroll down to create an account in LEAD and get started.

I already have an account in LEAD (as a Reader, EMHC, etc.)

Great. Then just scroll down and click the link to enter LEAD. Once you are in the system, you can choose as many learning paths as you wish.

When you are ready to register for LEAD and get started, click below.

Note: If you previously were invited to join online formation and did not accept the invitation, you may already have an account. To check, click "forgot my password" in LEAD and check.

If you already have an account a reset link will be sent. If you do not have an account, you can set up a new one and choose your learning path.

Need help getting started? check out the Lead Registration Guide

Begin Formation/Enter LEAD

Resources for Catechists

Catholic.Chat

An AI tool trained on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, designed to provide clear, accurate answers to faith-related questions at three different levels: child, adult, and scholar.

The Face of Prayer

A series of videos answering real-life questions submitted by over 300 people. Priests, sisters, and bishops provide thoughtful, faith-filled responses.

Start with Sunday

A variety of resources to help prepare children for Mass each Sunday.

First Witnesses

Parents are the first witnesses of the faith. First Witnesses seeks to accompany parents during the first five years of their children’s lives.

Catequizem

Daily Bible Quiz. Can you solve today’s Catequizem?

From the Field

Learn from musicians and ministers, confessors and counselors, parents and partners in ministry - all eager to share their thoughts and advice for how to improve our shared adventure of missionary discipleship.

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