Online Formation Help Page
Having trouble navigating LEAD? Start here
Welcome to LEAD, the online learning platform for The Institute for Catholic Formation.
If you've found yourself on this page, it might be because you're encountering some difficulties with the site. While we hope your experience is smooth, we understand that technology can sometimes be unpredictable.
If you're experiencing issues, try these quick troubleshooting tips:
- Refresh the Page: Sometimes a simple refresh can resolve minor glitches. You can learn more about refreshing your browser below.
- Switch Browsers: If you're using a browser like Safari, consider switching to Chrome. Similarly, if you're on Internet Explorer, try using Microsoft Edge.
- Try a Different Device: If you're on a smartphone or tablet, see if the issue persists on a desktop or laptop.
- Log Out and Log Back In: A quick log out and log back in can often reset things and solve the problem.
Forgot Your LEAD Password?
No sweat. Just click on the "Forgot Password?" link and enter your email address when prompted. Then check your email. LEAD will send you a link to reset your password so you can log in.

Frequently Asked Questions
When we launched LEAD, invitations were sent out to individuals for whom we had an email address. Now, enrollment is open and all in ministry are welcome.
All those who serve - or wish to serve - as a catechist, reader, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, or Catholic school teacher, are required to participate in LEAD formation. Others are welcomed to join if they wish.
When the pandemic began, we suspended the face-to-face requirements for those in ministry. However, these requirements have now been reinstated. Notifications regarding this will be sent through LEAD or directly from your parish.
If you start a course but don’t finish it in one sitting, your progress won’t be saved. To ensure your work is saved, please make sure you have enough time to complete an entire course in one go. Once you finish a course, the next one will automatically begin, which is a good point to end your session. If you complete a course and the next one doesn’t launch, try refreshing the page (instructions below).
LEAD requires all users to have their own email. We know this can be an inconvenience, but it really is the best practice for online learning sites like these.
Unfortunately, this can happen. Sometimes we’re working so diligently that our computers can’t keep up—videos freeze, plugs get disconnected, or systems experience glitches. If you’ve completed a course and moved on, your work should be safe. However, if you were in the middle of a course and had to exit unexpectedly, you will likely need to start that course over again.
As you begin your formation, it is important that the bride and groom have accounts set up in LEAD – even if you intend to complete formation together. Here’s how: Let’s say the bride registers and pays the fee. The first time she logs in, she should click “add participant” and enter the groom’s email address. When the groom receives an email, he should click the link and set up his own account. Even if the bride and groom plan on working together, it’s important for the groom to set up his own account. If, for some reason, you do not receive the email, just click “forgot password” on the login screen to have a new email sent. When formation is finished, a certificate will be available for printing to give to the priest or deacon. If both accounts are not set up, only one name will appear on the certificate. For more information, see the tutorial video here.
No "Next" button?
If you finish a course and your page says you are complete, but you do not see a button for "Next" or "Exit" - try refreshing the page. You see, once you finish a course, one system tells another that you are finished. Then the message is sent back indicating you should be able to move on. But if the Internet connection (especially over wifi) is slow, that back and forth communication may get stalled. Refreshing the page will force the system to mark it as complete and allow you to move on. (It will look like the course is beginning again, but your work will still be marked as complete.)

Need to add or remove a Ministry?
To add a ministry to your account, simply go to My Profile, which you'll find in the drop-down menu when you click on your name at the top of the screen (just make sure you're logged into LEAD™).
Next, hit the blue + MINISTRY button, and add the desired ministry or ministries to your account.

Still need help?
If none of those tips worked, send us an email and explain the issue you are having in as much detail as you can. Within 12 hours, someone will email you back.
Email the Institute