"[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 for all catechists in the diocese. The process is offered and administered by the Office for Catholic Education, and 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. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of parish catechetical leaders to recruit, screen, and further enrich the catechists in their parish programs on the local level, whether they are catechists of parish schools of religion, Catholic schools, or other programs of formation.

The Office for Catholic Education offers catechist formation credit for courses offered around the diocese. Classes are normally scheduled in the fall and spring. A list of local courses for the current season around the diocese is also available and is updated twice a year or as needed.

The Catechist Formation Process handbook outlines the formation requirements for catechists and Catholic school teachers. 

For schools and parishes that are involved in the Catholic Educators Formation Pilot Group, the link below will bring you to the login page for the new platform.

For more information, contact Kyle Holtgrave, director for catechesis, at .

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