The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois

Bishop Conlon has asked that all parish catechists
complete at least 6 hours of ongoing formation each fiscal year.
Here is his letter to Catechists
Below are some ideas for how to accomplish that 6 hours.

DON'T FORGET! Whenever you complete a learning activity, please fill out a
Catechist Record of Formation
and turn it in to your parish leader to receive credit for your hours.

Why ongoing formation is good for all catechists:
Joe Paprocki: Catechist Formation: More Than a Path to Certification

Formal Learning Opportunities for Catechists

Find a Face-to-Face Faith Formation Event in Your Area
Learn and grow by participating in learning events around the diocese

Foundations of the Faith
Face-to-face classes in your area. Counts toward diocesan catechist certification.
Check calendar on the page for dates, locations)

Online Learning, University of Dayton VLCFF
Learn at your own convenience by taking affordable short courses.
A 5-week course is the quivalent of 15 hours of formation credit. (Certficate programs available from VLCFF)

Catechist Webinars from Joe Paprocki
Check out the great, free short learning experiences from one of the nation's top trainers of catechists.

Online Spirituality of the Catechist Retreat
A free online retreat focusing on six characteristics as outlined in the Vatican Guide for Catechists

Don't Forget to Participate in Your Local Deanery Catechist Institutes!

Resource & Informal Learning Sites for Catechists
Spend some time on your own with these.
Submit a Catechist Record form to receive credit for time spent.
Catholic Catechist
National Society for Volunteer Catechists
Amazing Catechists (OSV)
Catechist's Journey (Loyola Press)
Catechist Formation (OSV)
Catechist Formation (RCL-Benziger)
Catechist Cafe (Sadlier)
eCatechist (Faith Alive Books)
The Religion Teacher (Ave Maria Press)

Other Links to Great Online Resources
Digital Catechesis (a Ning group) - curated video library, discussion and more
The Liturgical Catechist - curated library of videos and links on the Mass, seasons, symbols and sacraments
Using Audiovisual Media for Faith Formation

TOOLS
Student Evaluation Tools