Faith Formation Resources
When I returned and was received into full communion with the Catholic (the Greek word for 'universal') Church at the feast of Pentecost in 2018, little did I know where my journey would take me. Like so many, my preconceived notions and erroneous beliefs about the Catholic Church and the Faith of the Church eventually led me through and to the journey home. The Catholic Faith is essentially the fullness of the Christian Faith that existed since the beginning when Jesus Himself founded the Church (His Body and His Bride). My love for education and formation have come full circle and over the years, I have discovered some of the best resources for anyone desiring to know and live in the blessing of their full heritage as a Christian. We are called to partake in the great Marriage Supper with our Bridegroom and experience the joy of our Father's Kingdom starting with our earthly pilgrimage and following into eternity. We are also called to be the instruments of our Lord Jesus to a dying world. Open your heart and engage yourself with the treasure of the these wonderful resources as you become conformed to the image and likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Courses and Institutes
For over 20 years, Ascension has been the faith formation leader in the Catholic (universal) Church serving small groups in nearly 10,000 parishes across America. Ascension offers numerous faith formation programs and studies to fulfill The Great Commission. Ascension programs are designed to not only offer rich Catholic content, but to also meet people where they are and offer a transformational experience, showing the truth, beauty, and joy of Christ and his Church. The presence of Jesus through Ascension's programs brings the power and richness of the Christian Faith into parish centers, private homes, and even online communities. In the process of coming back to the Catholic-Orthodox Church in 2017, I joined the The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation small group in my local parish. It was amazing and I gained a much fuller perspective on God's plan of salvation both historically and spiritually.
The Augustine Institute Short Courses equip Catholics to understand, live, and share their Catholic faith. The courses are taught by Augustine Institute graduate school professors in an engaging, self-paced, and in-depth format. A subscription for the entire course library is only $23.00 (USD) per month that includes a new course added to the library each month. Another option to take short courses with Augustine Institute is by taking courses individually for $59.00 (USD) per course. However, the individual course option does not include the benefits of the course library subscription.
Through the Short Courses program, the Augustine Institute offers a Certificate in Catholic Theology which consists of a 9-course curriculum and is perfect for those who want to deepen their Catholic faith. The courses required for the Certificate in Catholic Theology are all included in the course library which make it convenient to take full advantage of the subscription option. The Augustine Institute short courses are ideal for every Catholic who wants to grow in their faith as well as catechists, RCIA coordinators, Catholic school teachers, directors of religious education, youth ministers, clergy and consecrated religious.
Through the Short Courses program, the Augustine Institute offers a Certificate in Catholic Theology which consists of a 9-course curriculum and is perfect for those who want to deepen their Catholic faith. The courses required for the Certificate in Catholic Theology are all included in the course library which make it convenient to take full advantage of the subscription option. The Augustine Institute short courses are ideal for every Catholic who wants to grow in their faith as well as catechists, RCIA coordinators, Catholic school teachers, directors of religious education, youth ministers, clergy and consecrated religious.
God With Us Online and God With Us Publications is the catechetical ministry and outreach of the
Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED), the catechetical committee of Eastern Catholic directors of religious education appointed by the USCCB Eastern Catholic Association of Bishops (ECA). Currently, Bishop Nicholas Samra of the Melkite Eparchy (Diocese) of Newton is chosen by the ECA to serve as liaison to the ECED. Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo (founder of the Institute of Catholic Culture) is the director of the God With Us curriculum.
God With Us, under the direction of ECED is dedicated to the catechetical renewal of Eastern Catholics through various avenues of education including publications, conferences and web-based education resources. God With Us Online specifically offers educational webinars in Eastern Catholic theology and history at no cost to members. I have personally been so blessed by the God With Us Eastern Catholic curriculum. As most Catholics are part of the Western, Roman (Latin) Church, our Eastern Catholic brethren have roots in such geographical locations as Eastern Europe (including Russia), India, the Middle East, Northeastern and Northern Africa. Although Eastern Catholics have different liturgical traditions, devotions and theologies, they all share the same Catholic, Apostolic Faith as our brethren in the West.
Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED), the catechetical committee of Eastern Catholic directors of religious education appointed by the USCCB Eastern Catholic Association of Bishops (ECA). Currently, Bishop Nicholas Samra of the Melkite Eparchy (Diocese) of Newton is chosen by the ECA to serve as liaison to the ECED. Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo (founder of the Institute of Catholic Culture) is the director of the God With Us curriculum.
God With Us, under the direction of ECED is dedicated to the catechetical renewal of Eastern Catholics through various avenues of education including publications, conferences and web-based education resources. God With Us Online specifically offers educational webinars in Eastern Catholic theology and history at no cost to members. I have personally been so blessed by the God With Us Eastern Catholic curriculum. As most Catholics are part of the Western, Roman (Latin) Church, our Eastern Catholic brethren have roots in such geographical locations as Eastern Europe (including Russia), India, the Middle East, Northeastern and Northern Africa. Although Eastern Catholics have different liturgical traditions, devotions and theologies, they all share the same Catholic, Apostolic Faith as our brethren in the West.
The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville exists to train and support the key catechists in any situation—priests, deacons, parents, or laity, whether professional or volunteer. Through conferences, online workshops, videos, audio, personal mentorship, and a wealth of resources produced by Franciscan University, all involved in the work of catechesis will find new ideas, new approaches, new techniques, and a new confidence to do the work of catechesis.
The Catechetical Institute fulfills its mission primarily through diocesan partnerships and institutions. Individuals can also receive the benefits of the Institute's educational resources. Anyone associated with a subscribing institution (such as a parish or school, etc.) within a diocesan partnership with the Institute will receive access to it's resources at no cost. Through The Franciscan International Guild for Catechists and Leaders, individual subscriptions are offered starting at $36.00 (USD) per year.
The Catechetical Institute fulfills its mission primarily through diocesan partnerships and institutions. Individuals can also receive the benefits of the Institute's educational resources. Anyone associated with a subscribing institution (such as a parish or school, etc.) within a diocesan partnership with the Institute will receive access to it's resources at no cost. Through The Franciscan International Guild for Catechists and Leaders, individual subscriptions are offered starting at $36.00 (USD) per year.
The Institute of Catholic Culture has been one of the greatest blessings I've received since returning to the Catholic-Orthodox Church in 2017. Founded by Rev. Franklyn McAfee, S.T.D., and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo, M.A. (who has since become a great friend on my journey), the Institute was established in 2009 as a non-profit Catholic educational institute specializing in adult faith formation at no cost for its members. The Institute offers authentic parish Catholic adult faith formation opportunities, live and on-demand video streaming of its programs and CD production of past seminars. Today, the Institute has over 1000+ hours of catechetical programs through its on-line media library.