Parish Faith Formation

The Mission of the Secretariat for Catechesis is to “put adults, youth, and children in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ through lifelong catechesis for discipleship in and through the Catholic Church.”

Adult Faith Formation

“Nourished by word, sacrament, and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work and centers of culture”

~ Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, 17

Life-long faith formation is both a right and a responsibility of adults who seek to live the baptismal call to holiness.

In addition to faith formation opportunities at your local parish, the Secretariat for Catechesis offers online and in-parish Faith Foundations courses.  Faith Foundations draws upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church to address the theological content necessary for adults to strengthen their relationship with Christ and his Church and live their faith with greater confidence.

If you would like to learn more about what Catholics hold and believe as true, the following catechetical references are recommended:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church – The universal catechism of the Church conveys the essential and fundamental content of Catholic faith and morals in a complete way.

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults – This guide aims to assist individuals and small groups in deepening their faith.

Children’s Faith Formation

Dear Pope Francis, Why do children need to go to catechism classes?

– To know your friend Jesus better and know his big family, the Church.

~ Pope Francis, Dear Pope Francis, 39

The Secretariat for Catechesis guides and supports the faith formation efforts of parishes across the Archdiocese of Washington. In turn, parish faith formation programs work with parents to nourish and build upon the life of faith lived at home by providing ongoing and systematic catechesis.

Catechesis consists in handing on the Catholic faith and teachings of Christ. More than simply religion classes, catechesis occurs in formal and informal contexts, always helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus and become his disciples in the world.

The framework for Parish and Catholic School religious education programs is outlined in the Archdiocese of Washington Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization Curriculum guide. The curriculum guide presents six key aspects or elements of Catholic life each comprised of standards or areas of learning. Within each standard are specific indicators that outline what students in Pre-K through Grade 8 should know, understand, and do at each grade level.

Please contact the Secretariat for Catechesis for more information.