Catechetical Formation Program

The Diocese of Knoxville Catechetical Formation Program offers each catechist the opportunity to fulfill certification requirements, earn the title of Certified Catechist, and continue to deepen his/her formation in the faith. By making available faculty, research and knowledge prepared in the light of the Magisterium of the Church, the Diocese of Knoxville offers a systematic and organic formation program based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other catechetical documents of the Universal Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Courses, Schedules and Resources
To take the Catechetical Formation Courses online through Aquinas College, click here.
For a list of free webinars sponsored by the USCCB, click here.
For free webinars from Ave Maria Press, click here.
For a list of Adult Faith Formation resources, click here.
For a list of DVD resources from the Office of Christian Formation, click here.

Textbooks: All catechetical textbooks used by parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville are required to be on the USCCB Conformity Listing.

Manuals and Forms
Catechist Manual – revised 2014
Catechist Forms – revised 2014
Summary Sheet of Revisions – 2013

Catechist Formation Curriculum

*“The Aquinas College Catechist Formation Curriculum” © 2007 All Rights Reserved.  Use of this curriculum by any diocese, college, or catechist formation program must first receive written permission from Aquinas College.

Program Objectives:

• Encourage catechists to develop an understanding of the nature and goals of catechesis.
• Familiarize catechists with the resources available to them.
• Foster a growth in Christian virtue and courageous witness to the Catholic faith.
• Present the various elements of the Christian faith in a well structured way and in harmony with each other by means of an organic vision that respects the “hierarchy of truths.”
• Equip catechists to transmit the authentic faith of the Church by adapting the message of Christ “to all cultures, ages, and situations.”
• Promote and foster among catechists the importance of ongoing study, especially within Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, and current issues pertinent to societal needs.
• Develop the human, spiritual, and apostolic qualities of the catechist and encourage them to carry out their apostolic activity in communion with the particular and universal Church.
• Propose to the catechist the need for an intense sacramental and prayer life, especially through frequent reception of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, recitation of the universal prayers of the Church, Marian devotion, participation in prayer groups, days of renewal, and spiritual retreats.