Faith Formation

Faith formation is a lifelong journey of evangelization, sacramental preparation, learning, study, and spiritual growth for all ages in our parishes and diocese.

What is Faith Formation?

Lifelong Journey: Growing in human and Christian maturity from childhood through adulthood.

Primary Role of Parents: Equipping and supporting families as the primary educators of the faith.

Parish Partnership: Providing catechesis, scripture study, and sacramental preparation.

Programs in Our Parishes

Children and Youth: Sacramental preparation (First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation), and youth ministry.

Adult Education: Bible studies, book clubs, Alpha, and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Digital Resources: Access to online formation tools like FORMED.org for home study and reflection.

Diocesan Support

Guidance and Standards: Offering unified guidelines for catechesis, volunteer screening, and sacramental policies.

Leadership Training: Equipping parish leaders, priests, and catechists with resources and ongoing education.

Alpha

Alpha poster

Alpha is a parish tool for evangelisation based on hospitality, sharing and open conversation. The same Alpha content is run all over the world, by Christians of all traditions, and provides a common expression of proclamation, service and witness. Millions of people have experienced Alpha in 112 languages in 169 countries around the globe.

Alpha is a tool for evangelization that is being used by thousands of Catholic parishes in over 70 countries around the world. Alpha is also run by churches of many other denominations to introduce people to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. This has led to more than 27 million people around the world experiencing Alpha. In particular, it is attracting many young people who are asking the question, ‘Is there more to life than this?’

See if Alpha sessions are being offered at your parish. Registration is usually free with the request of an offering if you so wish.

McGrath Institute for Church Life: Forming Faithful Catholic Leaders

The McGrath Institute for Church Life of the University of Notre Dame partners with Catholic dioceses and parishes to address pastoral challenges with theological depth and rigor. By connecting the Catholic intellectual life to the life of the Church, we form faithful Catholic leaders for service to the Church and the world. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough has a partnership with the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Click the McGrath Institute for Church Life website to view a listing of their online programs and courses. The clergy and faithful of the Diocese may take their programs for a reduced fee. The reduced fee is approximately $100 US.

Notre Dame Catechist Academy

Teach the faith in local parishes

The McGrath Institute for Church Life of the University of Notre Dame partners with Catholic dioceses and parishes to provide online training for catechists. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough has a partnership with the McGrath Institute.

Hand on the faith to future generations by teaching religious education in parishes. The Notre Dame Catechist Academy provides the opportunity to witness to the Gospel, deepen your own faith, and use your gifts to serve the Church.