Office > Christian Formation

 Formation Opportunities for Leaders

“The single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a professionally trained parish catechetical leader.” NDC 54, B 5

“Effective formation methods address the whole person: emotions, imagination, will, heart, and mind.  It is the whole person who ministers, so the whole person is the proper subject of formation.”
— USCCB document: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A
Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond encourages its leaders to seek formation in all four components as outlined by the U.S. Bishops in their “Co-Workers” document: intellectual, human, spiritual and pastoral formation.  Our goal is to help lay leaders enhance their pastoral ministry skills, develop a deeper spirituality and build wholesome, healthy relationships with those to whom they minister.

Opportunities for Formation:

Office of Christian Formation Events – check out the Calendar section of the website for upcoming events.

USCCB Leadership Institute

Ongoing Regional Events:

Msgr. Charles Kelly Institute – Internationally acclaimed speakers, presented in Richmond, Virginia

Bishop Keane Institute – Internationally acclaimed speakers, presented in Hampton, Virginia

For more systematic theological formation, see Theology of Ministry.

Also, check out suggestions on our Ongoing Formation for catechists.