Catechist Training Program

Online Catholic Catechist Formation for Teachers, Parish Volunteers, and DREs

Teaching the Catholic Faith is both a privilege and a serious responsibility. Catechists must be prepared not only to explain what the Church teaches, but also why She teaches it—clearly, faithfully, and with confidence.

Students ask difficult questions: Why does God permit suffering? Why do we need the Church? What happens after death? Why are the Sacraments necessary? What does the Mass accomplish? A well-formed catechist should be able to give clear Catholic answers and know where to turn when a question requires further study.

Our comprehensive, self-paced Catholic Catechist Training Program helps educators develop a strong foundation in Scripture, doctrine, the Sacraments, morality, prayer, and Catholic life. With more than 125 online lessons across 12 areas of formation, it is designed for anyone entrusted with teaching or explaining the Catholic Faith.

Who Is This Program For?

This online catechist formation program is designed for volunteer parish catechists, CCD teachers, Catholic school religion teachers, homeschooling parents, OCIA and RCIC instructors, sacramental-preparation catechists, and adults preparing to begin a catechetical ministry. It also provides DREs and parish leaders with a structured formation resource for new or experienced catechists.

Comprehensive Catholic Formation

The program contains more than 125 self-paced lessons covering the Apostles’ Creed, Sacred Scripture, the life of Christ, the Seven Sacraments, the Holy Mass, the Ten Commandments, the Precepts of the Church, Catholic morality, prayer and spirituality, Mariology, and the Four Last Things.

Lessons draw upon Scripture, Catholic catechisms, prayers, devotions, and the writings and spiritual traditions of the Church. Activities and instructional material included throughout the program may also be adapted for use with students when appropriate.

Understand Both What the Church Teaches and Why

Effective catechesis requires more than memorized answers. This program helps catechists understand the reasoning and sources behind Catholic teaching so they can explain the Faith more clearly, address common questions with greater confidence, and recognize when a question requires further study.

Flexible Online Training

All coursework is available online 24 hours a day. Catechists may complete the lessons at their own pace without fixed class times, making the program easier to fit around family, parish, and professional responsibilities.

For DREs and Parish Leaders

Parishes may use this program to help form volunteer catechists, religion teachers, and others involved in faith formation. It can help new catechists establish a broad doctrinal foundation while allowing experienced catechists to strengthen areas in which they need additional study.

Formed to Hand on the Faith

Teaching religion is a spiritual work of mercy. Those who undertake it should strive to transmit the Faith accurately, completely, and in union with the Church. This program provides substantial Catholic formation so catechists can teach with greater clarity, avoid common misunderstandings, and help lead the souls entrusted to them closer to God.

Certificate of Completion

Students who complete the required coursework may request a CatechismClass.com Certificate of Completion documenting their completion of the program. Applicable certificate fees and request procedures apply.