The Office of Faith Formation promotes lifelong faith formation by empowering, resourcing and certifying parish catechetical leaders, coordinators of Christian initiation, parish catechists and Christian initiation teams. We strive to implement the General and National Directories for Catechesis, the Rites of Christian Initiation and other Church documents related to catechesis, Christian formation and initiation. Through the work of catechesis, the Catholic Church hands on the faith that she believes, celebrates, and lives to every generation so that people can enter into communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ.

Inspiring and equipping catechists, teachers, volunteers, ministry leaders, and families to know the Faith better, grow as disciples of Jesus, and evangelize.

A Well-Formed and Lively Faith

Catechist Formation

The Diocesan Catechist Certification Program is intended for those who serve as parish catechists, R.C.I.A ministers, youth ministry catechists, and other adults serving parishes in catechetical ministry. The Catechist Certification Program is concerned with the faith development of the catechist as well as with doctrinal content and methodology. The intention of this program is to assist the catechist in nurturing a faith-love relationship with God and, in turn, to foster a faith-love relationship with God in those whom they catechize. Thus will the dimensions of formation: being, knowing and savoir-faire be realized in the catechetical ministry of the Diocese.

On January 1, 2022 the basic level of catechist certification is provided through a partnership with RCL Benziger utilizing the online Echoes of Faith Emmaus Edition which leads catechists through comprehensive formation helping them to grow in their understanding of Church teachings, the role of the catechist, and methodology.

For information to sign up for the Echoes of Faith Emmaus Edition please contact Heidi Varley at HLV@dosp.org for assistance.

If you have or are about to complete coursework for your current level of formation, please contact Heidi Varley for assistance.  Transition to a new process will honor and continue all previously accomplished requirements or earned certificates.

Children's Faith Formation

Learn about the four pillars for passing on the faith.

  1. The Profession of Faith (Creed)
  2. The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (Sacraments)
  3. Life in Christ (Morality) 
  4. Christian Prayer

Learn how the Sunday readings connect with Catholic teachings

Lectionary and Curriculum Alignment Tool

Parent & family faith formation information (Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth) can be found on the Office of Marriage & Family Ministry website.

Whole Community Formation

FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organization to help parishes, families and individuals explore their faith anywhere. Supporting thousands of movies, children’s programs, E-books, audio, parish programs and studies direct to your browser, mobile or connected device.

Learn More

Safe Environment

As of July 1, 2022 the Diocese of St. Petersburg implemented the use of the Circle of Grace student education program for grades K-12 in our faith formation and youth ministry programs in all parishes. Circle of Grace is a nationally recognized faith based safety curriculum that is staffed and ecclesiastically reviewed by the Archdiocese of Omaha. The alignment with the Diocese of St. Petersburg standards and benchmarks (patterned on the USCCB protocols) for the student instructional program and age-appropriate implementation are extremely well aligned and comprehensively presented.

To access the curriculum for your parish, please go to the password protected Admin Login page of our website.

This ministry is supported through gifts to the Catholic Ministry Appeal.