Catechist Initial and Ongoing Formation

The Ogilvie Centre is offering all catechists a chance to participate in an online Catechetical Diploma program from the Archdiocese of Edinburgh!

(Note for new catechists: The Diocese of Aberdeen requests that you participate in a program of catechetical training to equip you for your ministry)

What is involved:

  • Thursday lectures, 19:30 – 20:30 on ZOOM, which includes a Q&A
  • The weekly lectures are grouped into six modules of six classes.
  • No exams!
  • Individual meeting with one of the course leaders on Zoom at the end of each module to answer any further questions and talk about what you’ve learned.
  • If you miss a week, the class will be recorded and made available for you the next day online.
  • No required course materials, but it would be helpful to have The Catechism of the Catholic Church (There is also a free online version).

Who is running the course:

  • Sr Anna Marie McGuan, the Catechetics Advisor for the Archdiocese of Edinburgh, is the main course leader.
  • Lectures delivered by religious and diocesan priests, lay and religious sisters.
  • Sponsored by The Catechetics Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

Cost:

  • £100 (The fee is actually £200, but the Ogilvie Centre will pay the other £100. Let us know if you need further financial assistance.)

What others have said about the course:

  • “Inspirational. You won’t want to miss a session. Please give it a go – it’s a course for everyone.” – Liz Brown, Edinburgh.
  • “I recommend this course to anyone; it has given me a thirst for knowledge and, hopefully, has made me a better person.” – Peter McCaffery, Cowdenbeath.
  • “Our faith explored. Go deeper with this highly enjoyable course.” – Janice Mary Evans, Falkirk.

How to register:


Catechist Websites:

Person & Identity

The mission of the Person and Identity Project (PIP) is to assist the Catholic Church in promoting the Catholic vision of the human person and responding to the challenges of gender ideology. PIP offers formation, workshops, and pastoral guidance on transgender issues and the human person.
Visit: personandidentity.com


Catechist Formation Events:

The Visitation Retreat: 5th – 7th May 2023

A weekend group retreat organised by Mary’s Well at Pluscarden Abbey, looking at what the visitation says about our place in God’s plan for the world. The retreat is designed to help you begin to explore the path God has for you and how part of that is sharing your own journey of faith with others, just as Mary did with St Elizabeth.

Cost: £12 plus whatever donation you wish to give to Pluscarden.

For more information and to register visit www.maryswell.net/retreatsandcourses

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Servant Leadership Programme: 

Led by Dr Sue Price, Director of Pastoral Outreach, Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology and Eric Hanna, founder of Mary’s Well and Editor of the online Scottish Catholic magazine; St Moluag’s Coracle.

This will be a time of reflection, considering how the servant leadership model supports and develops parish ministries. There will be a total of 6 sessions, 5 online via Zoom and the final in person. Each session will last 1 hour, be reflective in its approach, and include some journaling homework.

Cost: £8 per session for the five online sessions totalling a very reasonable £40 for the entire course (The last session is free).

For more information and to register visit www.maryswell.net/retreatsandcourses


Other Catechist Formation Links:

    • Discerning Hearts – A treasure of faith formation podcasts and articles on every area of spiritual interest, free!
    • Dynamic Catholic – Be inspired by the engaging videos, books, and other resources, offered free or at very little cost.
    • St Paul Center – Dive into the Holy Bible using state-of-the-art resources developed by international speaker and teacher, Dr. Scott Hahn, free!
    • Faith Cafe – Wonderful videos and resources developed here in the UK.