Basic Formation

Download a Summary of the Basic Formation Process

Basic Formation is designed for everyone in the parish.  It is particularly useful for those serving in ministry, such as catechists, youth ministry team members, Catholic School Teachers, sacrament preparation catechists, liturgical ministers, etc.  The formation offers a foundational understanding in the teachings of the Church, as well as an introduction to the practice of ministry.  Individuals may take a course for their own enrichment.  Participants who complete all requirements will receive a Basic Formation Certificate. 

Drawing from the US Bishop's Document, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, Basic Formation encompasses four areas of formation.

• Theological/Intellectual Formation

  • Provides knowledge in the areas of theology and pastoral studies, as well as the skills to use it

• Human Formation

  • Develops human qualities to foster relationships and maintain a healthy balance for personal growth and ministry

• Spiritual Formation

  • Deepens a life of prayer and spirituality to ground one in ministry 

• Pastoral Formation

  • Cultivates the knowledge, skills and abilities for effective ministry

Coursework
Participants complete coursework in five areas:

• What is Ministry?

• Profession of Faith

• Celebration of the Christian Mystery

• Life in Christ

• Christian Prayer

Participants complete a Spiritual Formation experience and submit a 1-page reflection on the experience.  The reflection is to address how the participant's relationship with Christ has been changed by the activity. Spiritual Formation experiences do not include individual prayer practices/devotions or Mass attendance. Approved Spiritual Formation experiences include:

• Day-long or Overnight Retreat

  • Diocesan Sponsored, Parish-Sponsored, Retreat Center

• Parish Mission (all nights required)

• Full-day or Ongoing Justice/Service Project

• Ongoing Spiritual Direction

• Ongoing Faith Sharing Group

  • Excludes Parish Bible Study Group

Ministry Interest Discernment Conversation

Participants meet with the DRE/CRE/YM/Pastor to review their ministry interests and involvement and submit a 1-page summary of the conversation.  

Catholic School Teachers submit a 1-page reflection describing why they are serving in a Catholic School.  This reflection is in lieu of the above conversation.

Application For Basic Formation Certificate

After completing the coursework, spiritual formation and Ministry Interest Discernment Conversation, participants complete and submit the Application for Basic Formation Certificate to the Office of Faith Formation.

There are Six Options for completing the Basic Formation Coursework. Offerings include individual online, school/parish-based in-person and regionally-based in-person options.

Option One

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Foundations of Catholic Belief (Formerly called: Core Course) (Online course through STEP at Notre Dame)

OR

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Catholic Faith and Tradition for School Teachers (Online course through STEP at Notre Dame)

Option Two

• 5 In-Person Courses (Regional-Based Formation)

  • What is Ministry?

  • Profession of Faith

  • Celebration of the Christian Ministry

  • Life in Christ

  • Christian Prayer

Option Three

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Faith Foundations (Online course through My Catholic Faith Delivered)

Option Four

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Echoes of Faith - Emmaus Edition (Online course from RCL Benziger/NCCL)

Option Five

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Echoes of Faith Plus (Parish/School-Based Formation)

Option Six

• What is Ministry? (In-Person Course)

• Pillars I and II (Parish-Based Formation)

• Morality Course (In-Person or Online)

• Prayer Course (In-Person or Online)

Click on each title to be taken directly to information on that option or Click Here to view our Basic Formation Coursework page.