Catechetical Ministry

"Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32  “The Church’s catechetical mission aims to help the faithful of all ages grow in both human and Christian maturity, enriching the whole of life with the leaven of the Gospel”
(Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us - A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States, Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops 64).

The mission of the Office of Catechetical Ministry is to provide training for parish catechetical leaders, catechists and others throughout the diocese and assist them in fulfilling the mission of evangelization and catechesis.

The Office of Catechetical Ministry Offers:

Parish Catechetical Leadership Training - based on the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Catechetical Leaders Guidelines (see attached), the General Directory for Catechesis, the National Directory for Catechesis, and other catechetical and theological documents. 

Catechist Formation - providing parish catechetical leaders, catechists, aides and others basic training and formation in Scripture, Prayer, Church doctrine, and Methodology. 

Catechist Rally - an annual event which offers appreciation for all those involved in catechetical ministry. 

Organization of Catechetical Leadership (OCL) - provides parish catechetical leaders, catechists and others an opportunity to attend workshops pertaining to current challenges that are in the midst of catechetical ministry as well as workshops which provide the occasion for discussions and new insights  for continuing the mission of the Church in the world in which we live. 

The Annual Catholic Conference is an yearly diocesan gathering for all adult Catholics. A keynote presentation and workshops are offered throughout the day. 

The Pastoral Institute offers various courses on Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament), Sacraments (Sacraments of Initiation and the Sacraments of Healing and Vocation), Liturgy, Prayer and Spirituality, Morality, Trinity, and Ecclesiology (Church).  

The Diocesan Library and Media Center is a great resource for all people of the diocese. Over 4,000 books and videos on various Catholic topics. The library collection is fully searchable on the library webpage, using the search link provided.