Course Description

Welcome parish RCIA leaders, coordinators and participants.  Using online tools, we support you in the doctrinal formation of your catechumens and candidates.


Setting the foundation for life-long conversion.

Our resource provides you with resources for an entire initiation process.  In addition to session outlines for inquiry, purification and mystagogia, it includes online video sessions for over nine-months of catechetical instruction, lenten purification and mystagogical catechesis.  Each session includes handouts for the participants and questions designed to help them follow Christ more deeply.  Instructor materials include presentation slides in both powerpoint and Apple Keynote.  Support materials are included for you and your sponsors.


Using field-tested resources.

All our resources have been used in actual RCIA settings.  The videos are taken from an actual RCIA process, with real-life catechumens and candidates in attendance.  You can use the videos for supplementing your process and delivering the content.  The curriculum is flexible, so you can use at as you see best for your participants.  It allows you to insure a complete and systematic overview of the teachings of the Church, rooted in Scripture, all the while calling participants to respond in holiness.


Making your life as a coordinator a little easier.

Our resources help you to:

– Learn the essential programatic and doctrinal points in process.
– Provide participants with a easy way to keep up  when they miss a session.
– To reach participants who cannot attend RCIA on the days your sessions are held.
– Have options for those who do not need a full process, such as previously catechized candidates.


Included is the following:

Inquiry
-16 Reflections based on St. Mark’s Gospel
-Meeting Outline
-Giving a Testimony
-Participant Assessment Forms

Catechumenate
-Online Video for every session
-Session Outlines
-Editable Powerpoint and Apple Keynote slides
-Session Support Material
‣Participant Worksheets
‣Small group questions
‣Prayer Suggestions
‣Links to Saint biographies
‣Sponsor support
-Participant Assessment Forms
-Weekly Scripture Reflections for Dismissal

Purification and Enlightenment
-Session Outlines
-Suggested Additional Resources

Mystagogia
-Session Outlines
-Suggested Additional Resources

Please note you will need to be able to open pdf and Word files to access our resources.


Thank you for visiting our website.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.  God bless you and all involved in your RCIA process.

Institute Director

Eric Westby, Phd

Eric J. Westby, PhD is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish and School Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is an assistant professor of Theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville. He received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. More importantly, he is husband to Nikki and father of five beautiful girls.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

  • 2

    Inquiry Sessions

    • Sample Inquiry Meeting Outline

    • Inquiry Reflections and Meeting Content

    • Giving a Testimony

    • Interview Sheet before Starting Catechumenate
  • 3

    Orientation to the Catechumenate

    • Online Resources - Catechism, Bible, Saints

    • Catechumenate Orientation - Handout

    • Orientation - Video

    • Sample RCIA Schedule
  • 4

    Catechumenate Session 1 - Our Desire for God

    • Session 1 - Worksheet

    • Session 1 - Catechism References

    • Session 1 - Video

    • Session 1 - Slides

    • Session 1 - Peter Kreeft/God vs. Atheism

    • Session 1 Featured Saint - St. Augustine of Hippo

    • For Catechists: Session 1 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 1 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 5

    Catechumenate Session 2 - God's Revelation

    • Session 2 - Worksheet

    • Session 2 - Chart/Catholic Understanding of Divine Revelation

    • Session 2 - Handout/What Scripture says about Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium

    • Session 2 - Catechism References

    • Session 2 - Video

    • Session 2 - Slides

    • Session 2 Featured Saint - St. Thomas Aquinas

    • For Catechists: Session 2 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 2 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 6

    Catechumenate Session 3 - Faith

    • Session 3 - Worksheet

    • Session 3 - Catechism References

    • Session 3 - Video

    • Session 3 - Slides

    • Session 3 Featured Saint - St. Thomas the Apostle

    • For Catechists: Session 3 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 3 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 7

    Catechumenate Session 4 - Trinity/Covenants

    • Session 4 - Trinity Worksheet

    • Session 4 - Catechism References

    • Session 4 - Trinity Video

    • Session 4 - Trinity Slides

    • Session 4 - Covenants Overview Chart

    • Session 4 - Covenants Video

    • Session 4 - Covenants Overview Slides

    • Session 4 - Bishop Robert Barron/Trinity

    • Session 4 Featured Saints - St. Athanasius/St. Jerome

    • For Catechists: Session 4 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 4 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 8

    Catechumenate Session 5 - Creation in Scripture

    • Session 5 - Worksheet

    • Session 5 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 5 - Video Part 1

    • Session 5 - Video Part 2

    • Session 5 - Slides

    • Session 5 - Bishop Robert Barron/Misreading Genesis

    • Session 5 - For Further Reading

    • For Catechists: Session 5 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 5 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 9

    Catechumenate Session 6 - Creation in the Catechism

    • Session 6 - Worksheet

    • Session 6 - Catechism References

    • Session 6 - Video

    • Session 6 - Slides

    • Session 6 Featured Saint - St. Francis of Assisi

    • For Catechists: Session 6 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 6 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 10

    Catechumenate Session 7 - Man, Made in God's Image

    • Session 7 - Worksheet

    • Session 7 - Catechism References

    • Session 7 - Video

    • Session 7 - Slides

    • Session 7 Featured Saint - St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

    • For Catechists: Session 7 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 7 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 11

    Catechumenate Session 8 - The Fall in Scripture

    • Session 8 - Worksheet

    • Session 8 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 8 - Video Part 1

    • Session 8 - Video Part 2

    • Session 8 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 8 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 8 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 12

    Catechumenate Session 9 - Original Sin

    • Session 9 - Worksheet

    • Session 9 - Catechism References

    • Session 9 - Video

    • Session 9 - Slides

    • Session 9 Featured Saint - St. Paul

    • For Catechists: Session 9 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 9 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 13

    Catechumenate Session 10 - Noah

    • Session 10 - Worksheet

    • Session 10 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 10 - Video

    • Session 10 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 10 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 10 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 14

    Catechumenate Session 11 - Abraham

    • Session 11 - Worksheet

    • Session 11 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 11 - Video Part 1

    • Session 11 - Video Part 2

    • Session 11 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 11 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 11 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 15

    Catechumenate Session 12 - Moses and the Passover

    • Session 12 - Worksheet

    • Session 12 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 12 - Video Part 1

    • Session 12 - Video Part 2

    • Session 12 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 12 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 12 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 16

    Catechumenate Session 13 - Moses and Mt. Sinai

    • Session 13 - Worksheet

    • Session 13 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 13 - Video

    • Session 13 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 13 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 13 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 17

    Catechumenate Session 14 - Old Testament Wrap-up

    • Session 14 - Slides

    • Session 14 - Video
  • 18

    Catechumenate Session 15 - Jesus' Infancy

    • Session 15 - Worksheet

    • Session 15 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 15 - Video

    • Session 15 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 15 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 15 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 19

    Catechumenate Session 16 - Jesus' Ministry Begins

    • Session 16 - Worksheet

    • Session 16 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 16 - Video Part 1

    • Session 16 - Video Part 2

    • Session 16 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 16 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 20

    Catechumenate Session 17 - Jesus' Ministry: Healings and Miracles

    • Session 17 - Worksheet

    • Session 17 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 17 - Video Part 1

    • Session 17 - Video Part 2

    • Session 17 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 17 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 17 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 21

    Catechumenate Session 18 - Jesus' Passion and Death

    • Session 18 - Worksheet

    • Session 18 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 18 - Video Part 1

    • Session 18 - Video Part 2

    • Session 18 - Video Part 3

    • Session 18 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 18 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 18 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 22

    Catechumenate Session 19 - Jesus' Resurrection

    • Session 19 - Worksheet

    • Session 19 - Scripture Passages

    • Session 19 - Video

    • Session 19 - Slides

    • For Catechists: Session 19 – Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 19 – Downloadable Slide Presentations

  • 23

    Catechumenate Session 20 - Jesus

    • Session 20 - Worksheet

    • Session 20 - Catechism References

    • Session 20 - Video

    • Session 20 - Slides

    • Session 20 Featured Saint - The Blessed Virgin Mary

    • For Catechists: Session 20 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 20 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 24

    Catechumenate Session 21 - The Church

    • Session 21 - Worksheet

    • Session 21 - Catechism References

    • Session 21 - Video Part 1

    • Session 21 - Video Part 2

    • Session 21 - Slides

    • Session 21 Featured Saint - St. Catherine of Siena

    • For Catechists: Session 21 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 21 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 25

    Catechumenate Session 22 - Mary

    • Session 22 - Worksheet

    • Session 22 - Catechism References

    • Session 22 - Miravalle Reading Excerpt

    • Session 22 - Answering Objectives Sheet

    • Session 22 - Video

    • Session 22 - Slides

    • Session 22 Featured Saint - St. Maximilian Kolbe

    • For Catechists: Session 22 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 22 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 26

    Catechumenate Session 23 - The Last Things

    • Session 23 - Worksheet

    • Session 23 - Catechism References

    • Session 23 - Video

    • Session 23 - Slides

    • Session 23 Featured Saint - St. Faustina

    • For Catechists: Session 23 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 23 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 27

    Catechumenate Session 24 - Liturgy and Sacraments

    • Session 24 - Worksheet

    • Session 24 - Catechism References

    • Session 24 - Video

    • Session 24 - Slides

    • Session 24 Featured Saint - Blessed Pope John XXIII

    • For Catechists: Session 24 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 24 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 28

    Catechumenate Session 25 - Baptism and Confirmation

    • Session 25 - Worksheet

    • Session 25 - Sacraments Chart Blank

    • Session 25 - Catechism References

    • Session 25 - Video 1 Baptism

    • Session 25 - Video 2 Confirmation

    • Session 25 - Slides

    • Session 25 Featured Saint - St. Bonaventure

    • For Catechists: Session 25 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 25 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 29

    Catechumenate Session 26 - The Eucharist

    • Session 26 - Worksheet

    • Session 26 - The Eucharist

    • Session 26 - Video

    • Session 26 - Slides

    • Session 26 Featured Saint - St. Pio

    • For Catechists: Session 26 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 26 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 30

    Catechumenate Session 27 - Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

    • Session 27 - Worksheet

    • Session 27 - Catechism References

    • Session 27 - Video 1 Confession

    • Session 27 - Video 2 Anointing of the Sick

    • Session 27 - Slides

    • Session 27 Featured Saint - St. Alphonsus Ligouri

    • For Catechists: Session 27 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 27 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 31

    Catechumenate Session 28 - Holy Orders

    • Session 28 - Worksheet

    • Session 28 - Catechism References

    • Session 28 - Video

    • Session 28 - Slides

    • Session 28 Featured Saint - St. John Vianney

    • For Catechists: Session 28 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 28 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 32

    Catechumenate Session 29 - Matrimony

    • Session 29 - Worksheet

    • Session 29 - Catechism References

    • Session 29 - Video Part 1

    • Session 29 - Video Part 2

    • Session 29 Video Part 3

    • Session 29 - Slides

    • Session 29 Featured Saints - Saints Louis and Zelie Martin

    • For Catechists: Session 29 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 29 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 33

    Catechumenate Session 30 - Living the Life in Christ

    • Session 30 - Worksheet

    • Session 30 - Catechism References

    • Session 30 Video

    • Session 30 - Slides

    • Session 30 Featured Saint - Pope St. John Paul II

    • For Catechists: Session 30 - Session Outline

    • For Catechists: Session 30 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 34

    Catechumenate Session 31 - Love the Lord

    • Session 31 - Worksheet

    • Session 31 - Catechism References

    • Session 31 - Video

    • Session 31 Featured Saint - St. Gianna Molla

    • For Catechists: Session 31-32 - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 35

    Catechumenate Session 32 - Love Your Neighbour

    • Session 32 - Worksheet

    • Session 32 - Catechism References

    • Session 32 - Video

    • Session 32 Featured Saint - St. Thomas More

    • Catechetical Assessment - PDF

    • Catechetical Assessment - Word
  • 36

    Purification Session 1 - Holiness

    • Handout

    • Scripture Passages for Reflection

    • Video - Holiness

    • Video Therese on Prayer

    • For Catechists - Purification Session 1 Outline

    • For Catechists - Downloadable Slide Presentations

    • How to Pray the Rosary
  • 37

    Purification Session 2 - Prayer from the Heart

    • Handout

    • Scripture Passages for Reflection

    • Video 1 - Prayer from the Heart

    • Video 2 - St Therese's Little Way

    • For Catechists - Purification Session 2 Outline

    • For Catechists - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 38

    Purification Session 3 - The Battle of Prayer

    • Handout

    • Scripture Passages for Reflection

    • Video 1 - The Battle of Prayer

    • Video 2 - St. Therese on God's Merciful Love

    • For Catechists - Purification Session 3 Outline

    • For Catechists - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 39

    Purification Session 4 - Our Father Part 1

    • Handout

    • Scripture Passages for Reflection

    • Handout - Our Father Part 1

    • Video - Our Father Part 1

    • Reading - Heart of Love

    • Video - St. Theresa on Mary

    • For Catechists - Purification Session 4 Outline

    • For Catechists - Downloadable Slide Presentations
  • 40

    Purification Session 5 - Our Father Part 2

    • Handout

    • Scripture Passages for Reflection

    • Handout - Our Father Part 2

    • Video - Our Father Part 2

    • Reading - Heart of Love Except

    • Video - St. Theresa on Missions

    • Handout - Holy Week Readings

    • For Catechists - Purification Session 5 Outline

    • For Catechists - Downloadable Slide Presentations

    • Catechetical Assessment - Answers

    • Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena
  • 41

    Mystagogia Session 1 - The Paschal Mystery

    • Video - The Easter Exsultet

    • Text - The Easter Exsultet

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 1

    • Overview of the Easter Vigil

  • 42

    Mystagogia 2 - Baptism and Confirmation

    • Video

    • Easter Vigil - Baptism and Confirmation Liturgy

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 2
  • 43

    Mystagogia 3 - The Mass and the Liturgical Year

    • Video

    • Order of Mass

    • Liturgical Year

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 3
  • 44

    Mystagogia 4 - Spreading and Defending the Faith

    • Video

    • Session 04 - Important Prayers

    • Session 04 - Works of Mercy and Precepts

    • Session 04 – Sharing Your Testimony 04-2018

    • Novena to the Holy Spirit

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 4a

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 4b
  • 45

    Mystagogia 5 - Becoming a Member of the Parish

    • Video

    • For Catechists - Mystagogia Session 5
  • 46

    Sample Sponsor Resources

    • Monthly Interview Sheets - Word Versions

    • Monthly Interview Sheet - October 2017

    • Monthly Interview Sheet - November 2017

    • Monthly Interview Sheet - December 2017

    • Monthly Interview Sheet - January 2018

    • Monthly Interview Sheet - February 2018