Course Description

WE MAKE DISCIPLES Parish Discipleship Program for Families

An invitation to All Parishioners

WE MAKE DISCIPLES, the slogan used by our pastor Fr. Steve Kunkel to define the parish’s mission, refers to Jesus’ desire to make each one of us His followers. By being called, formed, and sent by Jesus, He invites us to use our gifts, talents and our entire lives to love and serve Him and each other.



Sacramental Preparation Formation

All are welcome to this process, but for those teens and children interested in receiving Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Confession, it will be our required process of sacramental preparation.


Dates/Times

Wednesday Nights for Families.

6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Open to all families with children/teens grades 2-12.  Parents required to attend.  

These sessions are required for all parents/guardians and children/teens preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Confession (either one or all of them).


Classroom Location

We meet on the parish campus on in the classroom of the Institute of Catholic Theology.  

Location:  St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 2312 E. Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

The Institute Classroom is located to the west of the church, in the parish office building, south of the gift shop, towards Campbell Ave.  

Phone:  602-954-9089


Cost: $45/family.


Begins Wednesday, September 6th.

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 and Registration Forms - Available by Logging into the Course Site

    • We Make Disciples 2023-2024 for Families

    • Schedule for 2023-2024. Updated 11-29-2023

    • Do you have an unbaptized child/teen in grades 2-12 preparing for Sacraments? If so - register here.

    • Do you have a child in 2nd grade or older preparing for First Confession? If so - register here

    • Do you have a child/teen in grades 3-12 preparing for either Confession, Confirmation and/or Holy Communion? If so - register here

    • Are your children participating but NOT preparing for sacraments? Please sign them up here!

    • Parent Orientation - Wednesday September 6th at 6:30pm

    • Zoom Meeting Information

    • Video - Parent Orientation 09-06-2023

    • Please complete this Form - Photo Release - and return to Eric
  • 2

    Wednesday, September 13 - Called by Jesus

    • Participant Worksheet - Overview 1 Called by Jesus

    • Video from Session

    • Video - The Calling of Matthew from The Chosen Series

    • The Calling of St. Matthew - Caravaggio Picture
  • 3

    Wednesday, September 20- Formed by Jesus

    • Participant Worksheet - Overview 2 Formed by Jesus

    • Video from Session

    • Video - Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from the Chosen TV Series
  • 4

    Wednesday, September 27 - Sent by Jesus

    • Participant Worksheet - Overview 3 Sent by Jesus

    • Video from Session

    • Video - Jesus Heals the Leper from the Chosen TV Series
  • 5

    Wednesday, October 4 - Our Desire for God

    • Our Desire For God - Worksheet Families

    • Video From Session
  • 6

    Wednesday, October 11 - Creation

    • Creation - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session
  • 7

    Wednesday, October 18 - The Fall and Original Sin

    • The Fall and Original Sin - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session
  • 8

    Wednesday, October 25 - All Saints Celebration

    • Saint Report for Wednesday October 25

    • Handout - Celebrating All Saints at Home

    • Readings - All Saints Day

  • 9

    Wednesday, November 1 - Jesus' Infancy

    • Jesus Infancy - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session
  • 10

    Wednesday, November 8 - Jesus' Ministry Begins

    • Session 06 - Jesus' Ministry Begins - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session
  • 11

    Wednesday, November 15 - Jesus' Parables

    • Session 07 - Jesus Parables - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session TAKEN FROM 2022
  • 12

    Wednesday, November 29 - Jesus' Passion and Death

    • Session 08 - Jesus' Passion and Death - Worksheet Families

    • Video from Session

    • For Parents - Video - Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection

    • For Parents - On the Shroud of Turin
  • 13

    Wednesday, December 6 - Jesus' Resurrection

    • Session 10 - Resurrection Worksheet
  • 14

    NO SESSION - December 20, 27, January 3 - Merry Christmas!

    • Have a Blessed Christmas Everyone!
  • 15

    Wednesday, January 10 - The Church

    • Session 11 - The Church - Worksheet Families