It is in coming to know, love and serve God that the truth of ourselves and our existence here on earth is revealed. Only in allowing ourselves to come to Him can we discover who we are, where we come from and what is our purpose. Catechetical education supports the believer in this process.

Catechism

Catechetical is the means of religious formation for the believer. Each Ukrainian Catholic Christian is called to grow in their understanding of the beliefs, doctrines, practices and values of the faith.

These are some of the elements of catechetical education:

1. Doctrines of the faith: presenting and explaining core dogmas and teachings of the Church.
2. Moral and ethical principles: living out one’s faith in the world.
3. Learning the Bible: reading, understanding and interpreting Holy Scripture through the experience and wisdom of the Church
4. Sacramental preparation: preparing individuals and families for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, First Confession and Holy Communion.
5. Involvement in parish and community life: encouraging individuals and families to spread the joy of Church in their service to others.

Catechetical books online (pdf format)

• Catechetical Directory of the Ukrainian Catholic Church
• Christ Our Pascha: Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church

Other catechetical books:

• We Walk with Christ: youth catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Available for purchase here.

Websites:

Patriarchal Catechetical Commission – mainly Ukrainian language resources but also has an English language page. https://ct.ugcc.ua/

Eparchy of Edmonton – has lots of catechetical resources to download. There is also a preparation seminar series for catechists preparing children for First Solemn Communion https://eeparchy.com/resources

Royal Doors – great resource for faith formation and English language/Gregorian liturgical texts https://royaldoors.net/

Dyvensvit – similar site to Royal Doors but Ukrainian-language/Julian calendar. Super site for liturgical texts https://dyvensvit.org/

Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute – upcoming seminars and events https://www.facebook.com/Sheptytsky/https://sheptytskyinstitute.ca/

40 Day Reading Plan for catechism

https://royaldoors.net/40-day-reading-plan-of-christ-our-pascha/

Catechist training:

Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv) – 3-year distance education program. Ukrainian or English instruction. http://catechetical.ucu.edu.ua/navchannya/vyscha-relihijna-osvita-katehyt/

Monthly Online Meetings for Catechists

The Patriarchal Catechetical Commission of the UGCC is pleased to announce the beginning of monthly online meetings for catechists in Canada and for those who feel called to this ministry.

These meetings are an opportunity to:

• build a supportive community of catechists
• grow together in faith and ministry
• and share experiences, resources, and encouragement

Who can join?

These gatherings are open not only to current catechists, but also to anyone who feels called to serve, even if you have never been involved in catechesis before.

“The essential work of the Church is to teach and form Christians in the faith, leading them into fellowship with Jesus Christ and the Church community” (Catechism of the UGCC – Christ Our Pascha, no. 54).

Together, let us strengthen catechetical ministry in our parishes and eparchies for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.