Formation of Parish Catechetical Leaders

• Email or call Miguel A. Vences (contact information at the bottom of this page), the member of our staff that will make sure to welcome you to catechetical ministry in our Archdiocese and also will make sure you are paired with the member of our staff that can best give you the help you need.

• Or contact any member of our staff.

• Orientation for new parish catechetical leaders is an IN-PERSON, ONE-DAY training and networking session.
  

• It is meant to give new PCLs an overview of the many roles they are expected to fulfill and the many resources the archdiocese offers them to succeed in their ministry.

• This gathering is about taking the first steps towards creating a support and professional growth network with other PCLs and with the archdiocesan personnel. 

• This training is strongly suggested for anyone who is in a portion of leadership in the catechetical ministry of a parish for five years or less.

• We welcome experienced catechetical leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others that may be new to the ministry.

• No matter when you are called to start your role as a catechetical ministry, I.P.C.M. will get you started with an overview of "BEST PRACTICES" that were shared and collected just for you.

• Take one or take all.

• Topics are: How to recruit, train, and accompany catechists, how to forma a sacramental preparation team, ministry to persons with disabilities, the catechumenate and the O.C.I.A., how to plan a catechetical year, how to implement the archdiocesan curriculum for lifelong faith formation, and more.
  
                                                                          I.P.C.M. INFORMATION AND MATERIALS

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis offers ongoing professional development in a variety of forms and contexts.   

The content covered in ongoing professional development is designed to further the professional formation of catechetical leaders and to assist them in meeting the competencies that have established by the USCCB's National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers. Each opportunity will endeavor to indicate which competencies it intended to address.

ACTIVATE 2025: "Encountering God in the Shelter of One Another" | September 9, 2025

• On-demand training: You can get the training you need at any time.

• One on one training: Simply contact Sister Maria Goretti if your primary language is English or Miguel Vences if your primary language is Spanish (contact information at the bottom of this page).

The Archdiocese of Galveston Houston offers scholarships for eligible parish catechetical leaders to pursue undergraduate / graduate degrees, and professional certifications from Catholic institutions of higher learning.

Scholarship amount per individual is based upon (1) the number of qualified applicants; (2) the financial needs of each applicant; and (3) the funds available. Scholarships are paid in the form of reimbursement after the successful completion of courses each semester. 

Eligibility

Parish Catechetical Leaders who hold a position on a parish staff. (Example: Director/Coordinator of Religious Education, Youth Minister, Adult Faith Formation Director/Coordinator) You must be a member of a parish in this archdiocese. The Parish for which the Catechetical Leader is on staff must be in compliance with the implementation of the Archdiocese’s Framework and corresponding Catechetical Curriculum. 

Who May Not APPLY? 

• Employees of the Archdiocesan Chancery, St. Mary Seminary, and/or the University of St. Thomas
• Employees of third-party ministries contracted by a parish
• Catholic school personnel (unless also employed as a catechetical leader at an eligible parish)

Scholarships may be used for an undergraduate or graduate study program in catechetical ministry or related field offered by a Catholic institution for higher learning. Scholarships are paid in the form of reimbursement after the successful completion of courses each semester. 

Criteria for scholarship application 

• Statement of financial need
• Commitment to complete studies in catechetical ministry.
• Current active participation in catechetical ministry in this archdiocese.
• Acceptance in an approved program.  
• Maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Complete Application, with Pastor’s portion completed and signed by Pastor

The deadline for application return is June 30, 2026, with the announcement of awards after July 15, 2026.