The mission of the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries is to help parishes form intentional disciples and holy families.
The Office serves our Archbishop and the people of Northern Colorado by coordinating a range of ministries, producing media resources and training, and administering archdiocesan-wide events. In cooperation with the Holy Spirit, our goal is to empower you to better know, live and share your faith.
Here you will find the resources you may need in your ministry!
Professional Development & Catechetical Training Opportunities
“Franciscan at Home” is the digital formation platform created by the Catechetical Institute. Through a robust catalogue of formation modules, the Catechetical Institute provides mentored training in all areas of catechesis and evangelization. The Archdiocese of Denver has partnered with Franciscan University to provide “Franciscan at Home” to our parishes for an extremely low cost of $300/year. This annual subscription allows for an unlimited amount of “learners”to benefit from the high caliber of training in catechetics and evangelization. Consider providing on-going formation for your catechists, parish staff, or yourself. Click the link to be taken to the Archdiocese of Denver landing page from which you can learn more about the subscription.
The Lay Division of the St John Vianney Theological Seminary here in Denver offers formation in both Biblical Theology and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The two separate “schools” are fantastic opportunities for lay ministers and volunteers to grow in their knowledge of scripture and the catechism.
The Archdiocese of Denver encourages all lay individuals seeking to serve in a role as catechist to receive formation in how to catechize. Lay individuals who complete the full set of trainings provided by the Archdiocese of Denver can receive a certification.
Evangelization
The resources below are not an exhaustive list. The Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries wants to provide on Denver Parish the most recent and useful resources we’ve been offering to parishes. We are happy to field questions for more specific resources in particular areas of evangelization.
“The fact that catechesis, at least initially, assumes a missionary objective, does not dispense a particular Church from promoting an institutionalized program of primary proclamation to execute more directly Jesus’ missionary command.” (General Directory for Catechesis, 62)
Each parish of the Archdiocese of Denver should be working towards “promoting” an “institutionalized program of primary proclamation”. This program would provide those outside the community, RCIA inquirers and baptized Catholics the opportunity to hear the good news of the Gospel (the kerygma) clearly, simply, and with an opportunity to respond to God’s invitation. The Archdiocese of Denver currently recommends the following as “Programs of Primary Proclamation”: Discovery, Alpha, and Discovering Christ.
Learn More about these programs below as well as watch the introductory webinar trainings for each program recently provided by the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries.
“Discovery” is a Catholic Christion Outreach Faith Study Series. “Discovery” invites participants to encounter Christ through a simple but challenging look at the gospel message.
The reality today is that many Catholics need to be re-evangelized; to hear the Good News explained in a clear and simple way to which they can respond. Many of our participants first received the gift of salvation at their Baptism through the faith of their parents. They are invited to make that faith their own.
Introductory Webinars
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. Alpha is also available online.
Introductory Webinars
Discovering Christ is a seven-week experience where anyone and everyone, from the baptized in the pews to the unbaptized, is invited to hear the Good News and personally encounter Jesus Christ. Discovering Christ helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children.
Introductory Webinars
The Search is a seven part series, specifically designed for groups. Friends, families, small groups and parishes will find this content to be a treasure in helping viewers grow deeper in their relationships with each other, with creation and with the author of all things. Whether a life-long searcher, a devout religious, someone who has left faith or an agnostic waiting for facts, The Search is sure to reignite the love for the journey and open the heart to the transcendent.
Sacramental Prep
Child Baptism
Restored Order | Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist
Saints Denver is a website designed to provide resources in support of the restored order of the sacraments of initiation for the Archdiocese of Denver. This site provides general information on restored order, a two year curriculum covering Reconciliation, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, and resources for parents to understand and pray about the sacraments through the Bible.
Archdiocese of Denver Restored Order Learning Objectives
Restored Order Programs from Catholic Publishers
This is not an exhaustive list – please let us know if you’ve found another resource that’s been effective!
Faith Formation
Ascension Press – Faith Formation programs for children and adults
Formed – Augustine Institute’s faith formation platform for children and adults
Family of Faith – Sophia Institute’s Family Catechesis Program
RCL Benzinger – Parish and School programs for religious education
“Alive in Christ” – Our Sunday Visitor’s children’s faith formation program
Loyola Press Faith Formation programs for children
St Mary’s Press Faith Formation programs for children
This is not an exhaustive list – please feel free to contact us with suggested additions!