Learning
Each day throughout the Archdiocese, many opportunities for learning are offered in parishes, through Archdiocesan formation and educational programs, in retreat houses, schools, higher education, and in many other ways. You are invited and encouraged to participate in ongoing learning and formation to deepen your faith, your understanding and your relationship with God and others.
On this site you can find a number of learning opportunities throughout the year tailored to various interests and vocations in life. Many opportunities are listed in the Archdiocesan Calendar. Here are a few examples:
Religious Education Congress
This event, organized by the Office of Religious Education, is the largest annual gathering of Catholics in the United States. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, it attracts nearly 40,000 people who particiapte in hundreds of workshops offered by speakers from around the world. To learn more, go to the Congress section.
Office of Religious Education
The Office of Religious Education offers many formation programs for parish members, ministers and leaders. Regional programming is also offered in all five Pastoral Regions. Among the many learning opportunities offered by the Office are the Catholic Bible Institute and Theology on Tap. Learn more at the Office of Religious Education section.
Office for Worship
The Office for Worship provides formation and training for parish liturgical ministers and other workshops designed to deepen your understanding of liturgy. Learn more at the Office for Worship section.
Spiritual Growth Center
Are you a good listener? Are you interested in helping others with their spiritual journeys? The Spiritual Growth Center offers training in spiritual direction, as well as many other programs focused on improving your spiritual life. Learn more at the Spiritual Growth Center section.
Metropolitan Tribunal
The Metropolitan Tribunal offers training for parish ministers to assist those in broken marriages through exploration of annulments and other avenues of healing. If you are drawn to such a ministry, learn more at the Metropolitan Tribunal section.
Office for Pastoral Associates
Pastoral Associates are lay members of the Church who receive formation and training in parish leadership. If you feel a call to be of greater service to a parish community, this formation program may be of interest to you. Learn more at the Pastoral Associates section.
Department of Catholic Schools
The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese offer superior education for children from kindergarten through high school. A Catholic education for your children is an advantage for life. Contact individual schools using our Schools Directory or learn more at the Department of Catholic Schools section.
Extension and Certificate Programs
Our local Catholic university and colleges offer learning opportunities through extension and certificate programs that are more flexible and accessible than a degree track. Religious studies, including scripture, theology, pastoral ministry, comparative religion and spirituality are among the many subject areas offered. Of course, they also offer fully-accredited graduate and post-graduate courses of study. See their offerings on their Web sites, listed in our Directory of Catholic Higher Education.
Distance Learning
Through a relationship with the University of Dayton, online learning is provided in a wide variety of subject areas. To learn more, see the Distance Learning Section of this site.
Office of Diaconate Formation
Those who seek ordination as deacon participate in a four-year formation program with their wives. In addition to the formation program and an aspirancy program, the Office of Diaconate Formation also offers periodic information days for those who feel they may have a call to ordained ministry as a deacon. To learn more, go to the Diaconate Formation section.
Office for Vocations
For those discerning a call to ordained ministry or the religious life, the Office for Vocations offers periodic learning and discernment events designed to assist people in discerning a Church vocation. Learn more at the Office for Vocations section.
Continuing Education for the Clergy
The Office of the Vicar for Clergy offers year-round continuing education for priests and deacons to help them grow in faith, knowledge and pastoral ministry.
