Formation Program, Courses & Conferences

These formation opportunities will help you with your faith journey and to help you grow closer to Christ. 
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• Certificate in Catholic Studies Program​ | Through the Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization, Newman Theological College offers a comprehensive selection of short courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith. All are offered online, so you can study from the comfort of home and work around your personal schedule. Each course runs five weeks and costs just $85; the next cycle begins every month. Take an individual course for interest, or work toward one or all of the 22 specialized Certificates in Catholic Studies. This program is open to adults and youth of all backgrounds and education levels. More info: newman.edu/ccs.
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• Divine Mercy University (DMU) is the first and only graduate school that integrates the science of psychology and proven therapeutic methods with the Catholic-Christian understanding of the person, marriage and the family. DMU provides educational instruction to all Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary applicants at a reduced tuition. Parish members in good standing with their respective parish will receive a tuition reduction of 25% for any of the DMU online programs.  To learn more about Divine Mercy University, contact divinemercy.edu | 703-416-1441
  
  
• BA - Social Justice & Catholic Studies from St. Mary's University in Calgary. Drawing upon the theories and practices of a wide range of different disciplines, this degree equips students with the critical, analytical, and ethical skills necessary to live and work responsibly in an increasingly integrated global community. Students will explore history, philosophy, and religious ideas in the Catholic tradition alongside critical political, social, and ethical issues confronting society and the environment.
  Students will choose an emphasis in either Social Justice or Catholic Studies, and take an experiential learning course in their final year of study. They will put learning into practice, establish community relationships, and gain meaningful work-related experience with a community partner. More info
  
  
• Online Course on "Introduction to Sacred Liturgy" | This free course from the Liturgical Institute (Mundelein, IL) introduces the theological and pastoral dimensions of the sacred liturgy. Specifically, it uncovers the spiritual reality of every liturgical celebration, considers the ritual medium employed by liturgical celebrations, and examines the various sacramental signs and symbols that contribute to a liturgical rite, such as objects, actions, words, time, ministers, music, and architecture. Instructor: Christopher Cartens. This is a self-paced online course, decide when you start and when you finish. Sign up here 
  
  
• Journey through Scripture | This is the St. Paul Center’s flagship Bible study program designed to help ordinary Catholics grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures while deepening their understanding of the riches of our faith. Journey through Scripture takes a holistic approach, looking at the entire Bible and how all of its parts work together. You can also host a Journey through Scripture study at your parish or home. Register here
  
  
• Theology of the Body Sessions | Between 1978 and 1984, Pope St. John Paul II delivered a series of Wednesday audiences that eventually became known as the Theology of the Body. Get access and be formed by the teaching of Theology of the Body given by renown speakers (Christopher West, Sr. Helena Burns and many more) given in Calgary last year. Livestream links are now available here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/tob.html 
  
  
• Lectio: Unveiling Scripture & Tradition | The Augustine Institute produced this video-based study series, with different presenters in a beautiful studio classroom speaking on various topics related to Scripture, Church history, and salvation. This series is best for those who like to learn through watching videos and prefer a “classroom” feel. Learn more 
  
  
• Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz - guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021. However, you can always start your Day 1 anytime! Each 20-25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings, a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast for Catholics follows a reading plan inspired by the Great Adventure Bible Timeline  learning system, a groundbreaking approach to understanding Salvation History developed by renowned Catholic Bible teacher Jeff Cavins. Learn more
  
  
• The Great Adventure: Your Journey through the Bible | Available from Ascension Press, this study with Jeff Cavins makes Scripture accessible, thanks to a straightforward narrative style and color-coded visual clues. This easy-to-use program is best for beginners and anyone new to Scripture study. Learn more
  
  
• Gregorian Chant - Learning to sing Antiphons | If you want to learn more about Gregorian Chant, especially on how to sing the antiphons, watch this course from Dr. Jenny Donelson (Seminary of New York/Dunwoodie) on How to add Antiphons to your Parish Sunday Mass.
  
  
• Aquinas 101 is a project of the Thomistic Institute that seeks to promote Catholic truth through short, engaging video lessons. Enroll in Aquinas 101: Science & Faith to receive the latest lesson in your inbox each Tuesday. You can browse earlier videos at your own pace or enroll in one of the other seven Aquinas 101 email courses on St. Thomas Aquinas and his masterwork, the Summa Theologiae. 
  
  
• Creation Care School - Online courses for greening your church and inspiring change. This school is for those who want to get involved in environmental action and awareness in their own local church. When a whole faith community starts caring for Creation, your church gets new media coverage and youth want to participate. Start with a free course. Then move on to other inspiring courses about ministry, theology and spirituality. Free Courses: Greening Your Church | Laudato Si': A Revolutionary Encyclical 
  
  
• KIDS & YOUTH
  • Children's Sunday Liturgy by CAFOD
    Prayers and resources for children's liturgy catechists and for families. Use these Gospel reflections, prayers, songs and activities to help children listen to the God who speaks. Feel free to adapt the resources to suit your group.
    
    
  • Sunday Connection - for Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and family
    God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.
    
    
  • Studio 3:16 - Comedy for Kids!
    It isn't easy leading your family on a virtuous path. There’s an ongoing battle being waged to win the hearts and minds of our kids. Finding wholesome entertainment is hard, but not impossible. Introduce your family, school or parish to Studio 3:16 and spread the fun in learning about God. Kids and families will laugh and sing along with Shevin – a high-spirited yet misguided Christian recording artist – and follow his journey each episode to understand the Gospel. 
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  • CatechismClass.com
    A superior digital learning experience that fits into life better than traditional formats and classes. When life gets busy, nothing should come between people achieving a complete Catholic education.
    
    
  • Christian video programming for children 
    A compilation of various programs (free or paid streaming/online programs) for kids and youth. 

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Upcoming Courses or Events