The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis offers training and formation for parish staff along with support in finding OCIA resources. If you need help with OCIA and/or OCIA resources for you parishes and those who are seeking full initiation in the Church. Please contact Michelle Nilsson for more information.
 

Resources

• National Statutes for the Christian Initiation for Adults

 

Events

• Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion - February 22, 2026 at St. Bernard Cathedral
• Adult Confirmation with Bishop Hying - 2026 Date TBD
• OCIA Training Day - 2026 Date TBD
• Neophyte Mass - 2026 Date TBD

 

New OCIA Rite Book

The USCCB has published new guidelines for the Catechumenal process called OCIA. The new OCIA guidelines have been available in print since November 1, 2024 (through various publishers). The USCCB has requested that all Dioceses and parishes begin impementing the new OCIA process beginning the first Sunday of Advent 2024.  

The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute is a program of adult faith formation and catechetical certification in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. It offers a comprehensive and systematic formation based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and aims to draw its participants into deeper communion with Jesus Christ, strengthening them to be more effective witnesses and teachers of the Gospel.

The Institute is for all adults seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith.

In addition to offering general certificates for adult formation, the institute also offers certification for parish catechists, Catholic school principals and teachers, directors and coordinators of religious education, youth ministers, and all those involved in any form of adult religious education. Other personnel serving in parish leadership positions are encouraged to register and attend as well.
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The Called & Gifted™ discernment process offered by the Catherine of Siena Institute has been used since 1993 by over 200,000 lay, ordained, and religious Catholics and other Christians around the world. It is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms in their lives. Charisms, or spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God's goodness for people!
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Catholic adults serious about growing in knowledge of their faith can find information about some solid opportunities below, many of which lead to degrees in theology or related fields.
 

Augustine Institute

Based in Denver, CO, the Augustine Institute is a graduate school established in 2005 and provides excellent on-campus and distance learning. Students can receive either a Master of Arts in Theology or a Master of Arts in Leadership for the New Evangelization. Only the Master of Arts in Theology can be completed through distane education. Both of these degrees are oriented toward training leaders for the New Evangelization, to work in missionary apostolates, dioceses, parishes, and many other outreach opportunities. Students who choose to pursue the degree through distance education can take up to three classes per semester, although many choose only to take one or two due to their work schedule. Distance education students can also come to the campus to take intensive courses (either in January or June) to experience the campus enviornment. Some students are eligible for need-based scholarships.

Types of Programs: Master of Arts in Theology (available on-campus and through distance education) and Master of Arts in Leadership for the New Evangelization (available on-campus only)
 

Franciscan University (Stubenville)

Franciscan University offers two Master of Arts degrees through an online program: Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization and Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry. Using Blackboard, these online classes use interactive tools so that you can participate in a virtual classroom. The content includes professional, recorded lectures by the professors at Franciscan University. These online programs are fully accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission and Ohio Board of Regents. These online programs mirror the experience of students on campus. These degrees offer you a solid education in the faith, interactive learning, and flexibility for your schedule.

Types of Programs: Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization and Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry (both available online)
 

The Catholic Distance University

The Catholic Distance University was established in 1983 as the first Catechetical Institute in the US approved by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy to offer adult faith formation and theological education exclusively through distance education. Today, CDU offers online programs at a variety of levels to adults in 37 countries worldwide. CDU offers noncredit continuing education, undergraduate and graduate education. In addition, the university awards an accredited Master of Arts degree in Theology, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology Degree (degree-completion), the Catechetical Diploma, and an Advanced Catechist Certificate. Their continuing education three-week online interactive seminars are designed especially for catechists, Catholic schoolteachers, parishioners, parents, Catholic professionals, and all adults who are hungry for inspiring, faith-filled programs in fidelity to the Church’s authentic Magisterium. CDU specializes in learner-centered, collaborative online learning communities and has over twenty years of experience in distance learning. 

Types of Programs: Online Master of Arts Degree in Theology, Bachelor of Arts in Theology Degree Completion Program, Catechetical Diploma, Advanced Catechist Certificate, and Adult/Catechist Faith Enrichment through online interactive seminars. All programs are administered through online and paper-based technologies. No residency required.

Mazzuchelli Institute for Mission & Leadership: Getting Started for Parish Leaders (Previously Getting Started) is a program of the Diocese of Madison designed especially for those who are new (or relatively new) to their position as support staff, communications staff, pastoral ministry staff, and administrators of parish programs of catechesis or youth apostolate. Getting Started for Parish leaders focuses on providing practical, concrete connection to the resources, personnel, and policies provided by the diocese to assist parish leaders in their vital parish mission.
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Cenacles are designed to meet the need for mentorship (peer-based) in helping parish leaders grow as disciples of Jesus  in all areas of life. This happens through weekly meetings that include sharing in discussion, concrete goals for growth in ministry and personal life, as well as sharing of prayer intentions.
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"Catechetical standards and benchmarks identify the expectations for the formation of Catholic youth and include specific grade level competencies that every youth should know and be able to demonstrate. They are intended to strengthen the partnership between the primary educators of children—the parents—and the supporting educators of children—Catholic parish and school personnel. These standards and benchmarks will assist parents and catechists to work together toward these learning competencies and the creative developing of different curriculum to ensure successful catechesis and thus, most naturally, a deeper communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ the Savior of the World."

– Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Letter Introducing Catechetical Standards (June 6, 2012)

Catechetical Sandards by Grade Level

Schools Format

• Complete Catechetical Standards and Benchmarks Document

 

Parish Format

• Cover Page
• Bishop Morlino's Introductory Letter
• Canonical Decree Promulgating New Norms for Catechesis
• Grade Pre-K through Kindergarden
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Glossary

Other Useful Links

• Select Prayers in Spanish (oraciones seleccionados en español)

In order to best complement our new PreK-8 Catechetical Standards, Bishop Morlino has identified four series of catechetical textbooks that will best assist our teachers and catechists in their generous efforts to hand on the faith to our K-8 students. The following constitute the approved list of textbook series for K-8 students in the Diocese of Madison. When your school or parish religious education program is purchasing new texts, please select from this list of textbook series. These selections remain the only full, basal text series authorized for purchase for our K-8 students in parishes and schools. As new materials are published by other companies and authors in the coming years, this list has the potential to change. A more detailed comparison between the textbook series can be found here.
 

All parishes and schools are expected to conform by Fall 2015.

Middle school and high school texts that are not in a K-8 program have not yet been reviewed and will be reviewed in this upcoming year. The recommendation of the OEC is to use the middle school books from the above list or wait to purchase (using what you have currently) until the middle school and high school texts have been reviewed by the OEC.
 

Approved Textbooks and Curriculum

Grade School and/or Middle School

• Faith & Life (Ignatius Press)
• Alive in Christ (Our Sunday Visitor)
• Spirit of Truth  (Sophia Institute Press)
• Image of God (Ignatius Press)
• Be My Disciples (RCL/Benzinger)
• Word of Life  (Ignatius Press)
• We Believe (Sadlier - to be phased out of the list by 2025)
  • If you are interested in this text contact the OEC before purchase
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Montessori Based Instruction
• Edge - Middle School Parish RE/Youth Formation (Lifeteen)

 

Confirmation

• Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation (Ascension Press)
• Decision Point (Dynamic Catholic)
• Didache Sacramental Preparation Series: The Sacrament of Confirmation (Midwest Theological Forum)
• Purpose (LifeTeen)
• YOUCAT: Confirmation Book (Ignatius Press)
  • • In accompaniment with the YOUCAT or Catechism of the Catholic Church 

 

Family Formation

• Family of Faith (Sophia Institute Press)
• Family Formation (Familyformation.net)
• Forming Families & Alive in Christ (Our Sunday Visitor)

 

Human Person & Identity 

• Ruah Woods (Ruahwoodspress.com)
• TOBET (tobet.org)

 

Highly Encouraged Supplemental Resources

• Heart To Heart   6-9 Guide on Prayer
• Philo & Sopie-Philosophy for Children Philosophy for Children

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which junior high and high school textbook series can be used in our parish programs?

Some companies produce only middle school and high school textbooks. These textbooks have not yet been reviewed but will be in this upcoming year. The recommendation of the OEC is to use middle school books from the above list or to wait to purchase (using what you have currently) until the middle school and high school texts have been reviewed to choose a new program.
 

2. I noticed that you do not have Our Sunday Visitor, Loyola Press, and many other companies on the list. Is there a reason you did not choose those companies?

During the textbook approval process, we did not choose or avoid books based on the press company to which they belong. We simply looked at the texts themselves and matched them to our new Catechetical Standards as they are written for grade school children. We acknowledge the value of the many materials offered by these different companies for different parish ministries and recognize the advantage of continuing to utilize such resources. We encourage parishes to continue utilizing the best materials for evangelization and catechesis that they can find, regardless of the publisher.
 

3. Can parishes use other materials and press companies as supplements to the primary texts on the approved diocesan list?

Absolutely. The books that were chosen are the basal catechetical text series that best complement our catechetical/religious education standards for grade school students. We understand and support the utilization of other solid supplemental and monograph materials to strengthen our catechetical outcomes.
 

4. What materials can be used for sacramental prep, high school, and adult programs?

At this time, the Diocese of Madison is not limiting/approving texts for first reconciliation, first communion, RCIA, confirmation, high school, or adult programs. If you are considering a basal text series for high school students, please select from the USCCB's list of catechetical texts at this time. If you are considering supplementary materials, please use your best judgment by paying close attention to whether or not the materials under consideration have an Imprimatur.

• Credo of the People of God (Apostolic Letter in the Form of Motu Proprio by Pope Paul VI, 1968)
• Nuntiandi Evangelii (Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Paul VI, 8 December 1975)
• Catechesi Tradendae (Apostolic Exhortation by Pope John Paul II, 16 October 1979)
• Redemptoris Missio (Encyclical by John Paul II on the Permanent Validity of the Church's Missionary Mandate, 7 December 1990)
• General Directory for Catechesis (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
• Ubicumque et Semper (Apostolic Letter in the Form of Motu Proprio on Establishing the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, 21 September 2010)
• Evangelii Gaudium (Apostolic Exhortation on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today's World, 24 November 2013)

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis maintains a lending library of  DVDs on a variety of topics related to faith formation. These are available for use free of charge by all catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Madison.  Contact Marie Lins at 608-821-3135 or [email protected], make an appointment to stop in to see what is available.  

We are currently updating the online catalog. Please call if you have a question about a particular resource.

Newest Materials

The most recent additions to the AV Library include:

• Catholicism: The Pivital Players by Bishop Robert Barron, Word On Fire
• Prayer: Finding Intimacy With God by Tim Gray, Augustine Institute
• Eucharist:  Discovering The Mass in the Bible by Brant Pitre, Augustine Institute
• Divine Mercy: The Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Augustine Institute
• Beloved:  Finding Happiness in Marriage, Augustine Institute
• Altaration:  The Mystery of the Mass Revealed, Ascension Press
• Follow Me:  Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John by Edward Sri, Ascension Press
• Ephesians:  Discover Your Inheritance by Jeff Cavins, Ascension Press
• No Greater Love by Dr. Edward Sri, Ascension Press
• Signs of Grace:  You Are Forgiven by Augustine Institute
• Signs of Grace:  You Are Loved by Augustine Institute

What was once 2 organizations (MDREO - Madison Diocese Religious Educators Organization, and MDPMA - Madison Diocesan Pastoral Ministries Association) are now one! The newly forming Madison Diocesan Pastoral Ministries Association (MDPMA) is an inclusive new organization that supports and forms parish leaders to serve our Church in the Diocese of Madison. All involved with parish ministries are welcome!  
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