Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis

No matter where you are in your journey of faith, you are invited to enter deeper into a living encounter with Christ.

Your story is part of Christ’s story

You were made for more than the world’s noise, wounds, and empty promises. God loved you into being, redeemed you through the Cross, and calls you into communion with Him. Catechesis helps you see your life through this lens, as a journey shaped by grace and ordered toward eternity. Our prayer is that your story can become ever more deeply part of the Christ Story and that you, in turn, may draw others to unite their stories with His.

The Core of Catechesis

1. Catechesis ends in prayer, worship, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

2. Salvation History – which is the fundamental framework of the Catholic worldview – is a way of seeing and being in the world.

3. Catechesis not learning a script, but obtaining an intellectual “instinct” which aids in analysis and dialogue, so that the disciple is prepared for real-world, real-time engagement.

4. Catechesis is more than education – it is a life-altering initiation into the Mystery of the Gospel and provides compelling answers to the fundamental human questions of existence.

We live in a world saturated with noise, endless scrolling, breaking headlines, targeted ads, and constant updates. But beneath the distractions lies a deeper question:

What is forming your heart and mind?

The world isn’t just selling products.
It’s offering a narrative. An identity. A vision of what it means to be human.

Because stories don’t just entertain us.
They shape us.
They tell us who we are, what matters, and what our lives are for.

Maybe you carry wounds from your past.
Maybe you’ve even been hurt within the Church itself.
Maybe your heart has longed to step more fully into faith, but obstacles, misunderstandings, or pain have stood in the way.

You’re not alone. And your story doesn’t end there.

The world is wounded because our relationship with God has been ruptured. Sin entered through distrust, and with it came suffering, separation, and death. We still turn from God today, choosing self over the Creator. Yet in the face of this brokenness, God does not abandon us. Out of love, Christ took on our humanity, suffered, died, and rose again to reconcile us to the Father. 

This is the heart of the Church’s story, and it includes your story, too. No matter how far you feel, how wounded you’ve been, or how much you’ve struggled to trust, Christ is offering you a path of renewal.

Through catechesis, Christ draws near to form your mind, heal your heart, and shape your life according to Truth. Catechesis is not just about learning about God; it is about encountering Him through the wisdom of His Church. Catechesis invites you into the Christ’s story—a story of mercy, healing, and mission—and helps you live the story Christ longs for your life.

Our Ministries

Life, Marriage, and Family Formation

Diocesan Life, Marriage, and Family Formation supports individuals, couples, and families at every stage of life through pastoral care, resources, events, and formation opportunities. From marriage preparation to parenting support and healing ministries, we promote a culture of life and serves the heart of the domestic Church.

Youth Ministry

Diocesan Youth Ministry accompanies parishes in forming young disciples who know and follow Jesus Christ. Through retreats, leadership opportunities, events, and resources, we support ministers and help young people encounter Christ, deepen their Catholic identity, and become active participants in the Church’s evangelizing mission.

Young Adult Ministry

Diocesan Young Adult Ministry serves men and women in their 20s and 30s, helping them grow in faith, community, and mission. Through local groups, events, retreats, and formation opportunities, the ministry invites young adults into deeper relationship with Christ and active participation in the life of the Church.

Faith Formation

Whether you’re an adult, teacher, or ministry leader, our programs equip you for evangelistic discipleship through formation courses, OCIA catechist support, Mission Days, minister formation, equipping parishes for sacramental preparation and children’s religious education, and more.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catechetical Institute

Open to all adults, the Institute offers formation that fosters intellectual growth and deepens discipleship. Through courses, lectures, and resources, participants grow in faith and are equipped to share the gospel.







Foundations of Faith Courses

Open to all adults, Foundations of Faith offers formation for diocesan teachers, catechists, and others. Through engaging sessions and a supportive community, participants explore core Catholic teachings, grow in knowledge, and deepen their relationship with Christ.

OSV Scholars Master of Arts (Theology)

Diocesan school religion teachers, DREs, youth ministers, and other catechetical parish ministers are eligible to pursue a Master of Arts (Theology) degree through the University of Notre Dame under a grant from the Our Sunday Visitor Institute.

Totus Tuus Summer Program

Each Totus Tuus summer team includes four college-aged catechists trained to lead week-long faith programs for children and youth at parishes across the diocese. Missionaries receive a stipend, housing, and meals as they travel and serve, joyfully witnessing the Gospel all summer.

Diocesan Confirmation Retreat

Youth preparing for Confirmation are invited to the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Confirmation Retreat! This engaging experience welcomes parish and school groups who need a retreat or want to supplement their own.

Pastoral Ministers Retreat

Lay ministers overseeing a formation program (DREs, OCIA Coordinators, Youth Ministers, Pastoral Associates, Catechists, etc.) are invited to connect with fellow ministers, receive on-going formation in theology and practice, and find time to rest in the love of our Lord.

Resources

Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines
High School and Middle School Theology and Pastoral Minister Application
Homeschooling Statutes

Contact Us


Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis
Archbishop Noll Catholic Center
915 South Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
[email protected]