Catechetical Resources

This page provides resources for the formation of catechists. While intended for the training of catechists, all the following programs are open to any interested adult. Also see “Catholic Formation Initiative” page for training opportunities.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to bring good news to the poor”

In 1935, the Vatican asked that every diocese acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve as catechists. Throughout the years the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB] has produced materials to help parishes celebrate this event at the local level. For more information, visit the USCCB’s About Catechetical Sunday page.

Catechetical Sunday in 2026 will be on September 20, and the theme will be “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to bring good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1). This theme reveals Jesus’ mission and identity. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, he is sent to bring hope, healing, and freedom—especially to the poor, the brokenhearted, and the forgotten. He did not come with power or status, but with compassion, restoring dignity and proclaiming God’s mercy. This is a model for the Church, which is called to continue Christ’s work by sharing the Good News and caring for those most in need. Resources are available on the USCCB’s Catechetical Sunday 2026 page.

Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of the Sacrament of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. It is also a good opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.

Echoes

The 11 session Echoes Program is entry level catechist certification. See the Echoes page to learn how to schedule this program for the your parish.

Video Library

Parishes in the Diocese of Fargo can borrow educational videos from the diocesan video library. Contact the Office for Catechesis. 

DVD Presentations

In 2013, the Diocese of Fargo sponsored two presentations of part of the celebration of the “Year of Faith.” We are pleased to make the following resources available from these presentations:

1. “The Documents of the Second Vatican Council” by Msgr. Paul Watson

• A DVD of the presentations is available for purchase.
• A one page summary showing all 16 documents.

2. “The Gift of the Catechism” by Dr. Petroc Wiley

• A set of two DVDs of four talks given in Fargo is available. Each session is about 50 minutes long.
• A Study Guide is also available. It contains questions, activities and discussion points for each of the four sessions.
  • Study Guide (PDF) for participants
  • Study Guide Answer Key (PDF) for the group leader