STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—The Catechetical Institute, an outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville, has reached a milestone of 5,000 members on its online platform, FranciscanAtHome.com.

Dr. Petroc Willey, director of the Catechetical Institute, said the institute’s primary mission is to equip Catholics with the formation they need to spread the good news of Christ to others.

“Having reached 5,000 members in just three years demonstrates the value of an online learning system that overcomes isolation in ministry by uniting catechists with mentors who can walk alongside them and provide guidance and practical expertise,” Willey said.
With the motto, “forming those who form others,” the Catechetical Institute provides in-depth online catechetical training and in-person mentorship to Catholic parish catechists, educators, priests, deacons, and parents worldwide.

The Catechetical Institute now partners with 58 dioceses nationwide and has relationships in 24 countries, including two new diocesan partnerships with the Eastern Rite Eparchies in Ukraine. Currently, over 1,000 parishes, schools, and religious orders use the Catechetical Institute’s formation.

Learners on FranciscanAtHome.com have access to over 70 different workshops on topics including Confirmation Preparation, Methods and Practical Skills for Youth Ministry, and Teaching Catechesis for Conversion. They are paired up with mentors who guide and encourage them as they journey through the workshops and learn practical ways of reaching others through their ministry.

Learners also have the option to participate in tracks that offer diocesan certification for youth ministry, campus ministry, parish leadership, RCIA, music ministry, and other positions. A Hispanic Faith and Family Track in Spanish will be available by the end of the year.

“The opportunities offered by [this] program to equip our catechists and youth ministers to properly elucidate the faith, also open up numerous future possibilities to train and deepen the faith of many other parish volunteers in a variety of capacities,” said Bishop Frank Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, Florida.

“(The Catechetical Institute) team has been forthcoming and sensitive to our needs as we develop this program,” he continued. “The University’s efforts to spread the Good News of Our Lord and Savior through the new avenues opened by the growth in easily accessible technology and media is greatly appreciated.”

For more information on partnering with the Catechetical Institute, please visit: FranciscanAtHome.com.