Office of Faith Formation
“God is always faithful and creative, …and creativity is the pillar of being a catechist.” – Pope Francis at the International Conference of Catechists, September 27, 2013
Faith Formation is an integral part of the life and mission of each baptized Catholic (Mt 28:19-20). As we grow in faith our relationship with Jesus Christ deepens and our response as disciples and witnesses encourages others to grow in faith too. The office supports our Bishops, Directors of Religious Education (Priest-Chaplains) and Coordinators of Religious Education on matters catechetical such as facilitating Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide, AMS AMS Family Witness to Christ and AMS Family Faith Passport, quality catechist formation, volunteer support, professional development and resources for leaders and parents to support the faith formation of Catholics in the military and their families around the world.
Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide
Archbishop Broglio has promulgated the Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide to provide a standard instrument for ensuring that the faith is taught in a complete, systematic and consistent way in the Catholic faith communities in the Archdiocese.
Letter from Archbishop Broglio to the Clergy and Lay Catechetical Leadership on the first year anniversary of the Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide – August 6, 2014.
AMS Religion Curriculum Guide, Grades pre-K through 8
- Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide and accompanying resources
- Decree 2013 – Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide (pdf – 91.1KB)
- Formando discípulos para la nueva evangelización: Guía arquidiocesana del currículo de religión y anexos
AMS Religion Curriculum Guide, Grades 9 through 12
- Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocese Religion Curriculum Guide, Adolescent Catechesis, Grades 9-12
- Prepare Year 4 Topics for 2023-2024, see pages 11-14 in the Religion Curriculum Guide for Adolescent Catechesis.
- Decree 2016 – Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide Decree, Adolescent Catechesis, Grades 9-12 (pdf – 709 KB)
- Lesson plan support: Credible Catholic offers “7 Essential Modules” about Faith and Science. These free downloads may be utilized to develop effective and engaging lesson plans that are in line with the AMS Religion Curriculum Guide Standards and Indicators.
Catechist Manual for the Curriculum Guide
Catechetical Sunday
- Theme for 2023: “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened.” – September 17, 2023, (the third Sunday in September)
- About Catechetical Sunday – USCCB
AMS Family Witness to Christ
With the launching of the new AMS Family Witness to Christ platform, Catholic military families now have access to games, videos, challenges, and other innovative tools to support pre-K-through-12 religious education.
In partnership with CatholicBrain.com
Curriculum Resources
- “Be My Witness” – AMS Faith Formation Digital Connect
- Catechist Certification Training Schedule
- Curriculum Correlations – textbook correlations to support the AMS Curriculum
- Sample Thematic Calendar 2023-2024
- Sample lesson plans by grade for review and adaptation
- Sample Catechist Ministry Descriptions (pdf -152 KB)
- Catechists Talk Facebook group
- Curriculum Orientation Videos
- Catechetical Methodology Course Information (pdf – 72KB)
- AMS Lesson Planning Outline (pdf)
- AMS Fill-in Lesson Planning Outline (docx)
Leadership Development
The promotion of professional development and ministerial skills and spiritual nourishment are keys to successful leadership and religious education programs at the Catholic Faith Communities. Visit the Leadership Development page to find professional and training opportunities.
Conformity Review
Catechetical textbooks used in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, for elementary religious education programs must be selected from the USCCB Conformity Review in collaboration with the Priest Chaplain.