Faith Formation
Teaching the Christian Faith in the Diocese of TylerThe Faith Formation Office supports the people and parishes of the Diocesce of Tyler by providing faith formation resoures, events, and trainings for all levels of formation. The department hosts catechists formation events at the parish and diocesan level and works closely with priests, deacons and parish staff and volunteers to hold these events.
The department also develops and recommends materials for ongoing formation and produces catechetical and evangelical content in written and video form.
For questions about faith formation in the Diocese of Tyler please contact faithformation@dioceseoftyler.org or call (903) 534-1077 x116.
- Christian Initiation (OCIA)
- Baptism
- Youth Confirmation & Eucharist
- Children's Formation
- Adult Formation
- Leader Resources
What is Christian Initiation for Adults?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the liturgical and catechetical process which prepares adults to receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation. The process incudes discernment, liturgical rites, catechetical sessions, and culminates in the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy. OCIA is for adults who have not been baptized, however parishes will frequently use OCIA for adults who are lacking other Sacraments.
If you are interesting in becoming Catholic, contact your local parish for more information on RCIA classes.
The Way of Christ
The Way of Christ is a resource for OCIA in the Diocese of Tyler, and it introduces readers to the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the basics of what Catholics believe and how Catholics should live. Each of the lessons has a video to accompany it and provoke reflection and discussion on the lesson topic.
The Way of the Holy Family
Our Baptism formation program, The Way of the Holy Family, includes printed materials and booklets, downloadable forms (also available for purchase), and pre-baptism and post-baptism video components. The Way of the Holy Family is the standard program for Baptism formation the Diocese of Tyler. All of the materials are available in English and Spanish.
For more information visit www.dioceseoftyler.org/baptism-formation
Youth Sacraments of Initiation
In 2005, the Diocese of Tyler started celebrating the “restored order” of the Sacraments of Initiation. Restored order refers to the practice of celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation in the following order: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Note that this restored order is different from what many people are accustomed to today (Baptism, Eucharist, then Confirmation). It restores the Holy Eucharist to the climax of initiation.
Please contact your local parish to being this process.
General Guidelines
Children who have reached the age of reason (~7 years) and who have already been receiving systematic catechesis for at least a year, may request full initiation into the Church and begin their direct sacramental formation.
Children who have reached the age of reason (~7 years) and who have NOT received systematic catechesis for at least a year, may request full initiation into the church and will then begin their formation with systematic catechesis, followed by direct sacramental formation.
Pastor and Parental Discretion
Parents, as primary educators of their children, may believe their children need more or less time to be ready to receive their sacraments. These instances should be reviewed with each family as they come forward.
First Reconciliation
Should take place 6 months prior to full initiation. Ideally, candidates should go to confession monthly leading up to the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Adults Seeking Sacraments
Adults who are in need of any sacraments should speak to their parish for more information. The preparation process for adults will depend in part on their own circumstances and background.
Special Needs
If your child has special needs, you can dicuss this with your pastor and parish faithformation leader. The U.S. Bishop’s have special guidelines for perons with disabilities and special needs. The Diocese of Tyler also has resoruces available at: www.dioceseoftyler.org/specialneeds.
Children and Youth Formation
The faith formation office is responsibility for creating and recommending materials used for faith formation across all the parishes in the diocese.
Approved Catechetical Programs for Elementary Formation
Faith and Life from Ignatius Press
This series is a comprehensive catechetical series for Grades 1-8. It features a solid doctrinal text with a focus on salvation history, enhanced by beautiful classical and original artwork. Based on the story of salvation history, each grade level speaks of the story of God’s love to lead the student to encounter Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Student texts are available in English or in a bilingual edition.
Alive in Christ/Vivos en Christos from Our Sunday Visitor
Vivos en Cristo is a fully-bilingual religion curriculum for Grades 1-8 that teaches children and families to know, love, and live their Catholic faith through Sacred Scripture, doctrine, prayer, practices of the faith, and seasonal celebrations. It is available in English or in a bilingual edition.
WORD OF LIFE from the Augustine Institute
This new program for Pre-K through Grade 8 combines the four “golden catechetical threads” (salvation history, Christian anthropology, heroic virtue & character formation and learning through discipleship) to teach the Catholic faith and explain why it is relevant in our modern culture. Both the student and teacher books are available in English or in a bilingual edition.
Questions?
Pastors, catechists, and others who have questions about curriculum options for faith formation should contact faithformation@dioceseoftyler.org or call (903) 534-1077 x116.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, ongoing faith formation is part of our lives as Christians. Below are resources provided by the Office of Faith Formation for ongoing formation for adults.
Intothechariot.com
The Center for Faith Formation is a resource for ongoing formation. All courses are free and can be accessed here.
The St. Philip Institute Podcast
Discover the depth of the Catholic faith.
Catholicism is known for its rules and teachings. Have you ever wondered about their origin? Their purpose? Hosted by Dr. Luke Arrendondo, the SPI podcast unearths the richness of our faith. Dr. Arrendondo examines Scripture and Tradition, helping you understand the faith so you can share it with others.
If you’re ready to dive deep into the why behind our Catholic faith, then you’ll love the SPI Podcast!
Unpack the historical teachings of the Catholic Church. Explore primary texts such as the documents from the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and papal documents.
Start teaching your friends and family about the richness of your Catholic faith.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or watch on YouTube.
Faith Formation Staff
