-
Mission Statement
The mission of the Diocese of Austin Office of Evangelization and Catechesis is as follows:
- To deepen the local Church’s communion with the Lord Jesus while equipping individuals and parishes for Christian discipleship that includes fruitful sacramental life;
- To enliven the local Church’s missionary impulse through spiritual formation and support so that Catholics may become more effective witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
- To support the vital ministry of catechesis through the education and formation of parish catechists and ministry leaders.
- To implement the directives of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan through consistent, professional, and pastoral response to the needs of deaneries, parishes, and language/ethnic groups.
To carry out this mission, the staff of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis provides guidance and support for the following programs and ministries:
Evangelization
- Consultation for evaluation and selection of multimedia materials and programs for parish evangelization
- Parish Renewal Programs (ACTS, CRHP, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, etc.)
- Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)/Adult Confirmation Preparation for baptized Catholics
- Returning Catholics parish programs (e.g. “Catholics Come Home”)
- Diocesan partnership with local and national Catholic outreach initiatives (e.g. Relevant Radio, Fullness of Truth, Legatus, Central Texas Catholic Men’s Fellowship, Women in the New Evangelization)
- Promotion of and support for local evangelization seminars and conferences
- Support of Catholic presence in print, radio, online, and social media
Religious Education for Children and Youth
(Catholic School, Parish-Based, and Homeschool)- Elementary (PK-5)
- Middle School (6-8)
- High School (9-12)
- Consultation for RE curriculum evaluation and selection
- Sacramental Preparation programs
- RCIA Adapted for Children
- Catechetical Certification for Catholic School Teachers, Parish, and Homeschool Catechists
Catholic Adult Faith Formation- Adult Faith Formation Courses in both theology and methodology
- Consultation for evaluation and selection of Adult Catechetical materials
- Catechetical Leaders Certification Program (DREs, CREs)
- Training and resources for parish ministry leaders
- Local Catholic Speakers’ Bureau (in progress)