Forming Disciples
Lifelong Faith Formation
The Forming Disciples Curriculum
The curriculum can be accessed through the Parish & Schools Resource Portal. Please contact your Pastor or Parish Administrator for the password. Otherwise please fill out the contact form below, and we can provide that to parish staff members.
The Diocese remains committed to implementing the curriculum using these four methods:
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Family-Centered Learning
Faith formation begins in the home, the Domestic Church. How do we support parents in effectively sharing and strengthening their faith?
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Connection to Sunday Community
Mass is the "source and summit" of our faith - how are we connecting children and families to the Sunday community?
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Diversified Learning Strategies
Today's faith formation must continue to be well-planned and intentional, with a variety of options and methods available.
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Worthwhile Servce
Service that allows our faith to be put into action is significant; coupled with theological reflection, we encounter Christ.
The Diocese of Buffalo is pleased to provide to parishes and Catholic high schools current Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis. This document replaces all previous versions of the Curriculum Guides for Adolescent Catechesis of the Diocese of Buffalo. Please review each of the documents provided below – simply click on the title to download. They are a resource for the implementation of a comprehensive and systemic approach to adolescent catechesis.
Please note that the curriculum for Confirmation preparation is separate. Please review our standards on the Sacraments page.
The Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis by Topic
CORE Curriculum
I. Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ
II. Jesus and the New Testament
III. The Mission of Christ and the Church
IV. Sacraments and Prayer
V. Morality
Elective Topics
VI. Sacred Scripture
VII. Church History
VIII. Christian Lifestyles
IX. Catholic Social Teaching
X. Ecumenism & Interreligious Issues
Curriculum guidelines are in alignment with the USCCB’s Adapted Adolescent Curriculum Framework for Parish and Youth Ministry Programs.
Family Resources to Connect Faith to Sunday Liturgy
From the Archdiocese of Detroit, simple and insightful ways for families to spend time together learning about the Catholic faith
From the Rochester Diocese, a great resource that links the Sunday readings with activities and faith practices
Protecting God's Children
Everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults needs to be in compliance with VIRTUS (Protecting God’s Children).
Children are required to receive awareness training too; we currently use the “Empowering God’s Children” program.
The deadline to report this training is Nov 1st.
All reporting is done online through the VIRTUS system. For more information, contact your VIRTUS administrator.
Planning for the Future
COVID-19 Guidelines: At this time we ask that you follow CDC guidelines, and your local county guidelines. As of last Friday Governor Hochul issued a mask mandate for all schools. Therefore, please expect masks for all students and teachers/catechists. Current CDC guidelines ask for as much social distancing as possible (3 feet for students, and 6 feet for teachers). They can take alternating brief periodic mask breaks every hour if needed (just make sure those in close proximity are not taking a break at the same time). Please encourage this distancing for any situation where students will be in proximity with others for more than 15 minutes. For those leading Family based Faith Formation ministry please ensure that there is appropriate distancing between families. We want to foster as much protection as possible for our children, families, catechists, and staff. For additional guidance from the Diocese please go to: www.buffalodiocese.org/coronavirus
Formation Models: Great resources from our friends in the Diocese of Rochester and Syracuse
Sacramental Information: The Diocese of Buffalo policies on sacraments
For Leaders: Planning your Faith Formation year and beyond can be challenging! Check out some of these resources for ideas and best practices. Can’t find what you’re looking for? New and need guidance? Contact us at 716-847-8760 for assistance!
