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Doctrinal Formation

The love of Christ and His Church which is fostered by the spiritual life naturally leads the catechist to desire a deeper understanding of the Faith. Doctrinal formation for members of the Apostolate is accomplished primarily through three home study courses. Each course provides a thorough and systematic study of Catholic doctrine based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In order to assure a comprehensive understanding of the content of each lesson, a set of questions is posed at the end of each lesson. The responses are sent to a central office for correction at no additional cost to the student. In addition, you can go at your own pace as there is no time limit to completing the courses.The courses include:

  • Course Number One – Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Basic Catholic Catechism CourseRevised and Updated by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke (Sixteen lessons covering the essentials of the Faith: Salvation History, the Apostles’ Creed, the Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Seven Sacraments, and the Lord’s Prayer). For Basic Course Assistance click here.
  • Course Number Two – Father John A. Hardon’s Advanced Catholic Catechism Course (Thirty-six lessons: Teaching the Catholic Faith, What We Believe, The Channels of Grace, Christian Morality and Prayer). For Advanced Course Assistance click here.
  • Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis (also known as the CGDC; written by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, International Director of the Apostolate, the CGDC is a well-organized tool to aid catechists in effectively teaching the Faith). For the Commentary click here. For the questions to answer and submit click here.

Members are asked to begin their doctrinal formation by taking the Revised Basic Course.

After completing the Advanced Course, members are encouraged to complete Father Hardon’s Spiritual Masters Course, although this is not a requirement for consecration. The Masters of the Spiritual Life Course offers an in-depth study of Saint Augustine, Saint Francis of Assisi, Thomas a Kempis, Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Peter Julian Eymard and Saint Therese of Lisieux. 

Members are further encouraged to deepen their knowledge and practice of the Faith by studying Father Hardon’s other works. Course materials may be ordered from lifeeternal.org or call 800 842 2871,  or email wjsjmj@bardstowncable.net.

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