Catechist Formation Process - Book Study Credit Guide

Parish catechists and Catholic school teachers are encouraged to undertake personal study to better form themselves as evangelists and
disciples of Jesus Christ. Group book study may be eligible for credit in the diocesan Catechist Formation Process.
The following list gives suggestions for books appropriate for formation credit and the corresponding credit in the formation process.
This credit assumes 10 hours of group discussion spread over no more than 10 months.
For books that do not contain discussion questions or with an available study guide, a group facilitator can guide the discussion. (For
resources on small group facilitation, contact the Office for Catechesis.)
If you would like to organize a study for a book not on this list, contact the Office for Catechesis for guidance on appropriate credit.
Basic Level
Author
Connors,
Russell B.
Dees, Jared

Harrington,
Daniel J., SJ
Kreeft, Peter

Paprocki, Joe

Paprocki, Joe

Pennock,
Michael
White, Dr.
Joseph D.

Title
Christian Morality: In the Breath of
God
31 Days to Becoming a Better
Religious Educator

Publisher
Loyola Press (2001)

How Do Catholics Read the Bible?

Rowman & Littlefield (2005)

Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral

Wisdom for Modern Moral
Confusion
The Catechists Toolbox / Beyond the
Catechists Toolbox

Ignatius Press (1992)

Loyola Press (2007/2013)

Leaders guide available for

purchase from Loyola Press

The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic's

Guide to Understanding and
Embracing God's Word
This is Our Faith: A Catholic
Catechism for Adults
The Way God Teaches: Catechesis
and the Divine Pedagogy

Loyola Press (2009)

Discussion questions included in

the book

Ave Maria Press (2013)

Ave Maria Press (1998)

Our Sunday Visitor (2014)

Notes
Discussion questions included in
the book
Free leaders guide:
bit.ly/31DaysLeaderGuide
Discussion questions included in
the book

Discussion questions included in

the book
Discussion questions included in
the book

Credit
Introduction to
Morality
Methodology
Part 1 or 2 (5 hours
each)
Introduction to
Scripture
Introduction to
Morality
Methodology
Part 1 or 2 (5 hours
each)
Introduction to
Scripture
Overview of Catholic
Teaching
Methodology
Part 1 or 2 (5 hours
each)

Intermediate Level
Author
Title
Benedict XVI
Jesus of Nazareth
Kelly,
Matthew
Paprocki, Joe
Vogt, Brandon
Weddell,
Sherry

Publisher
Doubleday (2007)

Fours Signs of a Dynamic Catholic

Beacon Publishing (2012)

Practice Makes Catholic: Moving

from a Learned Faith to a Lived Faith
Saints and Social Justice: A Guide to
Changing the World
Forming Intentional Disciples: The
Path to Knowing and Following Jesus

Loyola Press (2011)

Advanced Level
Author
Title
Paprocki, Joe, Great is the Mystery: Encountering
and D. Todd
the Formational Power of Liturgy
Williamson

Notes
Study guide available for
purchase from Ignatius Press
Free study guide:
bit.ly/4SignsGuide

Our Sunday Visitor (2014)

Our Sunday Visitor (2012)

Study guide available for

purchase from Our Sunday
Visitor

Publisher
Liturgy Training Publications
(2013)

Notes
Discussion questions included in
the book

Credit
Christology
Discipleship and
Spirituality
Discipleship and
Spirituality
Catholic Social
Teaching
Discipleship and
Spirituality

Credit
Sacraments in Depth

Personal Spiritual Enrichment

Author
Title
Martin, James, Between Heaven and Mirth: Why
SJ
Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the
Heart of the Spiritual Life
McBride,
Images of Mary
Alfred,
OPraem
Paprocki,
Holy Goals for Body and Soul: Eight
Bishop
Steps to Connect Sports with God
Thomas John
and Faith
Paprocki, Joe
7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness:
Enriching Your Faith by
Strengthening the Health of Your
Soul
Paprocki, Joe
Under the Influence of Jesus: The
Transforming Experience of
Encountering Christ
Rohlheiser,
The Holy Longing: The Search for A
Ronald
Christian Spirituality
Sammons, Eric Holiness for Everyone: The Practical
Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva
Scalia,
Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols
Elizabeth
of EverydayLlife

Publisher
HarperOne (2011)

Notes

Saint Anthony Messenger

Press (1999)
Ave Maria Press (2013)

Loyola Press (2012)

Free discussion questions:

bit.ly/7KeysGuide

Loyola Press (2014)

Free discussion questions:

bit.ly/UnderTheInfluenceOfJesus

Doubleday (1999)
Our Sunday Visitor (2012)
Ave Maria Press (2013)

The ministry of the Office for Catechesis is funded by the generous contributions to the Annual Catholic
Services Appeal for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois | 1615 W Washington | Springfield IL 62702-4757 | (217) 698-8500 | www.dio.org

Updated: May 2015