Formation Opportunities

The Department for Evangelization and Catechesis sponsors and publicizes programs and events to provide opportunities for continuing formation in the Diocese of Oakland.

The department offers continuing formation through these programs:

• Workshops and Events
• Serra Catechetical Institute
• School for Pastoral Ministry
• Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales

Serra Catechetical Institute

SCI is a comprehensive, two-year process that provides basic formation in spiritual development, doctrine, catechetical process and methodology (in English and Spanish). The Institute is appropriate for catechists, Catholic school teachers, parents, and all adults who want to know their Catholic faith better and be able to communicate it more effectively. SCI meets the formation requirements for the basic California Catechist Certificate.
More Information about SCI

School for Pastoral Ministry

The School is a three year process of formation in lay ministry that includes study of the Catholic faith and development of practical ministerial skills. Individual and couples interested in exploring their call to ministry, lay ministers seeking to increase their knowledge of the Faith and pastoral skills, catechists and Catholic school teachers, and men interested in the permanent diaconate are all encouraged to apply.
More Information about the School for Pastoral Ministry

See La Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales for formation in Spanish.

Other Formation Opportunities

DEC sponsors and advertises workshops, lectures, conferences and other formation opportunities online (see our Events calendar). If you are sponsoring an event that you would like reviewed for inclusion on our online calendar, please contact Melissa Hyatt.