Online Resources

Stay up to date on the latest resources, opportunities and guidance from the Office of Lifelong Formation with the resources below.

Taking Shape is a monthly newsletter designed to support, strengthen collaboration and celebrate formation ministers across the Archdiocese of Chicago. Each month, the Lifelong Formation Newsletter provides updates and announcements from the Archdiocese, events and opportunities for parish ministers, resources for ministry with children, youth, and families, resources related to the formation and sacramental preparation of adults, and stories of inspiration for parish ministers. We are confident that every edition of Taking Shape will support parish ministers in sowing seeds of hope as witnesses, teachers and companions on the journey of faith. Subscribe here.

Archived editions of Taking Shape are available here:

2025/2026
December 2025 – Leading with Hope (link)
November 2025 – The Saints and Liturgical Year (link)
October 2025 – Discipleship & Prayer (link)
September 2025 – Catechetical Ministry (link)

2024/2025
June 2025 – Catechist Teams and Advisory Boards (link)
May 2025 – Catechetical Methodology (link)
April 2025 – Program Calendaring and Planning (link)
March 2025 – Faith Formation Program Planning and Ministry Budgeting (link)
February 2025 – Summer Faith Formation for Children and Families (link)
January 2025 – Evangelizing, Liturgical and Systematic Catechesis (link)
December 2024 – Sacramental Formation (link)
November 2024 – Safe Environment (link)
October 2024 – The Vocation of the Catechist (link)
September 2024 – Recognizing Parents (link)
August 2024 – Supporting Catechists (link)

2023/2024
July 2024 (link)
June 2024 (link)
May 2024 (link)
April 2024 (link)
March 2024 (link)
February 2024 (link)
January 2024 (link)
December 2023 (link)
November 2023 (link)
October 2023 (link)
September 2023 (link)
August 2023 (link)

The Lifelong Formation YouTube Channel stores a variety of recorded trainings and webinars for leaders and volunteers who work in parish ministry with children, youth, and adults. Playlists are available which include videos in the following categories: