Cohort Program
Our five-year initiative funded by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant includes support for 15 diocesan cohorts, supporting parishes and schools seeking to transition into or deepen their approach to family catechesis. It is intended for parishes that do not already have a significant established family catechesis program.
The cohort program is a great option, but acceptance into the program is a selective process and we will not have funding to accept every interested diocese. However, the cohort program is not the only way you can benefit from our Community Initiative. Learn more about the core benefits of the initiative here.
The Cohort Model
A cohort consists of parishes in a diocese that The Pastoral Center has selected to partner with. All parishes or schools in a cohort diocese can participate in the program, which will help them implement family catechesis.
Many parishes are struggling with low family participation in Sunday liturgy, catechesis, and sacramental preparation. These are all symptoms of a deeper problem: parents who are not engaged in sharing faith with their children. This initiative will help you transform your faith formation approach to coach and partner with parents so they can become the primary catechists of their children. The program will help you to understand what families need, teach you how to coach parents effectively, provide practical resources, and support you along the way in a community of local ministry leaders.
The cohort program is designed to serve all parishes within the diocese and it funds extra support and funding for 10-15 pilot parishes.
Features
Introductory Presentation
Two-Day Training
Selected pilot parishes and any others adopting our resources will be invited to a in-person two-day training for implementing family catechesis in their diocese.
Ongoing Leader Support
The Pastoral Center's Growing Up Catholic team will offer ongoing leader support online and by phone during the cohort period and beyond.
Resources
Assessment & Evaluation
A detailed assessment process—including family surveys—in pilot parishes will determine the effectiveness of the program and how it can be improved.
Pilot Parishes & Funding
In each cohort, 10-15 communities will be selected as funded pilot parishes and/or schools to receive additional support, including free curriculum resources and an assessment process. (Additional parishes can also participate in the cohort.)
| All Cohort Parishes | Funded Pilot Parishes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Introductory Presentation | Grant-funded | Grant-funded | |
| In-Person Two-Day Training Workshop | Grant-funded | Grant-funded | |
| Online & Phone Leader Support | Grant-funded | Grant-funded | |
| Family Curriculum Resources | Parish-funded | Grant-funded | |
| Assessment & Evaluation Process | Grant-funded |
If you are in a cohort diocese, click the button below:
Learn more & apply to be a Pilot Parish
More Details
Diocesan Partnership
Learn about our selection process, what we are looking for in a diocesan partner, and how to apply.
Learn moreFor Parish Leaders
Find detailed information—including schedules and deadlines—for your local cohort.
Learn moreSchedule
The cohort program will be offered during three periods, each beginning a year apart.
Learn more