Upcoming Faith Formation and Catechetical Certification Opportunities for Fall 2025
Catechesis is central to evangelization and mission in the Church and core to catechesis are the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church. Whether you are active as a catechist or are interested in learning more about your faith, the courses and seminars offered by the University of Dayton’s VLCFF through the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston will deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and Tradition. Courses are offered in person, online and hybrid. Below are three hybrid courses being offered beginning Oct 26th, 2025. All courses are free but registration is required. The courses are being underwritten by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Office of Evangelization & Catechesis, who pays 100% of the tuition and the cost of any books associated with the courses. The course instructor is Dr. Rodica Stoicoiu. For further information or to register, please contact Dr. Stoicoiu at rodicastoicoiuphd@gmail.com
The Diocese of Wheeling Charleston offers Catechetical Certification and recognizes VLCFF courses for various levels of certification. Certain courses are especially designed for volunteer catechists, Catholic school religion teachers, members of OCIA teams and all those who would be enriched by formal training in this field. For further information regarding the VLCFF certification program please contact Dr. Stoicoiu or Ms. Shirley Carter at scarter@dwc.org. There are 6 required courses for level one certification including the Sacraments class below. Both classes are open to ALL adults interested in deepening their faith and growing in their understanding of the theology and Tradition of the Church.
Sacraments
Five Week Course, Begins the week of Oct 26th. This course is part of the Certificate in Catechesis series. During this course we will examine the theology of the sacraments and their place in the public, liturgical prayer of the Church especially because the Church is most deeply Church when it gathers together for liturgy. We will discuss each of the sacraments within the context of their role in the lives of the faithful: sacraments of initiation, healing and reconciliation, and service to community. This course is open to everyone . It is part of the Certificate in Catechesis and will be especially helpful for catechists, members of OCIA teams, and all those interested in deepening their faith. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings on Zoom at 7 pm beginning on Oct 29th. To register or for further information please contact Dr. Rodica Stoicoiu rodicastoicoiuphd@gmail.com
Survey of Catholic Social Teaching
Five Week Course, Begins the week of Oct 26th. It has been said that the social justice teachings of the Church are some of its best kept secrets! This course is an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching and will look at the basic documents of Church, and scripture to help us reflect on the root causes of injustice in our communities and the just actions we are called to take. This course is part of the Certificate in Social Justice series, is open to everyone. The class will meet on Thursday afternoons at 4 pm on Zoom beginning on Oct 30th. To register or for further information please contact Dr. Rodica Stoicoiu rodicastoicoiuphd@gmail.com
This Land Is Home To Me: The Cry of Appalachia
This is a special three-week seminar beginning the week of Nov 3rd. It was developed especially for the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston. The people of Appalachia have a special story to tell about their relationship with the land, with one another and with God. As part of the ongoing celebrations, the Church of West Virginia is invited to participate in this seminar focused on the Pastoral Letter: This Land is Home to Me. We will study and discuss the Pastoral in light of the Appalachian experiences of poverty, powerlessness and suffering today. The current scheduled seminar meets via Zoom on Monday evenings at 7 pm. To register or for further information please contact Dr. Rodica Stoicoiu rodicastoicoiuphd@gmail.com
We are called throughout our lives to turn and re-turn to God. This is the process of ongoing conversion. Deepening our understanding of faith, growing in our relationship with God and one another includes learning about that faith, the Scriptures and our Tradition. Take time this year to meet other Catholics, learn, discuss and deepen your faith.
