Welcome to the Catechetical Institute of the School of Theological Studies (STS) at  Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary!  Thank you for choosing us to accompany you in your faith formation.

What is the Catechetical Institute?

The Catechetical Institute offers eight online courses to help participants grow in their knowledge of the Catholic Faith:

• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Person of Jesus
• Foundations of the Church
• Sacraments of Initiation
• Sacraments of Healing and Vocation
• Christian Anthropology
• Catholic Moral Teaching

When does the Catechetical Institute take place?

Courses are offered on a rotating basis four times a year in February, April, July, and November. Two courses are offered in February, April, and November, and four courses are offered in July.  Courses begin on the first Monday of the designated month.

How are the catechetical credits earned?

The Catechetical Institute provides eight core courses that can be used towards the catechetical certification program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Catechetical Formation (OCF). Upon successful completion of a course, the STS Office will send a participant’s name to OCF and they will issue a catechetical credit.

Who can participate in the Catechetical Institute?

The Catechetical Institute is for adults 18 years+ with a high school diploma or equivalent. The courses are for teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia elementary schools who are required to obtain catechetical certification; parish catechists; and those seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic Faith.

How will I access the course materials and assignments?  Are courses asynchronous or synchronous?

The School of Theological Studies transitioned to a new learning management system (LMS) in April 2022. The new LMS–NEO by Cyber Learning–offers robust features that enhance participants’ learning experience.

When you first register for a course, you will be assigned a NEO username (first letter of first name followed by full last name, e.g. jsmith) and a temporary password. After logging into NEO for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password.  Please keep your username and password for future courses.

Courses are asynchronous with assignments due throughout the week. Course materials and assignments are released one week at a time.  Each course has a facilitator who assigns learning activities, monitors discussion boards, and answers questions about course content/materials.  Each course runs for 4 weeks with a new learning module opening online each Monday during that 4-week time frame.

How much does it cost?

Each course is $60 and non-refundable.  Payment in full is required at the time of registration.  We accept PayPal, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and Visa or Mastercard gift cards.  Receipts are available through the online payment process.

God bless your continuing faith formation through the Catechetical Institute!