Below is a brief description of the modules available in the My Emmaus Formation Program. 

Ministry of Catechist

Ministry of Catechist will help you reflect on your ministry as “a person of faith who lives the baptismal call by sharing the faith with others… and helping bring others to Christ through the traditions and teachings of the Catholic faith… 
(A person who) realizes God’s voice in this call to serve and recognizes the ongoing need to grow in a relationship with Christ and deepen an understanding of the Catholic faith (Pope Francis, 2021). You will explore six ways of following Jesus – as a worshipper, witness, neighbor, forgiver, prophet, and steward –  and what they mean for your life as a disciple and teacher or catechist. You will reflect on the three primary roles of a catechist or teacher and how you live them out through your teaching: 1) as a witness of faith and keeper of the memory of God, 2) as a teacher and spiritual role model, and 3) as an accompanier and educator (see Directory for Catechesis, para 113). Start this module.

The Bible

Introduction to the Bible

Introduction to the Bible will help you develop an understanding of the Catholic approach to reading and interpreting the Bible. While the Bible is one unified story, it cannot all be read in the same way. The Bible contains a variety of literary styles which each uniquely contributes to the overall storyline. Each literary style lives by its own rules and structure. Learners will explore the Catholic approach to Scripture, understanding the concepts of inspiration and revelation, literary form, types of biblical literature, biblical history, and the Bible as a library. Students will also learn to read the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Letters of Paul using this Catholic approach. Start this module.

The Old Testament

Introduction to the Old Testament will help you develop an understanding of the different types of literature in the Old Testament and their central message or story. Learners will develop the understanding and skills necessary for reading the Old Testament to become an informed reader and believer. Students will explore the story of the Old Testament as told through four different types of Books: 1) The Pentateuch (first five books of the Old Testament), 2) the Historical Books, 3) the Prophetic Books, and 4) the Wisdom Books. Start this module.

The Gospels

Introduction to the Gospels will help you explore how each Gospel presents the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus in a unique way. The Gospel according to Mark introduces Jesus as a leader who suffers to save his people, leaving the reader to decide if Jesus is the promised Messiah. The Gospel according to Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection as a fulfillment of the whole biblical story. The Gospel according to Luke emphasizes the upside-down nature of God’s Kingdom – a place where all are welcome and power structures are reversed. The Gospel according to John emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God, one who performs miracles and gives eternal life to all who believe in him. Start this module.

Catholic Theology

Catholic Morality

Catholic Morality will help you develop an understanding of the foundations of contemporary Catholic morality by exploring Jesus’ vision of the moral life and the Church’s understanding of the moral life. You will explore Catholic morality as presented in the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults: 1) life in Christ; 2) love of God: the first, second, and third Commandments; 3) love in the family: the fourth, sixth, and ninth commandments; and 4) love of neighbor: the fifth, seventh, eighth, and tenth commandments. You will experience the application of Catholic moral principles through a moral decision-making process. Start this module.

Catholic Prayer

Catholic Prayer Practices will help you develop a deeper understanding of the meaning of prayer, and experience a variety of prayer practices, including scriptural prayer (lectio divina), contemplative prayer, intercessory prayer, praise prayer, thanksgiving prayer, daily prayer and liturgy of the hours, and the Examen. You will apply your knowledge and experience of prayer to deepening your prayer life and leading others in prayer. Start this module.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching will help you learn how the Catholic faith calls us to work for justice, to serve those in need, to pursue peace, and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers. You will explore how seven principles (or themes) of Catholic social teaching seek to embody the teachings of Jesus, the challenge of the Old Testament prophets, and the living tradition of the Church: 1) call to family, community, and participation; 2) care for God’s creation; 3) dignity of work and the rights of workers; 4) life and dignity of the human person; (5) option for the poor and vulnerable; 6) rights and responsibilities, and 7) solidarity. Start this module.

The Creed

The Creed learning program will help you deepen your understanding of the basic beliefs of the Catholic faith through an exploration of the Creed and its elements. The Nicene Creed is a detailed summary of what the Church believes about the great doctrines of the Christian faith. As we say the Creed at Sunday Mass, we join Christians past and present, and from all over the world, in proclaiming our common faith. You will explore the Creed in four movements: 1) we believe in God, 2) we believe in Jesus Christ, 3) we in the Holy Spirit, and 4) we believe in the Church. Start this module.

Jesus – Life, Death and Resurrection

Jesus – Life, Death, and Resurrection will help you deepen your understanding of the birth of Jesus (the Incarnation) as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke; the ministry of Jesus as presented in the four Gospels; the message of Jesus as presented in the four Gospels, with a special focus on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) and Sermon on the Plain (Luke); and the death and resurrection of Jesus as presented in the Synoptic Gospels and in the Gospel of John. You will be engaged in the study of Jesus Christ: his identity; what he accomplished on our behalf by his birth, public ministry, passion, death, and resurrection; and what role Jesus has in our life today. Start this module.

Catholic Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments will help you deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Catholic sacramental life and of the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. Sacraments not only reveal the presence and action of God, they are also an effective means by which grace—God’s own life—is given to us to be shared with others. Start this module.