Faith Formation

More coming soon!

Quinceañera Diocesan Policy

• Quinceañera Formation Program
• Quinceañera Formation Session 1 Slides
• Quinceañera Formation Session 4 Slides

Approved Catechetical Publishers for Baptismal Formation

• Augustine Institute
• Ave Maria Press
• Ignatius Press
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pflaum/Bayard
• The Pastoral Center
• William H. Sadlier
• Sophia Press

The Way of the Holy Family

Our Baptism formation program, The Way of the Holy Family, includes printed materials and booklets, downloadable forms (also available for purchase), and pre-baptism and post-baptism video components. The Way of the Holy Family is the standard program for Baptism formation the Diocese of Tyler. All of the materials are available in English and Spanish.

For more information visit www.dioceseoftyler.org/baptism-formation

Youth Sacraments of Initiation

In 2005, the Diocese of Tyler started celebrating the “restored order” of the Sacraments of Initiation. Restored order refers to the practice of celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation in the following order: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Note that this restored order is different from what many people are accustomed to today (Baptism, Eucharist, then Confirmation). It restores the Holy Eucharist to the climax of initiation.

Please contact your local parish to being this process.

General Guidelines

Children who have reached the age of reason (~7 years) and who have already been receiving systematic catechesis for at least a year, may request full initiation into the Church and begin their direct sacramental formation.

Children who have reached the age of reason (~7 years) and who have NOT received systematic catechesis for at least a year, may request full initiation into the church and will then begin their formation with systematic catechesis, followed by direct sacramental formation.

Pastor and Parental Discretion

Parents, as primary educators of their children, may believe their children need more or less time to be ready to receive their sacraments. These instances should be reviewed with each family as they come forward.

First Reconciliation

Should take place 6 months prior to full initiation. Ideally, candidates should go to confession monthly leading up to the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Adults Seeking Sacraments

Adults who are in need of any sacraments should speak to their parish for more information. The preparation process for adults will depend in part on their own circumstances and background.

Special Needs

If your child has special needs, you can dicuss this with your pastor and parish faithformation leader. The U.S. Bishop’s have special guidelines for persons with disabilities and special needs. The Diocese of Tyler also has resoruces available at: www.dioceseoftyler.org/specialneeds.

Approved Catechetical Publishers for Confirmation & Eucharist

• Augustine Institute
• Ave Maria Press
• Ignatius Press
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pflaum/Bayard
• Saint Mary’s Press
• The Pastoral Center
• William H. Sadlier
• Sophia Press
• Midwest Theological Forum
• RCL Benziger

If your child has special needs, you can dicuss this with your pastor and parish faithformation leader. The U.S. Bishop’s have special guidelines for persons with disabilities and special needs. The Diocese of Tyler also has resoruces available at: www.dioceseoftyler.org/specialneeds.

Approved Catechetical Publishers for Special Needs Catechesis

• Ignatius Press
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pflaum/Bayard
• The Pastoral Center
• William H. Sadlier
• RCL Benziger

What is Christian Initiation for Adults?

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the liturgical and catechetical process which prepares adults to receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation. The process incudes discernment, liturgical rites, catechetical sessions, and culminates in the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy. OCIA is for adults who have not been baptized, however parishes will frequently use OCIA for adults who are lacking other Sacraments.

If you are interesting in becoming Catholic, contact your local parish for more information on OCIA classes.

Approved Catechetical Publishers for OCIA

• Augustine Institute
• Ave Maria Press
• Ignatius Press
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pflaum/Bayard
• Saint Mary’s Press
• The Pastoral Center
• Midwest Theological Forum
• RCL Benziger

The Way of Christ

The Way of Christ is a resource for OCIA in the Diocese of Tyler, and it introduces readers to the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the basics of what Catholics believe and how Catholics should live. Each of the lessons has a video to accompany it and provoke reflection and discussion on the lesson topic.

Order Way of Christ Books

Way of Christ Videos (English)

Way of Christ Videos (Spanish)

More coming soon!

As disciples of Jesus Christ, ongoing faith formation is part of our lives as Christians. Below are resources provided by the Office of Faith Formation for ongoing formation for adults.

Approved Catechetical Publishers for Adult Formation

• Augustine Institute
• Ave Maria Press
• Ignatius Press
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pflaum/Bayard
• Saint Mary’s Press
• The Pastoral Center
• William H. Sadlier
• Sophia Press
• Midwest Theological Forum
• RCL Benziger

Intothechariot.com

The Center for Faith Formation is a resource for ongoing formation. All courses are free and can be accessed here.

Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Confirmation

Quinceañera Diocesan Policy

• Quinceañera Formation Program
• Quinceañera Formation Session 1 Slides
• Quinceañera Formation Session 4 Slides

Procedure for Baptized Catholics to Celebrate Sacramental Initiation

Catechesis on the 16 Goals of the Diocese for Christian Discipleship

Guidelines for Sacraments for Persons with Disabilities

Policy on New Catechetical Programs

Conformity Review Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series (USCCB)

Resources, handouts and video links from past catechist and formation conferences:

Diocesan Faith Formation Conference (Aug. 2025):

• Presentation Handouts
• Keynote Talks by Bishop Gregory Kelly and Rita Martinez (English and Spanish) – YouTube

Event Photo Archives:

• Faith Formation Publishers Day, Feb. 2026

Join the Diocese of Tyler on a pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027 in Korea. Experience the spiritual heart of Korean Catholicism, visit historic sites, and participate in World Youth Day celebrations. This journey offers opportunities for reflection, cultural immersion, and connection with young Catholics from around the world.

More information at: www.dioceseoftuler.org/wyd

For questions email wyd@dioceseoftyler.org. 

WYD Parish Promotion Flyer (PDF)