Catechetical Formation is a core mission of the National Catholic Catechetical and Biblical Centre. Through training, examinations, and resource support, the Centre forms catechists who are spiritually rooted, well-instructed in Church teaching, and equipped to serve effectively in parishes and dioceses across Sri Lanka.
This formation journey supports catechists at every stage of their vocation, ensuring that the faith is handed on with fidelity to the Word of God, the Magisterium of the Church, and the pastoral needs of today.
National Catechists’ Training
The National Catechists’ Training Programme is the primary formation initiative of the Centre. It aims to strengthen catechists spiritually, doctrinally, and pedagogically so that they may serve as credible witnesses and effective teachers of the Catholic faith.
Organised annually in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, the programme brings together catechists from all dioceses for residential formation sessions. These gatherings combine prayer, Eucharistic celebration, doctrinal instruction, and practical teaching methods, fostering unity and renewal among catechists from diverse backgrounds.
🔗 Read more about the National Catechists’ Training Programme
National Catechists’ Examination
The National Catechists’ Examination is an essential part of the catechist formation process. It provides a unified national standard to assess the doctrinal knowledge, teaching ability, and faith commitment of catechists serving in parishes and dioceses.
Conducted annually under the guidance of the National Centre, the examination is offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, ensuring equal access for catechists across the country. Those who successfully complete the examination receive official certification, confirming their readiness and authorization to teach catechism within the Church.
🔗 Learn more about the National Catechists’ Examination
Examination Levels
Catechist formation is structured progressively through three examination levels, allowing catechists to grow step by step in knowledge, experience, and responsibility. This system supports continuous formation while recognizing different stages of catechetical service.
Each level builds upon the previous one, helping catechists deepen their understanding of Scripture, Church teaching, and catechetical practice, while strengthening their spiritual life and pastoral commitment.
🔗 View the Catechist Examination Levels
Resources for Catechists
The Resources for Catechists section offers materials that support both teaching and personal formation. These resources are carefully prepared or recommended by the National Centre to assist catechists in their ministry.
Available resources include catechetical texts, study guides, teaching aids, prayer materials, and reference documents that help catechists prepare lessons, deepen their faith, and serve their parish communities more effectively.
🔗 Explore Resources for Catechists