Forming Young Disciples

The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should encourage them in their vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care a vocation to a sacred state. (Lumen Gentium11)

Approved Programs

In order to help unify the Diocese of Tyler, Bishop Strickland has given the St. Philip Institute responsibility for creating and recommending materials used for faith formation across all the parishes in the Diocese. 

In 2018, Bishop Strickland issued a decree authorizing parishes to use the Faith and Life series from Ignatius Press for faith formation for elementary students. Recognizing the diversity of our parishes and especially the need for better Spanish-language materials, the Alive in Christ/Vivos en Christos published by Our Sunday Visitor is also approved for children’s faith formation.

In 2022, a new program from the Augustine Institute, WORD OF LIFE, will be available for grades K-5. This new program combines the strengths of Faith and Life with respect to doctrinal clarity with the functionality and beauty customarily associated with the Augustine Institute. The St. Philip Institute and Bishop Strickland are happy to recommend this new program as another option for parishes and schools in the Diocese of Tyler. It is available in English or in a bilingual edition. 

Pastors, catechists, and others who have questions about curriculum options for faith formation should contact the Director of Faith Formation, Dr. Luke Arredondo.

WORD OF LIFE

Faith and Life Series Student Books

Vivo en Christo Student Books