Are you discerning a call to the permanent diaconate? Congratulations! Kino Catechetical Institute is proud to be the first stop on your official path of discernment.

Classroom Environment

• All classes begin and end with prayer.
• Experienced instructors, representing a variety of ministries and outreaches in the diocese, share their knowledge, expertise and love of the Catholic Faith.
• Diverse mix of adult learners, who go through the program as a cohort, and so come to know and love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Opportunities to ask questions, discuss challenges, and learn from dynamic interaction with instructors and fellow students.
• Distance learning opportunities available.

Your Coursework

• Adult Faith Formation consists of 14 five-week courses on Catholic doctrine and dogma, taught over the course of two academic years.
• Parish Leadership consists of four (4) two-day courses focusing on the methodology and pedagogy of handing on the Catholic Faith.
• All courses will have textbooks, reading assignments, and end-of-course assessments.
• Deacon Inquirers are required to take the Adult Faith Formation/Parish Leadership Combined program, for credit, and are required to carry a grade of “B” or better in all Kino courses.

Adult Faith Formation & Parish Leadership

Your Schedule

• Adult Faith Formation courses in our evening cohort are offered on either Tuesday (even years) or Wednesday (odd years) evenings during the academic year.
• Evening courses run from 6:30-9:30pm.
• Adult Faith Formation courses in our daytime cohort are offered on either Wednesday (odd years) or Thursday (even years) mornings during the academic year.
• Daytime courses run from 9:00am-Noon.
• Parish Leadership courses are offered on Saturdays during the academic year. Each course meets from 9am-4pm, with a one-hour break for lunch.’
• All of our courses are held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 400 E Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Schedule All English Programs 2025-2026

Getting Started

Are you ready to join us? Please click on the admissions button below.

Visit the Office of the Diaconate

For more information on the Diaconate visit the Office of the Diaconate.

Why Kino Catechetical Institute?

Benefits of Kino

• Learn more about your Catholic faith!
• Meet fellow Catholics, including other deacon inquirers, from across the Diocese.
• Learn the “why” behind what we believe, plus skills for sharing these truths.
• Be formed as a catechist to support any work the Holy Spirit calls you to do for the Church.

Features of Kino

• The Catholic Faith, taught from the heart and mind of the Church, by experienced instructors, catechists, clergy and religious from throughout the diocese.
• Dynamic formation aimed at preparing students to bear confident, charitable witness to the truths of the faith, in whatever way they are called to do so.
• A two-year formation which will help men discern more clearly if they are called to pursue the permanent diaconate.
• Graduates of Kino Catechetical Institute’s Adult Faith Formation/Parish Leadership Combined program receive an advanced catechist certification from the Diocese of Phoenix.