We are so grateful for the service you provide in educating children throughout the Diocese of Phoenix.
Kino Catechetical Institute is here to support you! The Essentials of the Catholic Faith/Catechist Formation Program exists to satisfy your catechist certification requirement and support your mission of integrating the faith throughout your curriculum.
Summer session is scheduled June 8 – June 19, 2026, 9:00am – 4:00pm
All classes will be in person at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
Already Certified? Learn about recertification
Catechist certification and recertification requirements.
Benefits of Attending Kino
- Learn new ways to integrate the Catholic faith into curriculum across subjects.
- Get to know other Catholic school educators from across the diocese and build your network.
- Learn from some of the best veteran instructors, catechists, clergy, and religious.
Features of Kino
- Dynamic formation aimed at preparing students to bear confident, charitable witness to the truths of the faith.
- Systematic, comprehensive overview of the doctrine and dogma of the Catholic Faith to deepen understanding and provide a foundation for further work and study.
- Successful completion of the Essentials of the Catholic Faith/Catechist Formation program satisfies the Catholic Schools Office catechist certification requirement for Catholic school educators.
Classroom Environment
- Diverse mix of adult learners.
- Opportunities to ask questions and interact with instructors and fellow students.
Coursework
- Essentials of the Catholic Faith: eight (8) courses focusing on the doctrine and dogma of the Catholic Faith.
- Catechist Formation: two (2) courses focusing on the methodology and pedagogy of handing on the Catholic Faith.
- United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is required. Catholic Study Bible is recommended.
Schedule
- We do our best to accommodate you. Join us for an intensive summer session in June (Mon-Fri) to complete all ten courses or make use of the sessions offered throughout the school year during the Fall and Spring.
- During the Fall/Spring session there are some courses that will only be offered online and will be asynchronous. Link will be provided prior to class date.
- Kino is located at the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 400 E Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ. Parking is offered in a parking deck east of the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
- Successfully completing all courses satisfies your requirement for certification for 3 years. Catechist Certification Application/Session Tracker must be submitted to the Kino office in order to receive certificate.
Getting Started
Registration for the Fall/Spring opens July 1st.
If you are not ready to register but have questions about your courses or schedule, please do not hesitate to email us at kinoinstitute@dphx.org.