Course Description

The Catechism I: Creed and Sacraments will explore the main doctrinal elements of the Church’s creeds, examining how God saves us and how we participate in that through the sacramental life of the Church.  The course will introduce the student to the key structure and themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and give an overview of the nature of revelation, the response of faith, liturgy and sacraments


Hybrid Format - In-Person and Online

This is a hybrid course, meaning it is both online and live (in person and via zoom).  The courses features pre-recorded (asynchronous) lectures that discuss the content of the materials.  Students go through the material at their own pace.

The live sessions are meant to help students process the material, ask questions, and build community with other students.


Access to Online Course Orientation and Background Materials

- Available Monday, August 25


Live, In-Person 'Open House' Introductory Sessions

- September 8, 15, 22

Day: Monday

Times: 6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Zoom option available for distance students.  All sessions recorded for later playback.


Live, In-Person 'Office Hours' for Registered Course Students

- September 29
- November 3, 10

Day: Monday

Times: 6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Zoom option available for distance students.  All sessions recorded for later playback.


10-Week Online Schedule

Online modules with recorded lectures will be made available for students on the followings days:

Week 1 – September 29

Week 2 – October 6

Week 3 – October 13

Week 4 – October 20

Week 5 – October 27

Week 6 – November 3

Week 7 – November 10

Week 8 – November 17

Week 9 – November 24

Week 10 – December 1


Refund Policy

If requested before the beginning of Week 2 (October 6) of the online schedule, a full refund will be granted.  After that date, no refunds will be granted.


How to Find Us

Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 2312 E. Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016

The Institute Classroom is located to the west of the church, in the parish office building, south of the gift shop, towards Campbell Ave.

Email Eric:  [email protected]

Phone: (602) 954-9089

Pricing Options

Pick the plan that best fits your budget

Instructor

Institute Director Eric Westby, PhD

Dr. Eric J. Westby is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, coordinating Christian initiation for adults, teens and children. He teaches theology for the University of Mary, specializing in the areas of foundational doctrine, evangelization and catechetics. Through his studies at the Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, England, he received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has published articles in the Catholic University of America's International 'Journal of Evangelization and Catechetics'; in Franciscan University's 'Catechetical Review'; and in Emmaus Academic's In Speaking the Truth in Love: The Catechism and the New Evangelization. He has developed OCIA and youth ministry curricula, available through the Institute of Catholic Theology. Most importantly, he is husband to Nikki, is the father of five beautiful girls, has one son-in-law, and has one grandchild.

Course Curriculum

Available in the Course Dashboard after Registration. More to Be Added During the Course.

    1. Welcome to The Catechism I - Fall 2025

    2. Acknowledgment of Refund Policy

    3. All Access Pass - Fall 2025

    4. Course Overview Sheet (Subject to Change)

    5. Course Books to Purchase

    1. About the ICT/UMary Partnership Towards a Masters Degree

    2. Step 1 - Complete the ICT Homework and Grading Registration From

    3. Step 2 - Pay additional invoice for ICT 'for credit' students doing homework

    4. (Optional) Step 3 - Contacting the University of Mary

    5. Uploading Assignments to our Online 'Thinkwave' Gradebook

    6. Syllabus with Assignments and Schedule (Subject to Change) - Updated 10/11/2025

    7. Student Handbook Fall 2025

    1. Zoom Link for Office Hours Live Sessions Sept 29/Nov. 3, 10

    1. September 8, 2025

    2. September 15, 2025

    3. September 22, 2025

    4. Orientation Part 1 - September 29, 2025

    5. Orientation Part 2 - September 29, 2025

    1. Themes in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

    2. Video Lecture - Introduction to the Catechism

    1. Begin in Prayer

    2. Optional Material - Summary Slides - CCC #26-49 Man's Capacity for God

    3. Optional Material - Worksheet - Word Version - CCC #26-49 Man's Capacity for God

    4. Optional Material - Worksheet - PDF Version - CCC #26-49 Man's Capacity for God

    5. Optional Material - Video Lecture - CCC #26-49 - Man's Capacity for God

    6. Lecture Slides - CCC #50-73 God Comes to Meet Man

    7. Worksheet - Word Version - CCC #50-73 God Comes to Meet Man

    8. Worksheet - PDF Version - CCC #50-73 God Comes to Meet Man

    9. Video Lecture - CCC #50-73 - God Comes to Meet Man

    10. End in Prayer

About this course

  • $150.00
  • 80 lessons
  • 25.5 hours of video content