Course Description

The Catechism II: Morality and Prayer will build on the creedal and sacramental foundations of the Church by exploring the second half of the Catechism.  In particular, it will examine key moral principles that guide individual and social behavior in light of revelation, as well as look at the Ten Commandments and their impact on Christian living.  The course culminates in an introduction to the Church’s life of prayer, with a particular examination of the Lord’s Prayer.


When it Meets

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

- Monday, January 12, 2026


Live, In-Person 'Open House' Introductory Sessions

- January 19, 26
- February 2

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

- February 9
- March 30
- April 6 

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 – February 23

Week 2 – March 2

Week 3 – March 9

Week 4 – March 16

Week 5 – March 23

Week 6 – March 30

Week 7 – April 6

Week 8 – April 13

Week 9 – April 20

Week 10 – April 27


Refund Policy

If requested before the beginning of Week 2 (March 2) 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.

Phone: 602-954-9089

Pricing Options

Pick the plan that best fits your budget

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

    1. Welcome to ICT 103 - The Catechism II - Spring 2026

    2. Acknowledgment of Refund Policy

    3. All Access Pass - Spring 2026

    4. Course Overview Sheet (Subject to Change) - Updated 10-11-2025

    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 01-12-2026

    7. Student Handbook Fall 2025

    1. Zoom Link for - January 19

    2. Video - January 19th

    3. Zoom Link for - January 26

    4. January 26 Handout #1 - Belief, Assent, and Error Chart

    5. January 26 Handout #2 - Death Penalty Catechism Excerpts

    6. Zoom Link for - February 2

    7. Zoom Link for - February 9, March 30, April 6

    1. Themes in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

    2. Video Lecture - Introduction to the Catechism

    3. Background Concepts Sheet

    4. Video Lecture - Background Concepts

    5. Our Life in Christ - The Basics of Catholic Morality

    6. Video Lecture - Our Life in Christ - The Basics of Catholic Morality

    7. Doing Homework? Watch Video - Eric's Essay Writing Tips

    8. Doing Homework? Read the Handout - Eric's Essay Writing Tips

About this course

  • $150.00
  • 27 lessons
  • 20 hours of video content