The Office of Religious Formation, a ministry supported by the Progress Annual Appeal, supports parishes by providing leadership formation and training for Parish Catechetical Leaders and catechists throughout the Diocese of El Paso. They have certified over 600 catechists, with the hope of installing 100 more in November, 2019.

The Centro San Juan Diego Arts, Cultural, and Faith Formation Center for Youth was established to pass on cultural faith traditions to middle school and Confirmation youth. The center operates a teaching kitchen, art studio, technology room, and silk screen studio, and offers Summer Camps (D-Camps), Saturday art classes, an afterschool program, Catholic school field trips and an overnight retreat for middle school youth. The center focuses on a holistic catechesis for middle and high schoolers that challenges youth to be protagonists in their faith formation and ministerial service.

The Office of Religious Formation shared that the Diocese of El Paso has seen a sharp decline in the sacramental life of the Church, particularly over the past 15 years, “but the good news is that our youth long for God, community, and the ability to serve, and we have the rich culture and traditions of our Mexican Catholic faith to nurture those needs.”

The Progress Annual Appeal supports the Religious Formation Ministry because their programs are imperative to continue the catechesis programs for children and young adults in our Catholic community. Your gift to Progress for the Office of Religious Formation will have a lasting impact on our future Catholics. If you would like more information about making a pledge or gift to support the Religious Formation Ministry through Progress, please contact the Catholic Foundation at 915-872-8412.

For more information about Centro San Juan Diego, please contact Religious Formation Ministry Director Dr. Veronica Rayas at (915) 262-4700 or vrayas@elpasodiocese.org.