ABOUT US
In 2016, Catholic diocesan catechetical leaders submitted a proposal to the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario that an association of diocesan catechetical personnel from the dioceses across Ontario was needed.
The General Directory for Catechesis encourages this kind of regional cooperation. It states:
Inter-diocesan cooperation is extremely fruitful in our time. Shared catechetical endeavour is advisable not only for reasons of geographic proximity but also for reasons of cultural homogeneity. Indeed "it is useful for a number of Dioceses to combine their actions, bringing together for common benefit their experiences and undertakings, their offices and equipment; for the Dioceses that are better provided to give help to the others; and for a common action programme to be prepared for the region as a whole". (GDC, 268)
Following a year of discussions and discernment, the inaugural meeting of the CRCA took place in Toronto on October 26, 2017 and the first elections were held to name a chair, treasurer and secretary.
The Central Regional Catechetical Association (CRCA) maintains contact with the other catechetical associations across Canada, namely the Atlantic Catechetical Association and the Western Conference of Catholic Religious Educators as well as the Office for Catechesis and Evangelization of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
mission, vision & purpose
mission
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The Central Regional Catechetical Association (CRCA) provides a forum for representatives of the dioceses of Central Canada to share and seek support in their common ministry of catechesis for children, youth, and adults in the Catholic Church in our region.
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vision
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With the approval of the ACBO, the CRCA is an English-speaking association that provides a network of communication among dioceses for sharing ideas, successes, and challenges in both the formation of catechists and delivery of catechesis.
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In recognition of the significant contribution to the catechesis of young people undertaken by the publicly funded Catholic School System in Ontario, the Association seeks opportunities to liaise with educational groups, share experience and resources, and support projects or initiatives of mutual interest and benefit as we are able.
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purpose
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To provide a forum for sharing the efforts of all Catechists in our region with a view to bringing together for common benefit their experiences, undertakings and resources in order to facilitate:
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Cooperating in dealing with common concerns related to catechesis in our region
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Mutual support and sharing
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Exchange of ideas and resources
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Continuing education
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Personal growth in faith
membership
The CRCA is open to all Dioceses and Eparchies of the central region of Canada. Though we are an English speaking association, Francophone representation is welcomed as is Aboriginal representation and representation from other groups as the executive and/or bishops see the need.
Each member is appointed by the Bishop and is involved in Catechetical leadership.
