This past week, 30 lay parish leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered to take part in the annual Fall retreat for the EQUIP Faith Formation program. EQUIP is the Archdiocesan formation process designed to help prepare parishioners for the mission of New Evangelization.
Be Equipped For Mission
EQUIP is a new Archdiocesan formation process, 
designed to help prepare you for the mission of New Evangelization – the mission to bring the Gospel to all those you meet in your daily life.
EQUIP is comprised of four major components which work together to provide formation and preparation for the mission of evangelization within parishes in the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. These four components are:
- Diploma in the New Evangelization (Atlantic School of Theology)
- Retreats (twice annually)
- Small Group Discussions (monthly)
- Webinars (twice annually)
Many Catholics are engaged with their faith and desire to share their faith with others but don’t know how. EQUIP provides the teachings, skills, tools, and confidence to prepare leaders for the mission - whether that means leadership in your parish, your family, your workplace or the public sphere. If you have the desire to witness to Christ and to bring Him to those you encounter – consider EQUIP!
| “Being a part of the Equip program is incredible as it brings me into fellowship with other Catholics desiring to grow in faith and follow Jesus to impact our church communities with love, relevance and revival like the early church. What an incredible blessing this has been - I love being a part of the Equip program!” - Cathy, 2nd Year EQUIP student |
For more information about EQUIP see below "Facts about EQUIP".
Facts about EQUIP
Practical Skills
Each semester features a webinar focused on the concrete skills you need to effectively share Christ with others. These skills focus on your identifying your personal vocation and mission, sharing the faith with others, discernment, and leadership. Additionally, you be expected to participate in a wider formative experience, related to evangelization, church renewal, or Christian leadership to help broaden your experience.
The Diploma in New Evangelization
The Diploma in New Evangelization is a program offered by the Atlantic School of Theology (AST). This program forms part of the EQUIP and is required coursework. These six courses are designed to give basic understanding of Catholic theology and teaching and how they apply in today’s culture.
Learning Communities
Each participant is part of a monthly small group session, facilitated by a mentor, to discuss your learning and help discern how God is calling you to follow him in everyday life.
Spiritual Development
Each academic year begins and ends with a retreat. These retreats provide you with an opportunity to grow in prayer and to bond in community with other participants.
EQUIP is structured so that Catholics from across the diocese can participate. Classes and small groups are available online in real time, so that in-class those at a distance can take part in the discussions and learning.
Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and donors, we are able to offer EQUIP free of charge to accepted applicants! The cost without this sponsorship would be approximately $1,100 per student for each year. That’s $3,300 in training invested in you over the course of the program to help bring about renewal of the church and the world.
EQUIP requires a commitment of your time and attention. The program is completed over three years. In particular EQUIP students are expected to:
- be active in a local parish
- participate fully in all four components of EQUIP
- complete all required readings and assignments
- attend the twice yearly retreats in person
EQUIP Applications for 2024-25 will open in the Spring, 2025.
Questions can be directed to:
Chris O’Hara
(902) 429-9800 ext. 322
Office of Pastoral Life & New Evangelization
Arcdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
1559 Brunswick St., Suite 101, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2G1
