EQUIP Formation for the New Evangelization

Thirty Parish Leaders Gather for EQUIP Retreat

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.

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. The program includes small group cohorts, two annual retreats, and courses that provide a basic Christian theological formation to our students. This incoming EQUIP class is the first to move to the new course model that we have, which is a partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville. Because the courses can be done remotely, leaders from every parish in the diocese have been involved in the EQUIP program since its inception in 2017. This season is an exciting time of growth for the EQUIP program. Applications for Fall 2025 will open this Spring.

Be Equipped For Mission

EQUIP is a new Archdiocesan formation process, EQUIP brochure pic on FrontPanel 72 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, 2^nd Year EQUIP student

For more information about EQUIP see below "Facts about EQUIP".

EQUIP Formation 2024-2025 Components

Wednesday Evenings
(6:00pm-8:30pm)
Weekly classes in AST’s Diploma in New Evangelization

Small Group Meetings - Monthly

Webinars (on topics related to Evangelization) - Two per year (online)

Retreat Weekends (TBD)
1. Fall 2024
2. Spring 2025

Adult Faith Formation Contacts

Sarah Morrison
Pastoral Services & Responsible Ministry Assistant (PSRA)
(902) 429-9800 ext. 403
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Chris O'Hara
Project Coordinator Faith Formation
(902) 429-9800 ext. 322
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Facts about EQUIP

1. The Four Components of 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
EQUIPgraphic sq

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.

2. Flexible Approach

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.

3. Investing In You

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.

4. Are You Ready?

EQUIP requires a commitment of your time and attention. The program is completed over three years. In particular EQUIP students are expected to: