The Benedict XVI Institute for New Evangelization aims to serve the New Evangelization by developing and offering innovative programs in faith formation and catechesis. Course offerings are aimed at ordained ministers, parish pastoral assistants and volunteers, and the general public.
The Institute was founded in response to the call of Archbishop Richard Smith, who identified faith formation as a key priority for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. It also implements proposals of the XIII General Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. Among other things, the synod called for good catechesis of adults and strong formation for catechists. They also asked all Catholic universities and theological faculties to consider the New Evangelization an integral dimension of their mission. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made the New Evangelization a central theme throughout his papacy, and so was a natural source for the name of the new institute.
The Benedict XVI Institute currently offers the following faith enrichment opportunities:
A comprehensive selection of courses on various aspects of the Catholic faith, all offered online, which can be taken individually for interest, or applied toward a specialized Certificate in Catholic Studies. This user-friendly format has grown rapidly and is being accessed by hundreds of people across the world.
A four week program designed to strengthen the ministry of priests whose native culture is not Canadian. NTC also provides a Mentorship Module to train other priests with experience in various dioceses to assist new international priests with their transition to ministry in Canada and a Parish Intercultural Awareness Module to help educate parishes throughout Western Canada to support their international priests and understand the issues they face.
Noon-hour seminars designed to explore the treasures of the Catholic faith through reading foundational texts that have shaped Catholic Tradition – free of charge and open to all.
Echoing the words of Archbishop Smith's Pastoral Letter Living in the Word of God (Sept. 2017), the Living in the Word seminars seek to 'create opportunities for fellow disciples to gather and reflect deeply upon the Word of God.
“Directions in Aboriginal Ministry” is an annual conference co-sponsored by NTC as part of the Western Canadian Bishops Building Bridges project and a course may also be taken for credit at NTC.
Vocatus is a series of breakfast gatherings for Catholic business leaders in the Edmonton Area. An initiative of the New Evangelization designed specifically to engage and promote the lay apostolate in the marketplace through fellowship, shared wisdom, and inspiring talks.
This program offers participants a better understanding of pastoral care given to hospital patients, continuing care and assisted living residents, community shut-ins and congregation members. The comprehensive 10 hour program outlines the foundations of Pastoral Care and Sacramental Ministry, Types of Ministry Visits, Dealing with Grief, Caring for the Volunteer and finishes with a Certificate ceremony.