Resources Faith Formation Leaders
Evangelization and catechesis for the mission of forming disciples of Jesus Christ.
Faith Formation Leader Resources
Here are a variety of tools for reference for faith formation leaders in the Archdiocese of Boston.
Michael Lavigne's Bio
A native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Michael Lavigne currently serves as Assistant Cabinet Secretary for Evangelization and Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Boston, which includes his work as Director of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation & Parish Support. Additionally, Michael is the President of The Institute for the New Evangelization.
Previously he was the Senior Associate to the Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelization in Boston and prior to that he was the Director of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for the Diocese of Portland, Maine.
For the past 29 years he has served in the Catholic Church in a variety of leadership roles for evangelization and faith formation in diocesan, parish, and Catholic school settings. On the side he has served as a member of the school committee of his hometown and coached middle/high school sports. He is a workshop presenter and retreat facilitator who covers a wide array of topics – from Evangelization to Chastity to Family Life to the Eucharist to the Dignity of Life and more.
Michael’s most important roles, outside of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, are that of husband and father. He is married to Lori and they are the proud parents of Michael Jr., Mariana, John Paul, Therese, Julia, Chiara, Celeste, and Timothy. The Lavigne’s reside in North Dighton, Massachusetts. Michael and Lori produce a podcast on the domestic church called Raising 8: A Couple of Sinners Trying to Raise Saints (raising8.net).
Michael has earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and communications from Rhode Island College, as well as a Master of Arts degree in theology from Providence College.
Michael Lavigne
Assistant Cabinet Secretary
for Evangelization and Discipleship
Contact Michael
Patrick Krisak's Bio
Patrick has worked for the archdiocese since 2014. He works in the areas of faith formation, ethnic communities, pastoral planning, evangelization, discipleship, and leadership. Patrick has worked previously in parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston and elsewhere as a Director for Evangelization, Director of Religious Education, and Coordinator of Youth Ministry. He and his wife have two sons.
Patrick Krisak
Director of Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship
Contact Patrick
Liz Cotrupi's Bio
Liz is first and foremost, a daughter of God. She is married to her best friend, Tony, and enjoys his help with preparing couples for marriage. She has three adult children and loves being “Nana” to her grandkids. Liz started serving in ministry when her children were small as many moms do. Eventually, her pastor asked her to run the high school faith formation program. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in business from Worcester State College, she knew she needed more theology. After certificates in catechesis and youth ministry, she moved on to get her Master of Theological Studies from Saint John’s Seminary. Before coming to the Archdiocese of Boston in 2016, Liz was the director of youth and young adult ministry for the Worcester Diocese. She has been blessed to serve on team for Cursillo, lead pilgrimages to Marian sites, and mission trips locally and abroad.
Liz Cotrupi
Director of Family Life & Ecclesial Movements
Contact Liz
Chris Donoghue's Bio
Chris is originally from Caldwell, New Jersey and has lived in Massachusetts since 1991. He is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in both Theology and History. After college Chris began a 31-year career in the life insurance industry where he worked in sales, distribution, and account management for the estate planning and charitable giving market. Throughout his professional career Chris was also actively engaged in serving his parish in a variety of roles including working part-time as a parish youth minister, volunteering in faith formation for both children and adults, serving on the parish RCIA team as catechist and sponsor, and coordinating parish-wide evangelization efforts by running the ChristLife series.
In 2017 Chris left the corporate world and transitioned his passion for the gospel into a full-time position with the Archdiocese of Boston, where he seeks to support parishes in the mission of forming and equipping disciples for the work of evangelization.
Chris and his wife Krissy currently live in Attleboro, MA with their sons Brendan and Kolbe.
Chris Donoghue
Evangelization Consultant
Contact Chris
Melissa Kalpakgian's Bio
Originally from Texas, Melissa brings to the Boston area her southern hospitality and her “y’all.” Melissa has worked in evangelization efforts for the Church in some way, shape, or form for 18 years in different areas of the country, the last 5 in the Archdiocese of Boston. Her fascination with St. John Paul II’s philosophical works led her to pursue a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and her M.A. in Thomistic Philosophy from the Center of Thomistic Studies. She is also certified in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Levels 1, 2, and 3. In her free time, she and her husband strive to discover the meaning of “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:9) in the various facets of life.
Melissa Kalpakgian
Evangelization Consultant
Contact Melissa
Tom Lyman's Bio
Tom Lyman, Coordinator of Divine Worship and Evangelization Consultant, has served the Secretariat since 2014, and has been immersed in the life of the Church for most of the last 20 years, whether as a teacher in Catholic high school, a leader in Catholic young adult ministry, or as a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA. With a B.A. in History and an M.Ed. from Providence College, Tom has a strong interest in understanding the deeper story behind today’s evangelization landscape, and the desire to share the message of Jesus Christ with those around us and in the culture, with the belief that a rich liturgical and sacramental life can transform a parish culture. Tom and his wife Lauren live southwest of Boston with their three children, and enjoy time spent with family, visiting the beach, and singing in church choirs.
Tom Lyman
Coordinator of Divine Worship and
Evangelization Consultant
Contact Tom
Rosemary Maffei's Bio
Rosemary is originally from Hingham and, after living in Minnesota and Florida, returned to the area to attend Boston College. After graduating with a degree in Marketing and Human Resources, Rosemary made Boston her home and enjoyed work in human resources roles within financial services for over a decade.
In response to the Lord’s call to use her leadership and organizational development experience coupled with her love for Christ to serve the Church directly in her daily work, Rosemary pursued a Master of Arts in Ministry from the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization, complemented with study through Loyola University in Rome and the Theology of the Body Institute in PA, and joined the Archdiocese of Boston.
In addition to an interest in igniting a love for Christ in others through the new evangelization, she has a particular interest in the Theology of the Body, the dignity of human life, the intersection of faith and business, and the intersection of faith and culture. She loves visiting with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration and meeting Him in each individual encounter until we see Him face to face!
Rosemary Maffei
Evangelization Consultant
Contact Rosemary
Suggested Speakers
The following is a list of people and organizations you may wish to consider for retreats and other events in your parish, community, apostolate, or ministry. This list is neither exhaustive nor a formal archdiocesan endorsement of these people and organizations. If you would like to be considered for addition to this list or have any other questions about this resource please contact Patrick Krisak at pkrisak@rcab.org or 617-746-5753.
ERIC ALAIMO
- Central Catholic High School
- ealaimo@centralcatholic.net
- Experienced high school religion teacher available to speak to youth and young adults
CHRIS CARMODY
- St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Lynn
- ccarmody@lynncatholic.org
- Experienced parish faith formation and youth ministry leader and high school theology teacher and campus minister available to speak with teens, young adults, and adults
EMILIA COWELL
- Good Shepherd Parish Wayland
- youthministrywayland@gmail.com
- Experienced parish faith formation and youth ministry leader available to speak to parents, children, and teens. Topics include Theology of the Body/chastity/dating, being pro-life (going from pro-choice to pro-life), helping teens think about vocations, witness to marriage, being Catholic in college, defending your faith, and other topics by request.
JASON DERAMO
- Cardinal Spellman High School
- jderamo@spellman.com
- Experienced Director of Campus Ministry, Catholic high school teacher, parish coordinator of youth ministry, and Confirmation coordinator and retreat leader available to speak to teens or youth ministry leaders
MARIANNE DERAMO
- Bishop Stang High School
- marederamo@gmail.com
- Experienced Catholic High School Teacher and Parish Coordinator of faith formation available to speak to teens or youth ministry leaders on a variety of topics such as sharing my Conversion Story, Evangelization, Chastity, Pro-Life, and a variety of other topics for Teens and Young Adults. She is also available to lead Confirmation Retreats.
DEACON PHIL DIBELLO
- MASSEvangelize.org, St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish Billerica
- massevangelize@gmail.com
- Catholic Deacon experienced with all aspects of Evangelization and Discipleship, especially Disciples In Mission. Available to speak with Pastors, Pastoral Councils, and Parishes about Evangelization and Discipleship at any depth, at any point in your Parish journey. Also available to speak on most aspects of Scripture, including a Catholic introduction to the Bible, and other topics, by request.
DEACON NATHAN GUNN
- YoungLife
- Gunner721@gmail.com
- Catholic deacon experienced in middle and high school youth ministry working for an ecumenical Christian youth apostolate available to speak to young people, adults, and parents about evangelization, apologetics, Confirmation, and service
LEAH GUNNING RN
- Pregnancy Help Brockton and the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston
- lgunning@rcab.org
- Registered Nurse with extensive background in youth ministry available to speak to teens, youth ministry leaders, young adults, and general parish communities on a compassionate conversation with practical suggestions on how the Catholic Church supports women in unplanned pregnancies.
KARL JACKSON
- St. Lucy and St. Monica Methuen
- Faithformation.stlm@gmail.com
- Experienced faith formation leader, coordinator of youth ministry, and father available to speak to parents, parish catechetical leaders, parish catechists and volunteers, and young people
LORI LAVIGNE
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seekonk
- L.lavigne.olmc@gmail.com
- Experienced parish faith formation and youth ministry leader available to speak to parish catechetical leaders, catechists, parents, children, and teens
FERNANDO LIMBO
- Pure in Heart America; St. Leonard-Port Maurice Catholic Church
- fernando@pureinheartamerica.org
- Experienced confirmation teacher and retreat leader. Available to speak to middle school, teens, college students, young adults, parents and general parish community. Topics include: Theology of the Body; Called to Love; Faith and Media; Pro-Life; Gay, Catholic and striving for Sainthood.
MIKE MCDUFFEE
- St. Mary High School Lynn
- Michael.mcduffee@stmaryslynn.com
- Experienced Director of Campus Ministry, Catholic high school teacher, and musician with experience with youth and young adult audiences
ZACH MORRIS
- Catholic Weymouth Collaborative and Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
- zacharyjmorris21@gmail.com
- Give me a call: 603-686-0360
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zachary-j-morris
- Able to speak to young Catholic communities (Middle School and/or High School Youth Ministry, Confirmation Retreats, Youth Events, School Retreats), as well as to young adult and parish communities
SUE MULDOON
- Good Shepherd Parish, Wayland, MA
- suzannemuldoonlmhc@gmail.com
- Sue Muldoon is an experienced mental health therapist and religious educator. She is available to speak on a variety of topics including discernment and family life, forgiveness and healing damage relationships, faith and mental health and family religious education.
DR. CHRISTINE NADJARIAN
- Principal of St. Mary of the Assumption School, Brookline
- cnadjarian@stmarybrookline.com
- School principal available to speak on youth ministry, religious education, as well as Catholic education from Pre-K- university
LIZ COTRUPI PFUNDER
- lizcotrupi@gmail.com
- RI-based national speaker and musician with experience with youth and young adult audiences
OSCAR RIVERA
- Diocese of Fall River
- bookingoscariix@gmail.com
- https://www.oscartwoten.com/index.html
- MA-based national youth, young adult, and adult speaker
Recommended Curriculum and Resources
*Resources are listed alphabetically by title in each category.
Adult Faith Formation
- See the Adult Faith Formation section
Family Faith Formation
- A Family of Faith from Sophia Institute
- Family Formation
- Project Nazareth from the Archdiocese of Boston
Youth Ministry
Children’s Faith Formation
First Communion and First Penance
- Blessed from Dynamic Catholic
- Also available in Spanish
- Signs of Grace from the Augustine Institute
- Also available in Spanish
Confirmation
Ministry with Persons with Disabilities
Learning Management Systems
*Please note that this list only includes resources specifically recommended by the Archdiocese of Boston and is not a comprehensive list of all available resources. We are aware that additional resources are rapidly becoming available on-line and we are working to review them as quickly as possible. For more information or to make a request or recommendation that a resource be added to this list please contact Patrick Krisak at pkrisak@rcab.org or 617-746-5753.
Legal and Compliance
Child Advocacy
The Office of Child Advocacy, Implementation and Oversight is responsible for the implementation of all policies and procedures that the Cardinal promulgates in the archdiocese for the protection of children and prevention of their abuse.
- Chart on Reporting Child abuse top the State and the Archdiocese
- Child Abuse Reporting Form
- Code of Conduct Letter
- Code of Ministerial Behavior
Office of Background Screening
Background screening is a tool the Church uses to secure the safety of our children, youth, elderly and the disabled. This office works diligently to ensure that all Archdiocesan and Religious Order clergy, educators, volunteers, parish and school staff as well as men in preparation for the priesthood and deaconate are properly screened by evaluating each individual’s CORI (criminal offender record information.)
- CORI Forms (English, Spanish, Portuguese)
- Frequently Asked Questions about CORI Background Checks
- Examples of Ministries Required to CORI Their Members
Risk Management
The mission of the Office of Risk Management is to provide Catholic parishes and institutions with the highest quality professional risk management services and insurance and protection programs that are tailored and sensitive to the unique issues, relationships and risks of Catholic non-profit organizations. We strive to provide these products and services at costs that bring substantial savings to each of our participating organizations. Our services include all lines of protection: insurance, loss control and risk management, claims and litigation management, and training and consultation.
- Field Trip Guidelines
- Minor Waiver (Permission, Liability, Medical Form)
- Social Media Guidelines
- Volunteer Drivers
- Quarterly Newsletter
A Brief Guide to CORI, PGC/Virtus, and Safe Environment Requirements and Implementation
Ministerial and Pastoral
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy Office provides pastoral care to those in prisons, hospitals, college campuses, and parish pastoral care related to illness, addiction, and grief.
- Ethical Medical Decision Guide
- Bereavement Groups in the Archdiocese
- Grief and Bereavement Ministry
- Suicide Prevention
- Anointing of the Sick Informational Brochure
- How to Enter a Hospital (as a Catholic Patient)
- Catholic Health Care Proxy
- College Campus Ministry
Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship
The Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship exists to help move forward Cardinal Sean’s objective of strengthening the work of the New Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Boston as expressed in the introduction of Disciples in Mission.The Secretariat works closely with all the offices of Central Ministries to strengthen our alignment to the Cardinal’s vision for the New Evangelization. We serve parishes as they develop and implement their local pastoral plans. It is our goal to be available to the clergy and the leaders of the parishes of the Archdiocese in ways that will be most helpful to them.
The Secretariat, organized into its four constituent offices, is oriented toward the direct support of all parishes and institutions as they strive to evangelize and to form disciples.
1. THE OFFICE OF PASTORAL PLANNING
The mission of the Archdiocese is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pastoral Planning is the process we use to make preparations to carry out that work. Pastoral Planning is a critical tool in helping us understand our task today and work together to manage the resources available to meet the needs of the people of God.
- Disciples in Mission: The pastoral plan of the Archdiocese of Boston
- A New Pentecost: Inviting All to Follow Jesus
2. THE OFFICE OF PARISH SERVICES
Parish Financial Services serves the needs of Parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston by providing pastors and staff with the support and information they need to manage their parish operations. They offer guidance on financial planning, budgeting, accounting and financial reporting as well as providing information to help familiarize parishes with Archdiocesan policies, procedures, and best practices.
3. THE OFFICE OF LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION AND PARISH SUPPORT
Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship
Evangelization and Faith Formation in the parishes are supported by the team for Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship. This team also presents Forming Disciples for Mission and Forming Leaders for Mission and facilitates plan writing in parishes.
Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship for Ethnic Communities
Mirroring the work of the Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship team, this team supports various ethnic communities in the Archdiocese including but not limited to:
- Hispanics
- Brazilians
- Vietnamese
- Haitians
- Cape Verdians
Family Life and Ecclesial Movements
This team serves parishes in ministering to those preparing for marriage, those in a married state, divorced, and ecclesial movements.
Family Life
- Transformed in Love marriage preparation
- Natural Family Planning
- Marriage enrichment and support
- Baptismal Preparation
Ecclesial Movements
Liturgical and Sacramental
The Office of Divine Worship
Under the pastoral leadership and guidance of the Archbishop of Boston, and in the Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship, the Office for Divine Worship serves as a resource for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy through the Archdiocese of Boston.
- Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
- Guidelines for Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion
- Music for First Communion and Confirmation
Office of Canonical Affairs
All inquiries concerning canon law (excluding annulments) are handled by this office. This office assists all departments with canon law questions – including canonical questions related to sacramental preparation. Additionally, this office coordinates all archdiocesan Confirmations.
- Please visit the Canonical Affairs web page for the current Sacrament of Confirmation seasonal sign-up form.
Sacramental Preparation
The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation & Parish Support, the Office of Divine Worship, and the Office of Canonical Affairs work closely together to assist parishes and parish leaders in understanding and implementing appropriate sacramental preparation catechesis, guidelines, and liturgies.
- Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments
- Holy Communion Allergy Notice
- Holy Communion for Gluten and Alcohol intolerance
- Preparing for Confirmation – Resources and Guidelines (Red Book)
- Sacramental Records Best Practices
- Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
Faith Formation Models:
Respect Life Education
Respect Life Education is a joint initiative of the Pro Life, Catholic Schools, Evangelization & Discipleship, and Child Advocacy teams of the Archdiocese of Boston and is intended to help parents and young people better understand and appreciate the gift of human life and the dignity of the human person.
The Catholic Schools Office provides development, oversight, and teacher training for the mandated Created for Love middle school religious curriculum, which illustrates God’s plan for life, love, relationships, and marriage. More information on this aspect of Respect Life Education in the Archdiocese of Boston is available at https://www.csoboston.org/about/CFL.
The Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship provides assistance and support to parishes in implementing the mandated Created for Love grade 6-8 faith formation curriculum material. More information is available below or by contacting our team.
The Created for Love curriculum is meant to be integrated into the existing religious instruction or faith formation in every parish and school throughout the Archdiocese of Boston. It is designed to be taught over a three-year period by school teachers, catechists, and parents. It consists of a text and DVD to be used together as the student matures over time.
The Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship and Child Advocacy are currently (Summer 2021) working on an update of this curriculum for parishes and will provide more information in Fall 2021. The update will include rewritten and redesigned materials for children and families, a leader guide, and translations of the material into other languages. The current edition of this curriculum remains available to use until the update is available. If you have any questions about parish implementation please contact Patrick Krisak (617-746-5753) or Chris Donoghue (617-746-5770).
Created for Love Materials
Created for Love
PDF of Booklet
Video Clips
Educator Resources
Parent and Guardian Resources
Curriculum Outline/Suggested Breakdown by grade
Cardinal’s Mandate Letter
Parent Letter
Created for Love FAQs
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