CATECHESIS 2026/2027

Introduction to Catholicism

If you want Baptism or First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, or simply want to thoroughly learn what the Catholic Church believes and teaches about God, humanity, and the world, then register for the catechesis course. Catechesis is a journey that combines learning, sharing of faith, and personal seeking.

Is this for me?

Who is catechesis intended for?

CURIOUS

Unbaptized

You are not yet baptized but are interested in Christianity and Catholicism. This is the right place to begin your faith journey.

CHRISTIAN

Different denominations

You are Lutheran, Orthodox, Baptist, or from another denomination — catechesis speaks honestly about what distinguishes and what unites, such as the sacraments, the pope, and the liturgy.

DISTANT FROM FAITH

Your faith has become distant.

You are baptized, but the Church has become distant. Catechesis is a good place to continue your faith journey.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Why should you come?

Open questions

There are no stupid questions. Bishop Philippe Jourdan answers clearly and thoroughly — even those questions that have no simple answers.

Thorough answers

Questions about God's existence, the meaning of life, death, and eternity. The Catholic Church has engaged with these for 2000 years.

Sacraments and fellowship

What are Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation (Confession)? Why are they important? Learn what these sacraments are and how to receive them.

Does not oblige you to anything

Attending catechesis does not automatically make you a Catholic. However, those who complete catechesis may be able to receive baptism or join the Catholic Church.

COURSE CONTENT

What does catechesis include?

Catechesis provides a solid foundation and an understanding of Christianity and Catholicism.

1

God and the Bible

Lectures 1-5

2

Man, Christ and Redemption

Lectures 6-8

3

The Church and Its History

Lectures 9-14

4

Liturgy and the Seven Sacraments

Lectures 15-22

5

Ethics and Morality

Lectures 23-25

6

The Ten Commandments

Lectures 26-31

7

Prayer and the Our Father

Lectures 32-35

Catechesis is led by Bishop Philippe Jourdan

Bishop Philippe Jourdan was born in 1960 in Dax, France, studied engineering first in Paris and later continued his studies in Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in philosophy. He was ordained a priest in 1988 and arrived in Estonia in 1996 to serve the local Catholic community at a time when the Church was still recovering after the Soviet occupation.

Father Philippe is known for his clear, open and thorough teaching style - theologically precise, yet accessible to participants.

PRACTICAL INFO

How to participate?

WhenWednesdays at 18:30
WhereVanalinna Hariduskolleegium, Vene 22, Tallinn
Who teachesBishop Philippe Jourdan
LanguageEstonian
DurationSeptember 2026 - May 2027
CostFree (donations to the church welcome)

The course starts on 23 September 2026