
The Salesian Center for Ongoing Formation in Berkeley offers formation programs for both Salesians and lay individuals committed to the Salesian mission in their provinces.
The first cycle of the Salesian ongoing formation program here in Berkeley provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on three vital charismatic areas:
1. The Person and Charism of Don Bosco:
Explore Don Bosco’s life, spiritual journey, and the foundational principles that shaped his unique approach to youth education and evangelization
| Course Title (on Don Bosco, Salesian Spirituality and Charism) | Level(s) | Recommended for: |
|---|---|---|
| Don Bosco: Life, Legacy, and the Birth of the Salesian Charism | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs FMAs Cooperators Salesian Educators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Other Salesian Family Members |
| Don Bosco and the Salesian Charism: Unpacking a Prophetic Vision for Youth | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs FMAs Cooperators Salesian Educators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Other Salesian Family Members |
| Living Don Bosco’s Dream: Sharing the Salesian Charism | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs FMAs Cooperators Salesian Educators Formation Communities Other Salesian Family Members |
| The Salesian Mission: Educating and Evangelizing for a Better World | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs FMAs Cooperators Salesian Educators CYM Formation Communities Other Salesian Family Members |
| The Gentle Path to Holiness: An Immersion in Saint Francis de Sales Spirituality | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs FMAs Cooperators Salesian Educators Formation Communities Other Salesian Family Members |
2. In-depth Study of the Preventive System:
Analyze the pedagogical pillars of Reason, Religion, and Loving-Kindness by understanding their educational, theological, pastoral, and social roots, as well as their practical implications for today’s youth contexts
| Course Title (on Preventive System) | Level(s) | Recommended for: |
|---|---|---|
| The Salesian Preventive System: A Pathway to Holistic Youth Development | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Salesian Preventive Leadership: Nurturing Growth, Fostering Trust, and Inspiring Service | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Forming Salesian Apostles: Igniting a Passion for Youth in the Spirit of Don Bosco | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Building Fraternal Foundations: Team Formation for Salesian Initial Formation (A Preventive Approach) | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| The Art of Salesian Accompaniment: Walking Alongside with Reason, Faith, and Love | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Salesian Preventive System in the Youth Ministry: Building a Home, School, Church, and Playground for Young People | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Human Management through the Preventive System: Building Thriving Cultures of Trust and Growth | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators Youth Leaders Formation Communities Salesian Educators Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
| Building High-Performing Teams: A Salesian Preventive Approach to Collaboration | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) | Cooperators, Team leaders, Managers, Project managers HR professionals Educators, Facilitators, and anyone involved in leading, participating in, or developing teams Ministers and catechists of diocesan parishes Diocesan and religious leaders and educators |
3. Contextual Application of the Preventive System:
Focus on developing methodologies and strategies to effectively implement the core principles of the Preventive System in diverse contemporary youth settings, including schools, oratories, parishes, youth ministry initiatives, and social programs worldwide
| Course Title (on Accompaniment & Mission) | Level(s) |
|---|---|
| The Preventive Catechesis: Forming Hearts and Minds in Faith through Don Bosco’s System | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Preventive Classroom: Nurturing Growth and Engagement through Don Bosco’s System | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Preventive Home: Nurturing Family Life with Don Bosco’s System of Love | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Preventive Parish Celebration: Fostering Joyful Encounter and Deeper Participation | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Preventive Playground: Fostering Joy, Safety, and Growth in Recreational Spaces | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Virtual Preventive Classroom: Fostering Connection and Growth in Digital Learning Spaces | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| The Preventive Office: Cultivating a Thriving Workplace Culture with Salesian Principles | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| Crafting Your Calling: A Preventive Approach to Your Vocational & Life Project | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| Designing Your Life: A Preventive Approach to Your Personal Project | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |
| Crafting Your Purpose: A Preventive System Approach to Your College & Life Project | — Introductory — Advance (certificate) |



