Adult
Faith
Formation
"They asked each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" LK 24:34
"We, the Catholic Bishops of the United States, call the Church in our country to a renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it at the heart of our catechetical vision and practice...
...The aim of catechesis is to help persons develop a mature faith—a faith which brings them into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Although faith maturity can be realized at any age, it is adults who are most capable of making a free and full response to the Gospel message. Consequently, the catechesis of adults holds the highest priority in the Church’s catechetical mission....
....Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer and study, must be “the central task in (this) catechetical enterprise,” becoming “the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age.” (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, p. 2)
These words, written by the Bishops of the United States in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States hope to awaken a passion for renewal in the ministry of adult faith formation in our country. The Bishops’ emphasis on adult faith formation should not be construed to mean a de-emphasis on the catechesis of children. They make it clear that both are vitally necessary for the life of the Church.
Adult faith formation takes place in a multiplicity of ways in parishes. For example, adult faith formation happens in homilies, bulletin inserts, RCIA and sacramental programs for parents and sponsors, marriage preparation, Scripture study, small faith sharing groups and in Lent and Advent programs. In fact, every parish activity and event can become an occasion for adult faith formation.
The renewed focus on adult faith formation is not only exciting but it addresses a critical need in today’s world as Catholic adults seek to understand their faith, discover its relationship to their lives and find their way to Christ.
Where to begin?
Reflect on the Sacred Scriptures
Pray with the Sacred Scriptures
Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Read Vatican Council II Documents
Register for an online course on Prayer and Spirituality
Register for an online course about the Sacraments
Register for an online course about Jesus Christ
Join the Parish Bible Study.
NEW for Spring 2008
The Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton: How to become more contemplative in your everyday life! Book Four: Discovering the Hidden Ground of Love--leads participants to explore the power of love and to embrace God as love and ultimate source of our very being.
This study explores the always relevant ways God has transformed history and invites participation in them through praise, thanksgiving, and the many other ways Scripture teaches prayer. A special introductory session will present the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina – the ‘holy reading’ of the Scriptures.
Share Your Experience with Others.
Start Your Own Bible Study Group!
Begin a Discussion Group!
Here are some resources....