Adult Faith Formation Changes Lives
itGrowing Closer to Christ
Introduction: I got involved in Adult Faith Formation by joining a Bible study, which I ended up leading for many years. Through it I made lifelong friends, many of whom went on to lead Bible studies, women's groups and act as leaders on adult faith formation teams. I myself ended up being asked by the local bishop to become a Vice Chancellor on his staff for evangelization and catechesis, serving for twelve years in that role. I learned a great deal in that time and obtained a Masters Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville to go with my background in history as a historian. Thinking back on my years in voluntary parish Bible study and numerous other parish activities, including RCIA, retreats, and working with St. Vincent de Paul Society, it prepared me for doing more. Working for the diocese I trained parish adult faith formation teams at many parishes and saw their excitement and love of the Lord grow. Here i share some practical advice that might help lay or religious persons thinking about or engaged in parish adult faith formation. The salvation of souls requires they be fed solid spiritual food and be engaged in prayer and worship to become holy, which is the vocation of all Catholics according to the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium (see para. 39). As Pope Benedict XVI once said, "Let us not be afraid that God will ask too much of us, but let ourselves be guided by His Word in every daily action, even when we feel poor, inadequate sinners" (General Audience, April 13, 2011).
Helpful Hints to Promote Adult Faith Formation
Some Catechetical Formation Programs to Consider
I. Retreats:
1. The Cursillo Movement is method of faith formation for adults that incorporates Biblical and catechetical teachings of the Church. Developed around a three day experience, The Cursillo, or short course in Christianity, offers the participants a unique encounter with Christ. Structured and separate weekends, for men and women, are held four times per year at the Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence. Spiritual advisors and lay persons present talks covering such topics as Christian ideals, leadership, grace, role of the laity, the Sacraments, and the study of Christian environments. Prayer, liturgy and small group dynamics are included in this experience. At the conclusion of this experience, individuals are invited to join a small faith Cursillo community for ongoing faith development.
2. Christ Renews His Parish (now known as "Welcome" since being revised by Matthew Kelly organization, Dynamic Catholic), is a spiritual renewal experience which brings adult parishioners together in small groups in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Welcome has proven to be an effective instrument for spiritual growth in hundreds of parishes across the country. Separate men's and women's weekend retreats make a difference in people's lives, particularly when the groups bond and continue to grow their faith together.
3. A Day of Renewal answers the call of the new evangelization to joyfully, passionately, personally, authentically and effectively proclaim the basic message of the Gospel (the kerygma), to facilitate a personal encounter with our Risen Lord and to invite people (back) into a love affair with Christ. This is accomplished on a one-day retreat through short talks, personal testimony, small group discussions, skits and sacramental renewal of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It is ideal to offer as a requirement for parents who want their children to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.
II. Evangelization Programs
1. Discovering Christ is a three part video evangelization program put together by an organization called ChristLife in Baltimore, Md. This video series is a response to the New Evangelization and to the recognition, made more consciously known by Sherry Weddell’s book, Forming Intentional Disciples, that many of our Catholic people do not have a personal relationship with Christ or at least, not an intimate one. There are two dynamics that bind people to the Church. First and foremost is their relationship to Jesus and secondly their relationship to their parish. This series is designed to enhance both. The Discovering Christ series consists of: Seven (7) kerygmatic topics (such as What is the Meaning of Life, Why Does Jesus Matter, What Does Jesus Want us to Know, etc.) over a seven week series, which includes a retreat day (2 video talks provided). All the talks are provided on DVD and most are no longer than 30 minutes. The components of each session are the dinner (30-40 min.), prayer time (5-10 min.), the teaching video (30 min.), and small group discussion (45 min.).
2. Door to door evangelization is an important tool for parishes to bring more people back to the pews and increase the size of RCIA classes. The parish can employ the national Legion of Mary team to do this work or can make it happen themselves. This requires training of volunteers to make the visits and preparation of evangelization kits to be passed out and a heart for Christ! The office of evangelization and catechesis will train parish teams for an invitational style door to door evangelization upon request. Parish teams invite people they visit to a welcoming event at the parish where questions about the faith can be answered following a testimonial or short video on the faith.
III. Salvation History/Bible programs
1. The Great Adventure Series: A Journey Through the Bible with Jeff Cavins (Ascension Press)—This DVD series makes the Bible come alive by simplifying the complex and taking you on an adventure through the fourteen historical books of the Bible. Hundreds of thousands of Catholics have learned to read the Bible in a new light of understanding thanks to this series. It comes in an 8-hour and a 24-hour version. The National Directory for Catechesis urges that salvation history be presented as set forth in Sacred Scripture (p.81). Cardinal George of Chicago wrote, “I am impressed with the methodology and growth of The Great Adventure .... The canonical approach that The Great Adventure employs is a marvelous way to introduce the faithful to salvation history. When Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium are all brought together in study the result is a clearer picture of God’s will, resulting in a road map for living.”
2, Our Father’s Plan with Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins (St. Joseph Communications)—This is a thirteen hour adventure that takes you through the fourteen historical books of the Bible. In the process Jeff tells the biblical stories and Scott explores the theology, centering it around four key foundational principles. They explore the six principle covenants between God and man, showing how they determine the relationship and how covenant is a “master key” to understanding Scripture. This was presented live on EWTN and is a most engaging series with the potential to produce a great impact on the lives of those who view it. It is available for listening to online at http://www.bringyou.to/OurFathersPlan/. It is easy-to-follow, yet amazingly deep.
3.Adventures in Matthew-a 24 week DVD series with study set binder by Jeff Cavins. Building on the foundation laid in The Great Adventure bible Timeline, this next study in the Great Adventure series, Adventures in Matthew: The King and His Kingdom by Jeff Cavins, focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament. It also touches on Jesus' establishment of the Church as the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, making it an excellent introduction to the Great Adventures study on the Acts of the Apostles. Set in the rich context of Jesus' Jewish culture, this study will help you understand the universal truths of the Kingdom of God; it will help you understand more fully God's will for us today.
4.Adventures in Acts-a 20-week DVD series with study set binder by Jeff Cavins. This study completes The Great Adventure foundation series by showing how Christ’s work continues through you and me in the Church today. Here’s where you "find yourself in the Story" that you learned the Bible Timeline Study. This study will show how other parts of the New Testament fit into the narrative told in Acts and will reference portions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
5.Epic is a new 20 part DVD series that spans the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church. It is published by Ascension press and was developed by teachers and historians Steve Weidenkopf and Dr. Alan Schreck, this exciting learning system will teach you Church history from an honest Catholic perspective that is neither triumphialistic nor condemnatory, but solid history. Among the things you will learn are:
*The struggles of the Early Church and martyrs
*The true story of the Crusades and Islam.
*The Church's contributions to medieval culture
*The rationale for the medieval inquisitors and the Spanish Inquisition and a fair assessment of them
*The revolutionary character of the Protestant Reformation.
*The real story of the confrontation between Galileo and the Church.
*A revealing look at the massive persecution of Christians in the twentieth century.
*The workings of the Holy Spirit throughout Church history.
Return to Home Page: www.catholicfaithandreason.org/
Introduction: I got involved in Adult Faith Formation by joining a Bible study, which I ended up leading for many years. Through it I made lifelong friends, many of whom went on to lead Bible studies, women's groups and act as leaders on adult faith formation teams. I myself ended up being asked by the local bishop to become a Vice Chancellor on his staff for evangelization and catechesis, serving for twelve years in that role. I learned a great deal in that time and obtained a Masters Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville to go with my background in history as a historian. Thinking back on my years in voluntary parish Bible study and numerous other parish activities, including RCIA, retreats, and working with St. Vincent de Paul Society, it prepared me for doing more. Working for the diocese I trained parish adult faith formation teams at many parishes and saw their excitement and love of the Lord grow. Here i share some practical advice that might help lay or religious persons thinking about or engaged in parish adult faith formation. The salvation of souls requires they be fed solid spiritual food and be engaged in prayer and worship to become holy, which is the vocation of all Catholics according to the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium (see para. 39). As Pope Benedict XVI once said, "Let us not be afraid that God will ask too much of us, but let ourselves be guided by His Word in every daily action, even when we feel poor, inadequate sinners" (General Audience, April 13, 2011).
Helpful Hints to Promote Adult Faith Formation
- Consider above all what souls need for their salvation and make that a primary focus in your planning of adult faith formation opportunities. What are the spiritual needs of your parish? How can they be best met?
- St. Paul writes that “... faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from the preaching of Christ” (Rom 10: 17). When searching for speakers, don’t forget about our priests, the people within your own parish, neighboring parishes and the diocese, but don’t be afraid to think big and bring in a national speaker like Professor Scott Hahn or someone from Catholic Answers.
- Make the time, place and content of your group meeting, event or class well known by publicizing it in at least three different places and having oral announcements at Mass. The chances of success depend upon personal invitation and the support of the pastor as well as everyone’s enthusiasm and hard work. Have handouts available in the pews if possible.
- Use the parish bulletin not only to announce upcoming events but also to communicate faith messages to parishioners. However, personal invitation by phone or in person is always best.
- Don’t forget to provide nursery care! Young parents who are interested in Adult Faith Formation programming and events may not be able to attend due to childcare issues. Recruiting volunteer(s) to staff a nursery during events will help enable young families grow in their faith. [Make sure they have the Virtus training required by your diocese.
- At each Adult Faith Formation event include time for small-group discussion and faith sharing. Be sure to have sufficient substance to make people want to come back. This requires adequate preparation on the part of the catechist or facilitator. This will be the case if you use good programs and line up capable speakers. Remember the goal is always further conversion of heart and intimacy with Jesus Christ.
- Make sure to provide hospitality (coffee, cookies or fruit) with every Adult Faith Formation offering at your parish. Food encourages conversation and community-building. Even light refreshments are appreciated. This responsibility can be rotated within a group that meets regularly.
- Holy Scripture is the soul theology and the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Compendium are basic resource for catechesis, but don’t forget other areas of formation that help form mature adult spirituality: liturgy, marriage and family life, young adult ministry, social justice and charity, etc.
Some Catechetical Formation Programs to Consider
I. Retreats:
1. The Cursillo Movement is method of faith formation for adults that incorporates Biblical and catechetical teachings of the Church. Developed around a three day experience, The Cursillo, or short course in Christianity, offers the participants a unique encounter with Christ. Structured and separate weekends, for men and women, are held four times per year at the Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence. Spiritual advisors and lay persons present talks covering such topics as Christian ideals, leadership, grace, role of the laity, the Sacraments, and the study of Christian environments. Prayer, liturgy and small group dynamics are included in this experience. At the conclusion of this experience, individuals are invited to join a small faith Cursillo community for ongoing faith development.
2. Christ Renews His Parish (now known as "Welcome" since being revised by Matthew Kelly organization, Dynamic Catholic), is a spiritual renewal experience which brings adult parishioners together in small groups in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Welcome has proven to be an effective instrument for spiritual growth in hundreds of parishes across the country. Separate men's and women's weekend retreats make a difference in people's lives, particularly when the groups bond and continue to grow their faith together.
3. A Day of Renewal answers the call of the new evangelization to joyfully, passionately, personally, authentically and effectively proclaim the basic message of the Gospel (the kerygma), to facilitate a personal encounter with our Risen Lord and to invite people (back) into a love affair with Christ. This is accomplished on a one-day retreat through short talks, personal testimony, small group discussions, skits and sacramental renewal of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It is ideal to offer as a requirement for parents who want their children to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.
II. Evangelization Programs
1. Discovering Christ is a three part video evangelization program put together by an organization called ChristLife in Baltimore, Md. This video series is a response to the New Evangelization and to the recognition, made more consciously known by Sherry Weddell’s book, Forming Intentional Disciples, that many of our Catholic people do not have a personal relationship with Christ or at least, not an intimate one. There are two dynamics that bind people to the Church. First and foremost is their relationship to Jesus and secondly their relationship to their parish. This series is designed to enhance both. The Discovering Christ series consists of: Seven (7) kerygmatic topics (such as What is the Meaning of Life, Why Does Jesus Matter, What Does Jesus Want us to Know, etc.) over a seven week series, which includes a retreat day (2 video talks provided). All the talks are provided on DVD and most are no longer than 30 minutes. The components of each session are the dinner (30-40 min.), prayer time (5-10 min.), the teaching video (30 min.), and small group discussion (45 min.).
2. Door to door evangelization is an important tool for parishes to bring more people back to the pews and increase the size of RCIA classes. The parish can employ the national Legion of Mary team to do this work or can make it happen themselves. This requires training of volunteers to make the visits and preparation of evangelization kits to be passed out and a heart for Christ! The office of evangelization and catechesis will train parish teams for an invitational style door to door evangelization upon request. Parish teams invite people they visit to a welcoming event at the parish where questions about the faith can be answered following a testimonial or short video on the faith.
III. Salvation History/Bible programs
1. The Great Adventure Series: A Journey Through the Bible with Jeff Cavins (Ascension Press)—This DVD series makes the Bible come alive by simplifying the complex and taking you on an adventure through the fourteen historical books of the Bible. Hundreds of thousands of Catholics have learned to read the Bible in a new light of understanding thanks to this series. It comes in an 8-hour and a 24-hour version. The National Directory for Catechesis urges that salvation history be presented as set forth in Sacred Scripture (p.81). Cardinal George of Chicago wrote, “I am impressed with the methodology and growth of The Great Adventure .... The canonical approach that The Great Adventure employs is a marvelous way to introduce the faithful to salvation history. When Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium are all brought together in study the result is a clearer picture of God’s will, resulting in a road map for living.”
2, Our Father’s Plan with Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins (St. Joseph Communications)—This is a thirteen hour adventure that takes you through the fourteen historical books of the Bible. In the process Jeff tells the biblical stories and Scott explores the theology, centering it around four key foundational principles. They explore the six principle covenants between God and man, showing how they determine the relationship and how covenant is a “master key” to understanding Scripture. This was presented live on EWTN and is a most engaging series with the potential to produce a great impact on the lives of those who view it. It is available for listening to online at http://www.bringyou.to/OurFathersPlan/. It is easy-to-follow, yet amazingly deep.
3.Adventures in Matthew-a 24 week DVD series with study set binder by Jeff Cavins. Building on the foundation laid in The Great Adventure bible Timeline, this next study in the Great Adventure series, Adventures in Matthew: The King and His Kingdom by Jeff Cavins, focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament. It also touches on Jesus' establishment of the Church as the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, making it an excellent introduction to the Great Adventures study on the Acts of the Apostles. Set in the rich context of Jesus' Jewish culture, this study will help you understand the universal truths of the Kingdom of God; it will help you understand more fully God's will for us today.
4.Adventures in Acts-a 20-week DVD series with study set binder by Jeff Cavins. This study completes The Great Adventure foundation series by showing how Christ’s work continues through you and me in the Church today. Here’s where you "find yourself in the Story" that you learned the Bible Timeline Study. This study will show how other parts of the New Testament fit into the narrative told in Acts and will reference portions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
5.Epic is a new 20 part DVD series that spans the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church. It is published by Ascension press and was developed by teachers and historians Steve Weidenkopf and Dr. Alan Schreck, this exciting learning system will teach you Church history from an honest Catholic perspective that is neither triumphialistic nor condemnatory, but solid history. Among the things you will learn are:
*The struggles of the Early Church and martyrs
*The true story of the Crusades and Islam.
*The Church's contributions to medieval culture
*The rationale for the medieval inquisitors and the Spanish Inquisition and a fair assessment of them
*The revolutionary character of the Protestant Reformation.
*The real story of the confrontation between Galileo and the Church.
*A revealing look at the massive persecution of Christians in the twentieth century.
*The workings of the Holy Spirit throughout Church history.
Return to Home Page: www.catholicfaithandreason.org/
