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Adult Faith Formation
Welcome to the Adult Faith Formation/Education
site for the Diocese of Stockton. The purpose of this site
is to provide motivation, resources and assistance to the
parishes in the Diocese of Stockton. Adult faith formation
shares its director with the School of Ministry. Though the
School of Ministry is about faith formation, it focuses on
developing those involved in parish ministry. This web page
is dedicated to those who are involved in providing faith
formation for all adults in their parish. It is a way of letting
you know that there is help should you or others be interested
in growing in faith but do not feel called to ministry.
In a pastoral by the United States Catholic
Bishops it states, “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 adolescents as well
as that of old age.” (Our Hearts Were Burning Within
Us A Pastoral Plan for adult Faith formation in the United
States, paragraph 5)
The Bishops go on to say that the parish is
the curriculum. “ the success of such rests very
much on the quality and total fabric of parish life.”
(Paragraph 118) The pastoral goes on to say “To
foster this living climate of faith, pastors and those with
whom they collaborate in pastoral leadership will want to
assess and intentionally shape the culture and procedures
of the parish, using questions such as, How are people encouraged
to examine their basic assumptions about life and its ultimate
meaning?"
We recognize that adult faith formation
happens in a myriad of ways in parishes.
· The homily reaches the largest number of Catholics
and is a source of motivation, inspiration and a challenge
to live the faith in daily life.
· Inserts in the parish bulletin such as Growing
in Faith or Sunday By Sunday provide a resource that
can be taken home.
· Sacramental programs for parents and sponsors are
key moments to reach adults.
· Pre-marriage preparation is another opportunity.
Why not include a follow up after the couple is married?
· Scripture study reaches those in the parish who desire
not only to know scripture better but to also participate
in a small faith community.
· Small faith sharing communities have continued as
a result of Renew.
· The invitation of a speaker to address a particular
topic brings people together either for one event or for a
series.
· Lent and Advent provide a motivation to attend a
talk that captures the spirit of the season or to participate
in special prayer services.
· Intergenerational catechesis happens when people
of all ages gather to share faith.
· When those involved in parish ministry come together
for in-service adult faith formation is also happening.
This web page will provide suggested materials and speakers
to assist in meeting the needs of your parishioners.
Last Update January 15, 2004
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