español
""
""
""
development employmnet opportunities
"" ""
""
""
contact us
""
"" about the diocese parishes & missions the bishop of stockton ""
""
""
helpful links
""
""
books, movies & music
"" today's scripture
home
""
"" news & events education & formation liturgy & sacraments ministries & offices
about this site
what's new
"" ""
""
 

""

 

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

 
 
©2002 The Diocese of Stockton. All rights reserved. Design by Eric Stoltz

 


 

 

""
""
""
""
""