Vision for Adult Faith Formation -- Part II

In April, Dr. Joe Bound, Diocese of Green Bay Director of Education, offered insight into the importance of adult faith formation. In this article he outlines the six-step process that is currently being implemented in this critical area of catechesis:

"We recently completed an extensive three-year rolling strategic plan for adult faith formation. The result of literally hundreds of hours of research, study, collaboration, and prayer, the document maps out the vision and direction for this ministry. There are six key points outlined in the implementation plan.

First, it’s important to recognize that there are many, many valuable programs currently underway throughout our Diocese. “New” isn’t always better. Thus, we continue to encourage those parishes that have adult faith formation programs to continue in this ministry.

Second, I realize not all parishes are providing adult faith formation programs for one reason or the other. Thus, there are neighborhoods or whole areas of the Diocese that lack any type of adult faith formation opportunities. There is a tremendous need to reach out and provide adult faith formation opportunities to these areas. Collaboration is key.

Third, many existing programs are not widely promoted or marketed. It is critical for us to “take the basket off our light” and spread the good news about the numerous adult faith formation opportunities that are available to all throughout the Diocese. We will use a variety of media to implement this objective, including the internet.

Fourth, it is important to improve the consistency of the programs that are being offered. We will develop a standard curriculum that includes the Creed, the sacraments, Catholic ethics and morality, and the importance of prayer so that gaps in adults’ understanding of the faith are filled. Our programs will emphasize the four main sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and include courses on stewardship, dogma and doctrine, sacred art and music, social justice, scripture, Church history and ecclesiology, eschatology and end of life issues.

Fifth, it is extremely important that our methodology conforms to the unique ways adults learn. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods of learning will be taken into account. Active, rather than passive, learning will be encouraged. We believe that adults must be given the opportunity to apply what they learn and to share their experiences.

Sixth, we also have to go where adults are today to ensure that adult faith formation will be available in various locations to the elderly, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, those with disabilities, and those recent converts to the Catholic faith.

In conclusion, our entire department, spearheaded by our adult faith formation director, will work with the diocesan catechesis committee to develop the curriculum, select texts, schedule courses, secure presenters, and prepare budgets for the Diocesan initiatives. We are committed to visiting existing parish programs and conducting in-services for those involved in adult faith formation. Our objective is to ensure that all annual goals and objectives of the adult faith formation strategic plan are achieved. "