In her monthly update, Julianne Donlon, the diocesan adult faith formation director offers some thoughts on the meaning of this essential ministry:
“The name Jesus means “God Saves”. There is no other name under heaven given tot the human race by which we are to be saved”. (Acts 4:12)
Adult faith formation is geared to a lifelong deepening of faith in Christ thus serving as the point of reference for catechesis in other age groups. It is the goal of adult catechesis to create a lived faith in adult learners; faith lived in discipleship to Jesus Christ. Teaching was central to the ministry of Jesus. One of my favorite pieces of scripture is the lesson of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33). In this short lesson Jesus asks the disciples to consider the fig tree which bursts into bloom as it anticipates the coming of summer.
Through the use of this simple analogy the disciples are asked to consider that by signs, words and by His very presence they can be sure that the Kingdom of God is at hand. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”.
Take a moment to consider a teacher who impacted your life in a positive way. As a rather serious and anxious child my second grade teacher called me aside one day. She told me to smile more often because when I smiled “the light in my heart lit up my whole face”. I never forgot those words.
Jesus is the model teacher and, as John tells us in his Gospel, "the way, the truth and the life”. In Christ, it is revealed how we are to live our lives. All adult faith formation efforts should be Christocentric (placing Christ at the center) as we are called to walk side by side with the adults of our parishes as they speak of their joys, hopes, sufferings and doubts. We are called to a life that fully reflects the love of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Discipleship costs us personally and dearly; the Gospel demands love and total self-surrender.
In Our Hearts Were Burning, the U.S. bishops reflect that “in Jesus the disciples caught a glimpse into the heart of God." For those who bear responsibility for adult faith formation we too are called to bring adults into the heart of God. As Church we are called to nuture one another in our faith journeys by worshipping together, learning together, serving together in love and life within a community of faith. Faith formation of adults always begins and ends with Christ-- the Alpha and the Omega. It is to and through Christ that we will renew our commitment to each other and to the Church.
Let the light of Christ in our hearts radiate love to our community of adults!
Showing posts with label Adult Faith Formation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adult Faith Formation. Show all posts
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Catechism for Adults - Training Offered!
Many catechetical tools have been developed since publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992. Julianne Donlon, Adult Faith Formation Director for the Diocese of Green Bay, shares some plans that the Diocese intends to unveil that will assist catechists in bringing our faith to our adult Catholics.
"The most valuable gift that the Church can offer to the bewildered and restless world of our time is to form within it Christians who are confirmed in what is essential and who are humbly joyful in their faith. " (Catechesis in Our Time 61).
The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is the response of the bishops of the United States to the call of Pope John Paul II to prepare a local catechism based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This catechism would “need to take into account the local situation and culture, while at the same time preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” (USCCA Introduction). The word Catechism comes from the Greek “to echo” and the USCCA intends to echo the teachings of Christ in the present day.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1992 states that it is intended primarily for those who have the task of catechesis: bishops, catechism writers, priests, and catechists. It only then goes on to say that “it will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful” (CCC 12).
The USCCA published in 2006, however, is directly intended for the readership of the average Catholic lay person. It is faithful to the content and structure of the universal catechism but is written in more accessible language, and with the culture and situation of twenty first century America in mind.
How is the Catholic Catechism for Adults Structured?
The format of the Catholic Catechism for Adults follows the four pillars of the universal catechism:
* The Creed: The Faith Professed
* The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
* Christian Morality: The Faith Lived
* Prayer: The Faith Prayer
The presentation of the content lends itself to easy planning for a variety of adult faith formation situations. Most chapters begin with the story of a Catholic from the United States. The teachings engage our culture. Learners are involved in the content through faith sharing discussion questions that connect faith learning to faith living. Each chapter concludes with brief doctrinal statements and suggestions for meditation and prayer. In addition, a helpful glossary at the end of the Catechism provides assistance with unfamiliar terminology.
On May 14th 2008, more than fifty Catechetical Leaders including Pastors, Pastoral Associates, Adult Faith Formation Directors and Directors of Religious Education will come together at the Diocesan Offices to receive training from the Department of Education regarding the USCCA. The hope is that this group of learners will use the Catechism in a variety of parish settings to enrich adult faith formation- in sacramental preparation, working with minority populations, offering in depth studies of the USCCA for certification and more.
In its first year, over 400 people attended USCCA classes throughout the Diocese. The hope for the 2008/2009 year is that this will be expanded to reach many more adults in a variety of situations and in both rural and urban locations. In the coming months watch this space for more information regarding the location, times and dates of these classes throughout the Diocese.
"The most valuable gift that the Church can offer to the bewildered and restless world of our time is to form within it Christians who are confirmed in what is essential and who are humbly joyful in their faith. " (Catechesis in Our Time 61).
The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is the response of the bishops of the United States to the call of Pope John Paul II to prepare a local catechism based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This catechism would “need to take into account the local situation and culture, while at the same time preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” (USCCA Introduction). The word Catechism comes from the Greek “to echo” and the USCCA intends to echo the teachings of Christ in the present day.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1992 states that it is intended primarily for those who have the task of catechesis: bishops, catechism writers, priests, and catechists. It only then goes on to say that “it will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful” (CCC 12).
The USCCA published in 2006, however, is directly intended for the readership of the average Catholic lay person. It is faithful to the content and structure of the universal catechism but is written in more accessible language, and with the culture and situation of twenty first century America in mind.
How is the Catholic Catechism for Adults Structured?
The format of the Catholic Catechism for Adults follows the four pillars of the universal catechism:
* The Creed: The Faith Professed
* The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
* Christian Morality: The Faith Lived
* Prayer: The Faith Prayer
The presentation of the content lends itself to easy planning for a variety of adult faith formation situations. Most chapters begin with the story of a Catholic from the United States. The teachings engage our culture. Learners are involved in the content through faith sharing discussion questions that connect faith learning to faith living. Each chapter concludes with brief doctrinal statements and suggestions for meditation and prayer. In addition, a helpful glossary at the end of the Catechism provides assistance with unfamiliar terminology.
On May 14th 2008, more than fifty Catechetical Leaders including Pastors, Pastoral Associates, Adult Faith Formation Directors and Directors of Religious Education will come together at the Diocesan Offices to receive training from the Department of Education regarding the USCCA. The hope is that this group of learners will use the Catechism in a variety of parish settings to enrich adult faith formation- in sacramental preparation, working with minority populations, offering in depth studies of the USCCA for certification and more.
In its first year, over 400 people attended USCCA classes throughout the Diocese. The hope for the 2008/2009 year is that this will be expanded to reach many more adults in a variety of situations and in both rural and urban locations. In the coming months watch this space for more information regarding the location, times and dates of these classes throughout the Diocese.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Adult Faith Formation or Adult Religious Education?
In an April update for "Connection to Education," adult faith formation director Julianne Donlon addresses a common question: is our mission to adults that of faith formation or religious education? Here's her opinion:
“In fact, every aspect of and event in parish life can be intentionally fashioned as an occasion for adult faith formation. For example, every parish meeting can begin with a reading of the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, followed by a time of reflection and sharing.” (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, par. 112)
The term "adult faith formation" itself may seem new to many of us. It has become more common than the more familiar "adult religious education" or “adult catechesis”. I am often asked to clarify the difference between these terms so here goes! Adult religious education may bring to mind images of instruction, lectures,classrooms and catechisms. And while adult faith formation clearly includes instruction it also provides many other types of opportunities for people to grow and mature in faith.
Adult faith formation is far more common than most people even realize. It is often woven organically through the mission of parish life, social justice programs, catechesis, outreach work etc. Adult faith formation clearly happens in a variety of contexts. While the church has offered more formal instruction for its young members for millennia, most adult formation opportunities happened informally and sporadically within normal family and parish activities. While all parish centered events have the potential to be faith-formative many adults often engage in these events without bringing into focus their own faith or the relationship between their faith and life.
The goal of adult catechesis goes beyond providing programs and opportunities for adults to learn about their faith. It points to a process whereby the adult who has been evangelized becomes the evangelizer. Through adult catechesis our communities are transformed into evangelizing communities of lifelong discipleship. The church is concerned about adult faith formation today because it recognizes that unless it intentionally offers opportunities to help adults understand what Catholics believe and shows them how Catholics act, other voices and forces within the culture will influence them to believe and act outside the faith.
Pope John Paul II stated that an active Catholic is an informed Catholic. We cannot love what we do not know. As adults we need to seek out opportunities to have serious discussions guided by faith, to pray together and to be public witnesses to our Catholic faith. The process of transformation is essential to the ongoing process of more fully living out the Gospel vision as individuals and as faith communities. Every parish event is an opportunity for the adult to become the living message of Jesus!
Adult Faith Formation calls for a spirit of generosity, of curiosity, of imagination, and of commitment. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the multitude of ways we deepen our faith as Christians: through full participation in worship, in mission and outreach work, in teaching, leading, praying, and giving and in joining classes that call out to us and to our interests.
“In fact, every aspect of and event in parish life can be intentionally fashioned as an occasion for adult faith formation. For example, every parish meeting can begin with a reading of the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, followed by a time of reflection and sharing.” (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, par. 112)
The term "adult faith formation" itself may seem new to many of us. It has become more common than the more familiar "adult religious education" or “adult catechesis”. I am often asked to clarify the difference between these terms so here goes! Adult religious education may bring to mind images of instruction, lectures,classrooms and catechisms. And while adult faith formation clearly includes instruction it also provides many other types of opportunities for people to grow and mature in faith.
Adult faith formation is far more common than most people even realize. It is often woven organically through the mission of parish life, social justice programs, catechesis, outreach work etc. Adult faith formation clearly happens in a variety of contexts. While the church has offered more formal instruction for its young members for millennia, most adult formation opportunities happened informally and sporadically within normal family and parish activities. While all parish centered events have the potential to be faith-formative many adults often engage in these events without bringing into focus their own faith or the relationship between their faith and life.
The goal of adult catechesis goes beyond providing programs and opportunities for adults to learn about their faith. It points to a process whereby the adult who has been evangelized becomes the evangelizer. Through adult catechesis our communities are transformed into evangelizing communities of lifelong discipleship. The church is concerned about adult faith formation today because it recognizes that unless it intentionally offers opportunities to help adults understand what Catholics believe and shows them how Catholics act, other voices and forces within the culture will influence them to believe and act outside the faith.
Pope John Paul II stated that an active Catholic is an informed Catholic. We cannot love what we do not know. As adults we need to seek out opportunities to have serious discussions guided by faith, to pray together and to be public witnesses to our Catholic faith. The process of transformation is essential to the ongoing process of more fully living out the Gospel vision as individuals and as faith communities. Every parish event is an opportunity for the adult to become the living message of Jesus!
Adult Faith Formation calls for a spirit of generosity, of curiosity, of imagination, and of commitment. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the multitude of ways we deepen our faith as Christians: through full participation in worship, in mission and outreach work, in teaching, leading, praying, and giving and in joining classes that call out to us and to our interests.
Our Vision for Adult Faith Formation
In his monthly report for the Diocese of Green Bay "Connection to Education," Director of Education, Dr. Joe Bound, outlines his plans for the role of adult faith formation initiatives as part of the larger diocesan education mission: "Over the past two months, I have used this column to outline the department of education’s shared strategic vision for our role in advancing lifelong Catholic learning throughout the Diocese of Green Bay. We recognize that our religious education programs, Catholic schools, and adult faith formation initiatives are equal partners in the viability of that vision. This month, I would like to highlight the importance of adult faith formation.
Without being the voice of doom and gloom, it is evident that the U.S. bishops recognize a crisis of faith in this country. Fewer and fewer Catholics attend Mass with any type of regularity. Many adults know little or nothing of their faith and often are placed in an awkward position when questioned by their children. Also, our society is increasingly secular and our American culture is more and more materialistic and utilitarian.
Two years ago, after conversations with Bishop Zubik, and a thorough reading of the National Directory on Catechesis and Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, we set up a separate office within the department that focused strictly on adult faith formation.
Having traveled around the Diocese of Green Bay meeting folks involved in catechesis and having attended NCEA and NCCL conventions, I have learned that there are different approaches to adult faith formation. One size doesn’t fit all. The good news is that there are a variety of very successful adult faith formation programs in our Diocese.
The five parishes of Neenah/Menasha, for example, collaborate on a robust adult faith formation calendar that offers diverse programs to many. There are many parishes with successful intergenerational programs, whose hybrid approach includes whole community catechesis within the framework of solid doctrinal teaching for the younger members of the parish. Other examples include the Credo program in Tigerton and Fr. Don Zuelger’s long-running bible study at St. Bernadette Parish in Appleton. At the diocesan level, we offer both basic and advanced religious certification programs and during the past year sponsored Fr. John Girotti’s “Know Your Faith” series as well as the Genesis to Jesus bible study.
On the front lines are the numerous parishes that offer sacramental preparation courses for parents, the theology courses, workshops, and symposia offered at St. Norbert College and Silver Lake College, the many catechetical articles in The Compass, the enrichment offered through Leadership and TEAM Days. “Living the Faith: Lake to Lake,” a collaborative effort of the parishes in Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Calumet counties, provides solid cost-effective programming. All of these forms of adult faith formation provide a richness of experience, methodology, and learning outcomes.
Next month, I will use this space to outline a multi-step process that is currently being implemented in this critical area of catechesis."
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