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Adult faith formation, the Church continually asserts, is "the CENTRAL TASK in the catechetical enterprise…the AXIS around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age.” [General Directory for Catechesis, 275; National Directory for Catechesis, 48A; Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, 5.]
The goal of this formation is ongoing conversion through which we grow stronger in our commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ - entering deeper into union with him, taking on his mind and heart and allowing him to live and act in us more fully. Jesus wants more than relationship with us. He wants union with us!
How intentional are we about getting adults involved & offering formation for them?
Whether parents send their children to our Catholic Schools or to our Parish Schools of Religion (formerly CCD), the Church tells us that engaging parents in the formation of their children is a necessity! Parents are the primary formators of their children in the ways of faith.
Vatican II stressed this role of parents and Pope Saint John Paul II reasserted it very clearly in his apostolic exhortation "On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World" (Familiaris Consortio) #36, calling it their "most solemn obligation" and stating that it is so important "that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it."
Check out the US Bishops' central document on Adult Faith Formation - it is excellent:
Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States
Presentations on Adult Faith Formation
Below are a couple of PowerPoint presentations which provide an overview of the foundations of adult faith formation with particular focus upon why adult formation is vital to the faith life of the parish, Catholic school, and parish school of religion.
Adult Faith Formation Resources by TopicOur Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation is committed to providing resources for parish and school leaders, catechists/teachers, and anyone who is looking to learn about or deepen their Catholic Christian faith.
We hope that this ever-growing list of resources can be like a "toolbox" for you and that you can find the right channel for you or your parish's formational needs. If you ever need assistance in how to use a resource, train catechists and teams, or need help in developing a faith formation strategy, please contact us anytime via phone (504-861-6218) or by email.
Click on any of the links below to find out more:
Racial Justice
Adult Faith Formation Resources
Bible Study / Scripture Faith Formation
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
There is no ONE program for Adult Formation. You are encouraged to offer a diverse number of opportunities to engage adults in your community.
Please reach out to us in the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation anytime for assistance.