Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, myst be ‘the central taks in [this catechetical enterprise, becoming the axis must be “the heart of our catechetical vision and practice. — Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, #6 – USCCB, 1999
Adult faith formation is much more than programs. The following is excerpted from the article by Sr. Janet Schaeffler in The Michigan Catholic published August 14, 2009:
Adult faith formation happens anywhere…
“Most adults live their faith at church 3 percent of their time; the rest of their time they are living it at home, in their neighborhoods, in their workplaces, etc. They live/deepen it by things such as:
- answering a question from a co-worker about what they believe;
- making Lenten resolutions;
- praying with spouse/family;
- struggling with a decision and talking it over with other people of faith;
- forgiving;
- and responding with care and kindness – often on the spur of the moment.
Adult faith formation is about who we are…
The search for God, the call to discipleship is rooted in all we are, all we do. It is the very essence of everything we do. Diana Butler Bass (“Process, Not Program: Creating Congregations of Learning and Practice,” Alban Institute, Herdon, Virg.) says: churches “are communities of transformation – places where people come to encounter God and know God more deeply.”
The goal of catechesis – to help bring people into intimacy with Jesus Christ (“General Directory for Catechesis,” No. 80) – is at the heart of everything that happens at the parish. Adult faith formation pervades everything; it is happening all the time.
Adult faith formation occurs in myriad ways, throughout all life…
Discovering our gifts and deepening our relationship with God and one another happens in many ways, throughout all life. One of the myths, concerning our faith journey that is still alive, is that we do our learning when we are young.