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ANNOUNCING A NEW ADULT FAITH FORMATION INITIATIVE DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS
As we begin this new year, we are happy to announce a new Adult Faith Formation initiative, Discipleship Groups. These small groups of 6-15 parishioners will be an opportunity to get to know each other, foster discipleship, pray together, and reflect on God’s word. These groups will also allow us share our faith stories, create community, and live out our mission in the world as disciples of Christ.Make a six week retreat this Lent and answer the invitation to see yourself, one another, and our world through the eyes of God. Deepen your faith and meet new friends!
At this time due to the Covid-19 environment our Discipleship Groups will be virtual using the Zoom platform. We are hoping to have a variety of groups: A men’s group, a number of groups for seniors, a group for millennials, and others.Group meetings start the week of February 15.The small group faith sharing book will cost $10.Sign Up will open on February 3rd. Make this the best Lent ever!JOIN A VIRTUAL DISCIPLESHIP GROUP!
Not familiar with how to join a Zoom meeting? Click here for more information.
We are partnering with Renew International and their new online Small Groups 101: Small Groups Big Impact. Recent studies show that vibrant Catholic parishes consist of small Christian Communities, or small groups, as a vital part of their success.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out me at Mike Burns.
Our Lady of Guadalupe pray for us! -
adult faith formation?
What is Adult Faith Formation?
The General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) and the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) clearly place Adult Faith Formation within the framework of evangelization. Adult Faith Formation is the lifelong process of finding and falling in love with Christ in the midst of our human lives. Every one of us, by virtue of our Baptism, is on a life-long journey of faith. Consequently, Adult Faith Formation has as its purpose to support, nourish, and challenge adults as they explore their faith, experience its power, grow in relationship with God.
How important is Adult Faith Formation?
Religious education is not just for children. Adult faith formation is vital. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us (OHWB):
“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 adolescence as well as that of old age.” (OHWB #5)
Why do we need Adult Faith Formation?
In their document Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, the US Bishops renewed a commitment to fostering faith formation for adults. Since we all are continually being formed in our faith as we walk our journeys of life, a renewed commitment to adult faith formation necessitates a need for quality programming and a variety of opportunities for all adults. It is often said t
What are the goals of Adult Faith Formation?
The Bishops outline three key goals of Adult Faith Formation (OHWB #67-73):- Inviting and enabling ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life:
- helping adults acquire an attitude of conversion to the Lord
- leading adults to repentance of sin, reconciliation through the sacraments and deepening faith in Jesus
- Promoting and supporting active membership in the Christian community:
- helping adults make a conscious and firm decision to live the faith through membership in the Christian community
- inviting and supporting baptized adults in their co-responsibility for the Church’s mission and life
- Calling and preparing adults to act as disciples in mission to the world
- inviting baptized adults to evangelization and justice in the world
- Inviting and enabling ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life: