“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 [the] catechetical enterprise.”
(Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, USCCB, 1999)
The importance of Adult Faith Formation cannot be overstated. To the surprise of many, it is adults and not children/youth that the Church emphasizes as the primary target of catechesis because, if we succeed in equipping adults to be spiritual leaders and faith formators in their families, they will do the work of PSR Programs, Youth Groups, and Catholic Schools within their own homes.
In the 1999 Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation entitled, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, the USCCB states: “Catechetical opportunities situated in family settings foster both adult and family faith growth, while also addressing one of the major reasons adults give for not participating in adult education: time away from their families. Maximize opportunities for adult faith formation to fit into the rhythms of family life and not to pull families apart.”
The document goes on to say that “the parish is the curriculum” and “the parish is an adult faith formation program.” By these statements we understand that the parish is meant to call, equip, and accompany adults as they increase in faith and grow into their vocation as primary formators of their children. Parishes should intentionally and enthusiastically find ways to realize this vision!
The Diocese of Belleville has partnered with the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute.
Franciscan at Home is an online learning platform that is FREE to all parishes in the diocese. The program provides opportunities for both personal and professional development for members of our parishes and schools. We invite you to review the different courses and tracks offered through this platform.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT TODAY! - Click Here
QUICK LINKS
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Adult Faith Formation Beliefs and Teachings -
https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/adult-faith-formation
Why Adult Discipleship Matters More than Ever
https://franciscanathome.com/the-catechetical-review/articles/why-adult-discipleship-matters-more-ever?mc_cid=671bc2ac9c&mc_eid=fc11c74fbc
UPCOMING RETREATS IN THE DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLE AND NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
Belleville Cursillo Retreat - Bellville, IL - Click Here
King’s House Retreat and Renewal Center - Belleville, IL Event Calendar - Click Here
Catholic Renewal Center - Archdiocese of St. Louis Retreat Schedule - Click Here
White House Jesuit Retreat - St. Louis, MO Retreat Schedule - Click Here
John Bosco Conference - Steubenville, OH - Retreat Schedule - Click Here
NET USA - Schedule a retreat - Click Here
Marianist Retreat and Conference - Eureka, MO - Retreat Schedule - Click Here