WHAT IS “FAITH FORMATION?”
Our “faith formation” programs go beyond “religious education” to include all six foundations of catechesis as set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as well as the National Catechetical Directory (NCD) and General Catechetical Directory (GCD). The foundations are knowledge of faith, liturgical education, social justice/outreach & moral formation, teaching to pray, community life and missionary spirit. These foundations go beyond “education” by “forming” one’s entire life. We are concerned with helping each person “develop an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ” or “daily encounter with Christ.” We teach as Jesus did by spreading the Good News through discipleship, service, the sharing of faith stories, prayer, and teaching God’s message as well as the Tradition and traditions of the Catholic Church.
We must always remember that:
Conversion of heart is at the center of catechesis. The aim of every class and program must be to form participants into disciples who act with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ always willing to be changed into His image and likeness.
Faith Formation is a lifelong process that is gradual and regular. It is about recognizing the invitation by Christ to come and follow Him – an invitation at every stage of life.
To know the basics of the faith is important at each level. This is not just a “head” experience but heart, imagination, attitude experience as well. These basics are presented and integrated in our lives in class, family and church community setting.
Catechesis means “echoing through one’s very being the presence of Christ.” This is the responsibility of all the Baptized. The whole parish community is called to pass on the faith through sharing one’s faith as a united and loving body in Christ and through daily example.
Family Faith Formation is a significant goal in the faith formation process. This is the family activiely attempting to “do faith”. Family Households of faith are offered to provide some types of shared family in faith experiences. Family participation in Sunday Eucharist is “the source and summit of faith.”