September 29, 2019

A new model of faith formation has been developing over the
last 40 years. We have become accustomed to the classroominstructional
model. This model assumes that it is enough for
young people to learn facts about the faith, once a week
during their formative years. We all know that it takes much
more than this for children to develop a strong foundation in
their Catholic faith. The new model emphasizes that the
community is at the heart of all faith formation.

The life of our Church is centered in events that have the
power to educate and transform individuals and the whole
community. As Catholics, these include Church year feasts and
seasons, sacraments and liturgy, justice and service, prayer
and spiritual traditions, and community life. We know that
these events are important to us, but we have to constantly
learn how to participate in them so that we can understand
them more fully. Only then will they have the power to change
us both personally and as a parish community.

Lifelong faith formation is a process of growing in the faith
that begins with baptism. Immersed in the life of the Trinity,
we are adopted sons and daughters of God our Father,
brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and temples of the Holy
Spirit.

Like all human relationships, developing and deepening our
relationship with the Trinity happens gradually and over
time. Consequently, lifelong faith formation provides opportunities
and experiences throughout the entire life span to
strengthen our relationship and knowledge of God, Jesus and
the Spirit; to enhance our understanding of Scripture,
Tradition and doctrines of our faith; and to sustain us in living
as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Catechesis is no longer for children only. If we are to be a
church of missionary disciples, we all need to enter into the
process of deepening our faith by continually learning and
experiencing what it means to be a Catholic Christian.

God bless, Fr. Dan