For information regarding K-12th grade faith formation opportunities go to the Youth Faith Page For information regarding formation opportunities for adults (and young adults) go to the Adult Faith Page
Ministry of Faith Formation at St. Mary:
·We
believe that the essential purpose of catechesis is to bring about an even more
mature faith in Christ,a deeper knowledge and
love of His person and message, and a firm commitment to follow Him.
·We
believe faith formation is an essential part of the Christian life for people
of all ages.
·We
believe parents are the primary models in the development of faith for their
children.
·We
believe adult formation is the central task of the catechetical endeavor.
·We believe faith formation should be more
experiential, participative and interactive.
·We
believe all should have opportunities to live, experience and practice the
faith they are learning.
·We
believe faith formation is the responsibility of all parishioners.
Responsibilities of the Faith Formation Commission 1.Evaluate current parish catechesis
efforts in light of the six major tasks for all age groups. Is the entire parish growing in
these key areas?What areas are in need
of development?
These tasks as outlined in the General
Directory for Catechesis are:
• Promoting knowledge of the faith
• Liturgical education
• Moral formation
• Teaching to pray
• Education for community life
• Missionary initiation
2.Goals
and objectives are in place as part of strategic plan congruent with total parish
planning.
3.Catechetical Leaders and Catechists
are skilled and knowledgeable.They are
witnesses to the Gospel, active in parish life and faithful to the teachings
of the Church.
4.Adult formation is the chief
catechetical priority – the axis of all faith formation efforts.
5.Adequate funds, resources, staff and
space are allocated to carry out the catechetical efforts of the parish. Budget
is approved through Finance & Administration.
6.A safe environment program
is provided and background checks are done for all employees and volunteers according to diocesan
polices and curriculum.
7.Families,
especially parents, are equipted and supported in order to create a pattern of family faith sharing, spirituality
and living a Catholic way of life.
8.The diversity of peoples are incorporated
into the faith life of the parish.
9.Good communications between
and among all groups in the parish, deanery and diocese are ensured.
10.Sacramental Preparation is family and
parish based (Marriage, Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation)
and inter-generational when possible.
11.An ever increasing level of
participation in the life of the parish, deanery and diocese is encouraged.
12.All
youth and adults are actively educated and encouraged about vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life
or lay ecclesiastical ministry.
Faith
Formation Priorities:
üCatechist Certification:Catechists need to be practicing Catholics who participate fully in the
communal worship and life of the Church and who have been prepared for their
apostolate by appropriate catechetical training.NDC 54
üHS & Young Adult Formation: A Church which will speak to their
heart…which will know how to invite and welcome the person who seeks a purpose
for which to commit his whole existence; a Church which is not afraid to
require much, after having given much, which does not fear asking from young
people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure such as that of following
of the Gospel. Pope John Paul II
üTeaching God’s plan for humanity:Promote an authentic Catholic vision of
marriage, human sexuality, chastity, love and family life so they can
understand it, allow it to transform their lives and share this truth with
compassion and charity.
üScripture Literacy & Life Application:“Sacred Scripture, the
word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has a preeminent
position in the life of the Church and especially in the ministry of
evangelization and catechesis…the presentation of the gospels should be done in
such a way as to elicit an encounter with Christ.
üTeaching how to Pray – Daily & Liturgical year
üFull, Active (authentic) & Conscience (interior) Participation in
Mass The more lively the Eucharistic faith of the People of
God, the deeper is its commitment to the mission entrusted by Christ to his
disciples…help the faithful live what they celebrate.Help the faithful make hearts and minds
correspond to their gestures and words.Otherwise, however carefully executed, our liturgies may risk falling
into certain ritualism.”Pope Benedict
üSacramental Preparation – Family & Community based
üFamily FormationHelp parents, spouses, families and households carry out
the mission of the church in their homes:to believe & trust in God, love unconditionally, foster intimacy, educate
in the faith, pray together, serve together, forgive & seek reconciliation,
celebrate life, welcome strangers, act justly, affirm life and raise up
vocations.
The ministry of faith formation at St. Mary's Parish is built upon the direction provided in the following Church Documents:
1. The National Directory for Catechesis Written by the United States Bishops, it provides basic theological and pastoral principles for catechesis and offers guidelines for the application of these principles that will continue the renewal of catechesis in the United States.
2. Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us In this statement, the bishops present a pastoral plan to help Catholics advance
in their role as disciples by awakening a renewal in the ministry of adult
faith formation and helping all to grow to the full maturity of Christ. In four
parts, the plan examines the challenges and opportunities faced today, the key
qualities of a mature faith, the principles and approaches for providing sound
adult faith formation and the critical roles of parish leadership and diocesan
support.
4. Renewing the Vision, A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry To respond to the new challenges and opportunities of our day, the Catholic Bishops of the United States offer this document as a blueprint for the continued development of effective ministry with young and older adolescents. Renewing the Vision is most importantly an affirmation of the faith, gifts, energy and fresh ideas of young people. It is a Christ-centered vision. It is a call to empower young people for the mission they have been given by the Lord Jesus.