"The catechesis of adults' is the principle form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibility and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form."
John Paul II, Catechesis in Our Times
"Adult catechesis should be the "organizing principle" , which gives coherence to the various catechetical programs offered by a particular Church.. This is the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age."
General Directory for Catechesis
The Bishops of the United States in their document, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, this pastoral plan for adult faith formation states these major goals:
Invite and Enable Ongoing Conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life
Promote and Support Active Membership in the Christian Community
Call and Prepare Adult to Act as Disciples in Mission to the World
The national plan is a clear call to help all ages of adults on their life-long journey of understanding their Catholic faith, proclaiming their faith, and living their faith. The development of adult faith formation must be intentional, organized and systematic.
The major tasks for adult faith formation are:
To promote formation and development of life in the Risen Christ through the sacraments, prayer life of the Church, works of charity and justice, retreats, and spiritual direction.
To promote evangelization as the means of bringing the Good News to all states of humanity
To educate toward the development of an informed moral conscience
To clarify religious and moral questions
To clarify the relationship between the Church and the world, especially in light of the Church's social doctrine
To develop the rational foundations of the faith and demonstrate the compatibility of faith and reason
To encourage adults to assume their baptismal responsibility for the Church's mission and to be able to give Christian witness in society
To develop creative ways to interest and encourage adults to take advantage of the various programs of enrichment and spiritual development being offered.
National Directory for Catechesis, p. 189-190
Recognizing that in the Diocese of Saginaw we have many small parishes and that meeting the needs to all adults ages 19-99 may not be possible for each parish, parishes have been encouraged to work together in geographical areas by forming area adult faith formation committees. To assist the development of these area groups the Department of Catechesis/Evangelization offers a three session, nine hour program on the document Our Heart Were Burning Within Us. The purpose of this program is:
Provide an opportunity for area/parish adults and leaders to study the National Plan.
Help area/parish committees consider ways of implementing the National goals and objectives for their area.
Provide an opportunity to begin developing strategies for area/parish adult faith formation programs.
Area/parish adult faith formation committees
Purpose: the area/parish adult faith formation committee develops a multifaceted approach to adult faith formation for adults ages 19-99 by identifying, creating and offering a variety of adult resources and opportunities.
Membership on a area/parish adult faith formation committee
Has participated in the Diocesan Our Heart Were Burning sessions/ or online OHWB seminar from University of Dayton
Personal commitment ongoing faith development
Has participated in area/parish adult faith formation opportunities
Belief in the importance and priority of adult faith formation
Commitment of time and talents for the work of the committee
Responsibilities of the area/parish adult faith formation committee:
Work with area/parish adult faith formation coordinator
Communication with parish leaders and area parishes about adult faith formation opportunities and developments
Represent diverse elements of the area/parish adult population
Create a conducive climate for adult faith formation opportunities
Motivate adults to want to continue their growth in faith
Plan, execute and evaluate adult faith formation opportunities
Design varied catechetical opportunities that will meet the varied learning styles and needs of adults at different stages of development
Schedule programs at times and locations conducive to the needs of all ages of adults
Select appropriate speakers, materials and media resources
Market and publicize the opportunities and resources for adult faith formation
To call forth the gifts of talents of adults as facilitators and catechists for adult faith formation
Encourage all parish groups to foster adult faith formation growth
Prepare for regular meetings
Structure
Team will choose a chairperson with leadership gifts and facilitation skills for leading a group
Meetings to have agenda that includes, prayer, faith formation, study, planning and evaluation
Ad Hoc committees are determined when necessary to work on particular projects and programs
The major tasks for adult faith formation are:
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