Philosophy

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All of us who work in parish ministry today want to do a better job of reaching adults, of offering them faith formation. We attend conferences and read excellent resources. We talk among ourselves in the hallways and cloak rooms of diocesan meetings. We plan and study and invite and cajole -- and sometimes even plot – to find ways to interest adults and help them grow in their faith.

We have learned a few things over the years.

First, adult formation is a two-step process. Pope John Paul II has made a tremendous contribution to our ministry by articulating so clearly that the “first step” for most adults will not be actual instruction in the faith but conversion to Jesus Christ. You can find the pope’s own words on this topic in his Apostolic Exhortation, Catechesi Tradendae.

The sad fact, however, is that, within our parish communities, many if not most adults have not turned their hearts to Christ, have not “put on Christ like a garment,” as St. Paul suggests. This lack of conversion produces a lack of real heart for the faith. A lack of enthusiasm. Even a lackluster presence in the Sunday Assembly, or no presence there at all….

Again, the “first step” isn’t instruction in the faith, but the turning of the heart to Christ.

The process of introducing folks to Christ is important and essential for every parish.It’s the first step of the catechumenate,the first step before baptism, and essential for every Christian throughout their lives. We call this process by a name in the Catholic Church today,  and that name is “evangelization.”   ...more