Adult Faith Formation
“Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be "the central task in [this] catechetical enterprise," becoming "the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age." This can be done specifically through developing in adults a better understanding of and participation in the full sacramental life of the Church.” Para 5, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States. Issued by NCCB/USCC (now USCCB), November 17, 1999.
“To make this vision a reality, we, as the Catholic bishops of the United States, call the Church in our country to a renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it at the heart of our catechetical vision and practice. We pledge to support adult faith formation without weakening our commitment to our other essential educational ministries.” Para 6, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States. Issued by NCCB/USCC (now USCCB), November 17, 1999.
“We are convinced that the energy and resources we devote to adult faith formation will strengthen and invigorate all the charisms that adults receive and the activities they undertake, in the Church and in society, to serve the Gospel of Christ and the people of today. Every Church ministry will be energized through a dynamic ministry of adult catechesis”. Para 39 , Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States. Issued by NCCB/USCC (now USCCB), November 17, 1999.
The above quotations taken from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops’ document Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us describes not only the importance but also the necessity of adult formation in the life of the parish community. As the Bishops state, the placement of Adult Catechesis is at the heart of the catechectical vision.
Boyne Valley Catholic Community adheres to the principles set forth in the Bishop’s document as it strives to offer and promote a wide variety of formation opportunities for adults in the faith community.
Below is a listing of current offerings. For more information, please contact the parish offices at 231-582-7718.
Whole Community Catechetical Nights: Offered on the first Sunday of every month from October through April, this gathering of adults from the faith community comes together for prayer, reflection and catechesis. The topic for this year is “Whom Do You Seek?” The sessions begin at 5:30 pm at St. Matthew Church. All adults of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Little Rock Scripture Study: The Little Rock Scripture study group meets twice a year during the fall and spring. Each session consists of one of the books of the Bible and last between 10 and 12 weeks. The group meets at noon at St. Augustine parish hall.
Women of Grace Bible Study: The Women of Grace Bible study is new to the faith community this year. This group of women meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm at the Boyne Valley Catholic Community youth center.
Book Club: Three times during the year, the faith community gathers to discuss a book related to faith, theology, Scripture and other pertinent issues. The book club meets at 10 am at St. Matthew Parish hall on Tuesday mornings. The group meets in October, February and April.
RCIA Process: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process is for those who would like to inquire into becoming one with the Roman Catholic Church. The sessions are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm at St Matthew Parish hall.
Advent and Lenten Series: During the season of Advent and Lent, the faith community comes together on Tuesday evening for “prayer, reflection and soup.” It is a time, during these most important liturgical seasons, to take some extra time in prayer, study and reflection. The sessions are held at 6:00pm at St. Matthew’s, followed by soup supper.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: A group of parishioners meet together to make quilts for those who are ill. The quilts are then taken to Mass on the weekends where parishioners tie “prayer knots” for the recipient of the quilt.
Other opportunities for adults to grow in their faith:
Be a member of the choir
Become involved in the local food pantries
Become a member of the various guilds in the parish
Becomes a part of the catechetical team
For more information concerning Adult Formation, please contact Patty at pafurtaw@jamcc.org
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