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Helpful Hints to Promote Adult Faith Formation

1.       1. Consider above all what souls need for their salvation and make that a primary focus in your planning of adult faith formation opportunities.  What are the spiritual needs of your parish?  How can they be best met?

2.       2. St. Paul writes that “... faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from the preaching of Christ” (Rom 10: 17).  When searching for speakers, don’t forget about our priests, the people within your own parish, neighboring parishes and the diocese, but don’t be afraid to think big and bring in a national speaker.  We have considerable experience in this area so if you need ideas on how to do this and how to pay for it, you can call our office at (816) 714-2308. 

3.       3. Make the time, place and content of your group meeting, event or class well known by publicizing it in at least three different places (use a variety of media if possible) and having oral announcements at Mass. The chances of success are often enhanced by personal invitation and the support of the pastor as well as everyone’s enthusiasm and hard work. Have handouts available in the pews if possible.

4.       4. Use the parish bulletin not only to announce upcoming events but also to communicate faith messages to parishioners.  However, personal invitation by phone or in person is always recommended where possible. 

5.       5. Don’t forget to provide nursery care! Young parents who are interested in Adult Faith Formation programming and events may not be able to attend due to childcare issues. Recruiting volunteer(s) to staff a nursery during events will help enable young families grow in their faith. [Make sure they have the Virtus training required by the diocese. Phone Mary Francis Horton 913-909-4410].

6.        6. At each Adult Faith Formation event include time for small-group discussion and faith sharing. Be sure to have sufficient substance to make people want to come back.  This requires adequate preparation on the part of the catechist or facilitator.  This will be the case if you use good programs and line up capable speakers.  Remember "the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity" (Catechesi Tradendae, 5) 

7.       7. Make sure to provide hospitality (coffee, cookies or fruit) with every Adult Faith Formation offering at your parish. Food encourages conversation and community-building. Even light refreshments are appreciated. This responsibility can be rotated within a group that meets regularly.

8. Remember that Holy Scripture is the soul of theology and that the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium and Church documents are basic resources for catechesis, but don't forget other areas of formation that help form mature adult, but don't forget other areas of formation that help mature adult spirituality: Liturgy, marriage and family life activities (e.g., marriage encounter), young adult ministry, social justice and charity, etc.

We appreciate your input on this page.  Please email us at dowdy@diocesekcsj.org