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GROWING OUR FAITH THROUGH ADULT FAITH FORMATION

As adults, we recognize that we are never finished growing. We seek to be more attentive to the Word of God in our worship and in our lives; more knowledgeable and reflective in our faith, our belief, and our history as Christians; more deeply committed in our relationship with God; and more connected with one another in our family and community life.

Adult faith formation is a process of learning and becoming better followers of Jesus Christ. It begins at Mass, in the Liturgy of the Word. Father Raphael’s thoughtful homilies break open the meaning of the day’s scriptural texts and challenge us to carry that meaning into the rest of our daily or weekly activities. Working with Father Raphael to extend adult formation beyond the liturgy, individual parishioners and groups – such as Sodality and ad hoc Faith Formation teams – “pitch” an idea to Parish Council, and with their advice and support, then organize, design, and lead a variety of adult faith formation opportunities that are open to all. These include ongoing Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies; parish-wide summer or seasonal book reading events, followed by small group discussion; and ongoing training for our Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. Community members with special talent or expertise develop and lead mini-courses and thematic film series. Additionally, virtual program presentations by outside experts help us explore topics in depth, through multi-session, multimedia resources. Similarly, Parish Missions or weekend retreat formats enable us to interact with authors and dedicated retreat masters for lively learning and reflection. Our resident Bible Scholar, Sister Catherine Gormley, leads a  monthly Bible class that meets after Mass on the fourth Sunday of the month to unpack both the text and people of the Old and New Testament through year-long study – like the Letters of St. Paul, or the Book of Psalms. Sister Catherine also provides catechetical education and support for the Faith Formation teachers who work with our children.

Just as we are evolving on our faith journey, as individuals and as a community, so too is our adult faith formation program evolving. Since St. Francis de Sales Parish is a community that is open to be moved, and moved forward, by the Spirit, we welcome new ideas, new energy, and new program possibilities. If you have an idea you are interested in pursuing and developing with us, please speak to Father Raphael or Bill Colagrande, Chairman of our Community and Faith Formation Committee: Bill@i4hd.com or 845-688-2013.