Creative and Coordinated Approach
The U.S. bishops state that "a comprehensive, multi-faceted, and coordinated approach to adult faith formation is necessary." We believe it is good practice for all faith formation in the parish and seek to empower parishes to adopt it.
Key Insights
Comprehensive
Parish formation efforts must teach the fundamentals of the faith, with particular emphasis on equipping disciples with what they need for their mission in the world. |
Many Environments and Activities
A multi-faceted approach means ensuring formation occurs in different environments, to different audiences, and through many activities. |
Coordinated
Formation efforts can be most effective when the same topic is reinforced across environments, audiences, and activities. This allows parishioners to learn in different ways and enter into a common conversation across the parish and households. |
Topics
We offer topics well-suited for community-wide formation efforts. Topics are simply a way to consider an aspect of the Gospel message and enter into it deeper by focusing on it for a time. For each topic, we identify key insights, available resources, and ideas for implementing them in the parish in a coordinated manner. |
Liturgy
Aligning a topic-based approach with the lectionary readings provides better opportunities to connect with the topic in liturgy. Choosing a topic to align with liturgical seasons can be a particularly powerful approach. We recommend starting formation with liturgy. |
Quotations
Given the broad scope of content, the diverse range of adult interests and responsibilities, and the availability of learning resources, no single approach can meet everyone's needs. Consequently, a comprehensive, multi-faceted, and coordinated approach to adult faith formation is necessary. Parish leaders need to provide a variety of learning activities and resources to meet the diverse needs of parishioners. Inter-parish cooperation is a developing and important dynamic that can increase learning opportunities for parishioners, especially (but not only) for smaller parishes. |
Learning takes place not only under the auspices of religious education; learning takes place in the very life and rhythm of the parish. All elements of the life of the parish have the potential to invite people into critical reflection. One of the core tenets of a learning community is recognition of the essential interconnection of the various elements of parish life.... The more clearly we recognize and embrace the multiple ways in which people and communities grow in faith, the more effective our work will be. Jane E. Regan
Toward an Adult Church |
Environments and Activities
Parish formation needs to touch as many parishioners as possible, because they are all called to intentional discipleship. We need to find ways to make formation accessible to all parishioners (and beyond!) and not just gripe about people not attending events as we have always provided them.
We recommend that the approach be coordinated, such that formation on a particular topic can occur at approximately the same time in different environments and methods. This may happen on a single Sunday, or over the course of months. For example, the concept of first fruits (part of stewardship) and how it affects the way we live can be reinforced in many ways:
In Our Hearts Were Burning, the U.S. Bishops outline five environments for formation: liturgy, family- or home-centered activities, small groups, large groups, and individual activities. Here we consider each of these environments, beginning with a quote from the document, and what activities can foster formation in each.
We recommend that the approach be coordinated, such that formation on a particular topic can occur at approximately the same time in different environments and methods. This may happen on a single Sunday, or over the course of months. For example, the concept of first fruits (part of stewardship) and how it affects the way we live can be reinforced in many ways:
- one or more homilies, preferably well-coordinated with the lectionary readings
- teaching the same lesson in Children's Liturgy of the Word
- saying a Stewardship prayer in Mass
- having the liturgical environment evoke first fruits
- sending additional written reflections in the bulletin (possibly as a separate handout)
- directing parishioners to a video that goes deeper into the subject online or directly after mass
- offering a small group faithsharing experience on the topic
- changing parish finances so that a percentage of each collection is given to causes outside the parish
- providing materials for parents to talk with their children about first fruits and giving (e.g. three piggy banks: one for giving, one for saving, and one for spending).
In Our Hearts Were Burning, the U.S. Bishops outline five environments for formation: liturgy, family- or home-centered activities, small groups, large groups, and individual activities. Here we consider each of these environments, beginning with a quote from the document, and what activities can foster formation in each.
Liturgy
Each Sunday, the majority of our Catholic adults gather as a community of faith to celebrate the Eucharist in praise of God, in joyful faith, and in a deepening discipleship with the Lord Jesus. Sunday Eucharist remains the center of the Church's life. Indeed, active participation in the liturgy "is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit" and deepen their conversion to God.
Liturgy fosters this ongoing conversion, uniting us in Christ and with one another, uplifting our spirits in thankful, joyful praise, and renewing our hearts in love for God, turning us to love of neighbor. Each aspect of worship—the homily, the physical environment, hospitality, liturgical ministries, congregational participation, appropriate music, the Sunday bulletin with inclusions—has the potential to foster adult faith, bringing people into a more intimate relationship with Christ and with one another. Daily Mass and other communal prayer experiences provide additional formative opportunities.
It is important to realize that the real "theme" of any Mass is the paschal mystery: the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Any focus on particular topics should never seek to override or overpower that central understanding.
That said, each liturgy has lectionary readings and specific prayers that are coordinated with each other to help us consider an aspect of our faith. The lectionary and sacramentary also have special liturgies for feasts and special occasions. If a parish intends to focus on a particular topic over a period of weeks or months, care must be taken to not force a connection that is not there (every liturgy and homily does not have to match the topic).
Liturgy always connects us to our daily life mission. Liturgy is when the whole community gathers each week. It is the best place to begin our formation.
We particularly see the following opportunities in liturgy:
Homilies. Preaching should always connect Scripture and Church teaching with discipleship and our mission to the world, period. Preachers should consider the three parts of evangelization and how they can be supported. A topic-based approach works best when it is emerges from Scripture and preaching, to be reinforced through everything else the parish does.
Children's Liturgy of the Word: This ministry has the same goals as the adult Liturgy of the Word, including the homily. It is simply focused on children and has more flexibility in how the message may be taught.
Liturgical Environment. The worship space can be adapted through banners, symbols or objects, and other means to remind us powerfully of what we are learning together.
Music. Song selection can effectively connect our sung prayer with the rest of the liturgy.
Prayers of the Faithful. These can easily include concerns related to the central message of the weekend.
Special Prayers and Rituals. Some parishes choose to occasionally add special prayers, such as the Stewardship prayer from the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter. Penitential rites, sprinkling rites, renewals of baptismal promises are examples of prayers and rituals that connect us with our mission, and can be slightly adapted to address a particular topic.
Announcements and Personal Witness. Speaking about other opportunities for formation within the parish is a big opportunity that should not be taken lightly. Any time should be brief and spent very intentionally.
Learn more about our liturgy recommendations here.
That said, each liturgy has lectionary readings and specific prayers that are coordinated with each other to help us consider an aspect of our faith. The lectionary and sacramentary also have special liturgies for feasts and special occasions. If a parish intends to focus on a particular topic over a period of weeks or months, care must be taken to not force a connection that is not there (every liturgy and homily does not have to match the topic).
Liturgy always connects us to our daily life mission. Liturgy is when the whole community gathers each week. It is the best place to begin our formation.
We particularly see the following opportunities in liturgy:
Homilies. Preaching should always connect Scripture and Church teaching with discipleship and our mission to the world, period. Preachers should consider the three parts of evangelization and how they can be supported. A topic-based approach works best when it is emerges from Scripture and preaching, to be reinforced through everything else the parish does.
Children's Liturgy of the Word: This ministry has the same goals as the adult Liturgy of the Word, including the homily. It is simply focused on children and has more flexibility in how the message may be taught.
Liturgical Environment. The worship space can be adapted through banners, symbols or objects, and other means to remind us powerfully of what we are learning together.
Music. Song selection can effectively connect our sung prayer with the rest of the liturgy.
Prayers of the Faithful. These can easily include concerns related to the central message of the weekend.
Special Prayers and Rituals. Some parishes choose to occasionally add special prayers, such as the Stewardship prayer from the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter. Penitential rites, sprinkling rites, renewals of baptismal promises are examples of prayers and rituals that connect us with our mission, and can be slightly adapted to address a particular topic.
Announcements and Personal Witness. Speaking about other opportunities for formation within the parish is a big opportunity that should not be taken lightly. Any time should be brief and spent very intentionally.
Learn more about our liturgy recommendations here.
Family- or Home-centered Activities
There may be no place more significant for catechesis than the family. "Family catechesis precedes . . . accompanies and enriches all forms of catechesis"—and this applies in any structure or stage of family life.
Catechetical opportunities situated in family settings foster both adult and family faith growth, while also addressing one of the major reasons adults give for not participating in adult education: time away from their families. Maximize opportunities for adult faith formation to fit into the rhythms of family life and not to pull families apart.
Diocesan newspapers (frequently overlooked for their potential), Catholic magazines, seasonal booklets, monthly calendars, newsletters, periodic mailings, pastoral visits, family prayer and Scripture sharing, home blessings, family-to-family ministry, videos that promote family faith sharing, Catholic websites, and a home-based component in programs of catechesis for children and youth can all provide adults and their families with meaningful faith formation experiences. "The means of social communication are used to complement the established ways of teaching. They also give opportunities for further education to adolescents and adults."
Few parishes consider how they can equip families to foster their formation together. We particularly see these opportunities:
Learning materials. Many formation materials offered for individuals can also be used within a family, particularly if that use is suggested and encouraged. However, customized materials that can be used to teach concepts to children are most helpful for young families.
Promoting family prayer and ritual. Helping families start prayer practices in general is an important goal, whether for mealtime, bedtime, or other occasions. But prayers or rituals can also be offered for special topics, especially during certain liturgical seasons.
Learning materials. Many formation materials offered for individuals can also be used within a family, particularly if that use is suggested and encouraged. However, customized materials that can be used to teach concepts to children are most helpful for young families.
Promoting family prayer and ritual. Helping families start prayer practices in general is an important goal, whether for mealtime, bedtime, or other occasions. But prayers or rituals can also be offered for special topics, especially during certain liturgical seasons.
Small groups
Many Catholic adults already meet regularly in a variety of small groups for encouragement to better live their faith in the world and to build community. In their various forms these groups provide genuine support to people in living their faith in daily life. "As basic units of the parish, they serve to increase the corporate life and mission of the parish by sharing in its life generously with their talents and support."
Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society. Ecclesial movements and associations that are part of the vibrant life of the Church make great contributions here. We welcome this phenomenon as "a sign of the ‘Church's vitality,'" and have offered guidelines for authentic small faith community development in Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium and in Communion and Mission.
Small groups that meet either at the parish or in homes can be an effective means of formation, but they can also be internal focused and not driven to mission. Connecting small faith groups with a wider mission-oriented topic is a good way to orient them toward intentional discipleship.
Faith-sharing groups. Many small group materials are available that lead a group through particular topics, often with a Scriptural basis. We should also consider how we can transform small groups into "mission groups" who see their purpose more closely tied to their call to discipleship.
Book-reading or video-viewing groups. Some would be attracted to small group experiences tied to reading books or viewing videos outside the group and then coming together to discuss them. They may be connected to parish-wide topics or their own particular interests (e.g. parenting).
Faith-sharing groups. Many small group materials are available that lead a group through particular topics, often with a Scriptural basis. We should also consider how we can transform small groups into "mission groups" who see their purpose more closely tied to their call to discipleship.
Book-reading or video-viewing groups. Some would be attracted to small group experiences tied to reading books or viewing videos outside the group and then coming together to discuss them. They may be connected to parish-wide topics or their own particular interests (e.g. parenting).
Large Groups
Some adults prefer to learn in large group settings. It can be effective and efficient to take advantage of times when adults are already present, as when their children's catechetical sessions are scheduled. Other settings may include lectures, panel presentations and discussions, group service projects, social events (e.g., Lenten suppers) with a prayer or learning component, ecumenical activities during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, participation in the March for Life on January 22, and working together to provide housing for low-income families or to build or repair parish facilities. We encourage parishes to provide a variety of regular larger group opportunities for adult faith formation.
There are a wide variety of learning activities that can be done with large groups. We do encourage intentionality and caution when planning large group activities, as it is easy to spent considerable effort and money in planning events that people will not attend in practice. Scheduling, promotion, and effectiveness all have to be considered. It is very difficult to get large numbers of parishioners out to a separate event.
Short informational sessions. We encourage the use of short (10-20 minutes) sessions immediately following Mass, perhaps in whatever space fellowship occurs. These sessions may screen videos or simply be a presentation. The content may be connected to a coordinated learning topic or may be a way to allow someone to learn more about some opportunity being offered (such as one of the Tools we recommend). The session should be promoted effectively in the announcements, giving clear reasons why the session is helpful.
Classes. A traditional classroom setting can be effective for certain topics where there is a desire to go into particular depth. They may be a single or multiple sessions, with each usually being between one and two hours.
Retreats. A variety of formats may be used for retreats or "parish missions", from a weekend to a few evening sessions. They offer a combination of teaching, prayer, music, quiet meditation, and/or group sharing.
Discussions and forums. It can be powerful to coordinate discussion and dialogue within the parish on whatever topics are being explored together. There are creative ways this can be achieved. In-person "town hall" meetings are one, but it is difficult to get many to attend. Virtual discussions can also work. Try posting a large piece of paper in or near the worship space for people to write short comments (perhaps using sticky notes). Or set up online discussions. Solicit comments via email or written notes, and then share them back to the community in the bulletin or some other way.
Justice actions. Events to specifically address justice issues, including rallies, marches, protests, letter-writing events, or educational opportunities, can connect a particular topic to Catholic social teaching and out call to help the marginalized.
Movie nights. Offer film viewings for families or a general audience. Allow for discussion time or send questions home for families to discuss themselves.
Kids events. Vacation bible schools or individual kids events can be very popular, whether it is a fun family night or childcare for a much needed parents' night out. These events can teach kids, but they can also be used to teach adults through take-home materials or adult sessions offered during the same time.
Parish decisions. Whenever the parish leadership commits to modeling discipleship, that is also a learning opportunity for the whole parish. Whenever the parish community is reflecting on a topic together, the parish itself has to open itself to being evangelized. If you're focusing on stewardship, then how is the parish a good steward of its resources? Is it environmentally friendly or wasteful? Does it give from its first fruits? If you are focusing on work, then what kind of employer is the parish? The parish's actions will speak louder than its words.
Short informational sessions. We encourage the use of short (10-20 minutes) sessions immediately following Mass, perhaps in whatever space fellowship occurs. These sessions may screen videos or simply be a presentation. The content may be connected to a coordinated learning topic or may be a way to allow someone to learn more about some opportunity being offered (such as one of the Tools we recommend). The session should be promoted effectively in the announcements, giving clear reasons why the session is helpful.
Classes. A traditional classroom setting can be effective for certain topics where there is a desire to go into particular depth. They may be a single or multiple sessions, with each usually being between one and two hours.
Retreats. A variety of formats may be used for retreats or "parish missions", from a weekend to a few evening sessions. They offer a combination of teaching, prayer, music, quiet meditation, and/or group sharing.
Discussions and forums. It can be powerful to coordinate discussion and dialogue within the parish on whatever topics are being explored together. There are creative ways this can be achieved. In-person "town hall" meetings are one, but it is difficult to get many to attend. Virtual discussions can also work. Try posting a large piece of paper in or near the worship space for people to write short comments (perhaps using sticky notes). Or set up online discussions. Solicit comments via email or written notes, and then share them back to the community in the bulletin or some other way.
Justice actions. Events to specifically address justice issues, including rallies, marches, protests, letter-writing events, or educational opportunities, can connect a particular topic to Catholic social teaching and out call to help the marginalized.
Movie nights. Offer film viewings for families or a general audience. Allow for discussion time or send questions home for families to discuss themselves.
Kids events. Vacation bible schools or individual kids events can be very popular, whether it is a fun family night or childcare for a much needed parents' night out. These events can teach kids, but they can also be used to teach adults through take-home materials or adult sessions offered during the same time.
Parish decisions. Whenever the parish leadership commits to modeling discipleship, that is also a learning opportunity for the whole parish. Whenever the parish community is reflecting on a topic together, the parish itself has to open itself to being evangelized. If you're focusing on stewardship, then how is the parish a good steward of its resources? Is it environmentally friendly or wasteful? Does it give from its first fruits? If you are focusing on work, then what kind of employer is the parish? The parish's actions will speak louder than its words.
Individual Activities
Adults also spend time alone—commuting or traveling, doing yardwork or household chores, keeping a "holy hour," or finding a few minutes in the morning or at night for reflection and prayer. Some adults, especially the sick or homebound, spend much time alone. With the right resources and assistance, this time alone can lead to a growing relationship with Jesus.
Materials for personal prayer, study, and reflection are available in print, on audio or videotape, and on the Internet. We need creative ways to make these items more widely known and easily accessible through the use of media. For example, parish bulletins or diocesan newspapers can publicize books or websites, and parish lending libraries or book/tape sales can provide resources to adults. Parishes and dioceses can develop their own webpages or chat rooms, which people can access at any time to engage in a discussion with other people of faith, or find religious news or information about prayer, the Catholic tradition, or current events.
We encourage all Catholics to spend some time alone with God each day, whether they meditate on Scripture, use printed or memorized prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary, meditation and contemplative prayer, or simply dwell in wordless praise in God's loving presence. Even five minutes a day devoted to one's relationship with the Lord can lead to a deepened faith and a more active Christian witness.
Formation that can happen at any time is important for people with busy and restrictive schedules. Individual activities are also great reinforcement, and can offer greater depth to what one may have heard in preaching or a short presentation.
Handouts or articles. Written material may be distributed with the bulletin, at events, or via email. It is most effective to provide this material that reinforces whatever message was delivered that same day.
Books. Parishes can recommend specific books (particularly aligned with a given topic). They can also offer a lending library or books for purchase.
Videos. The prevalence of online videos makes it easier than ever for a parish to refer people to short videos for convenient home viewing. A parish could even produce their own. Physical videos could also be offered for loan or purchase.
Social media. Create a parish Facebook page or Twitter account to not only make announcements, but do formation. Share links to articles, videos, and websites. Encourage parishioners to share with others.
Parish mailings. Whenever you mail a letter, it is an opportunity to formation that you should not miss. Whether you are sending Christmas liturgy schedules or a financial report, include a letter promoting mission and what the parish is focusing on that month.
Song playlists. Online music services now make it easy for people to purchase individual songs. Compile and share a playlist of songs, whether explicitly Christian or not, that reinforce a given topic.
Individual prayer. Promote personal prayer in general, and perhaps aligned with a particular topic. You may encourage the use of particular prayer practices.
Handouts or articles. Written material may be distributed with the bulletin, at events, or via email. It is most effective to provide this material that reinforces whatever message was delivered that same day.
Books. Parishes can recommend specific books (particularly aligned with a given topic). They can also offer a lending library or books for purchase.
Videos. The prevalence of online videos makes it easier than ever for a parish to refer people to short videos for convenient home viewing. A parish could even produce their own. Physical videos could also be offered for loan or purchase.
Social media. Create a parish Facebook page or Twitter account to not only make announcements, but do formation. Share links to articles, videos, and websites. Encourage parishioners to share with others.
Parish mailings. Whenever you mail a letter, it is an opportunity to formation that you should not miss. Whether you are sending Christmas liturgy schedules or a financial report, include a letter promoting mission and what the parish is focusing on that month.
Song playlists. Online music services now make it easy for people to purchase individual songs. Compile and share a playlist of songs, whether explicitly Christian or not, that reinforce a given topic.
Individual prayer. Promote personal prayer in general, and perhaps aligned with a particular topic. You may encourage the use of particular prayer practices.
Cover image from Pentecost, a painting by El Greco.