Faith Formation
Catechesis is a responsibility of the entire Christian Community. This is not the work of catechists and priests alone, but the whole community of the faithful. The Christian community follows the development of catechetical processes, for children, young people and adults, as a duty that involves and binds it directly.
Children - Faith Formation
Parents; godparents or designated adult play vital roles in the process of initiation into the faith. Parents are the first and primary educators for their children, family members with whom he or she lives. The home or “domestic church” provides a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it. Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 19:14)
Youth - Faith Formation
The most effective catechetical program for adolescents is integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes: topics such as: prayer, sacraments, relationships, mission, and holiness. The intent of the program is to provide a solid foundation for young Catholics to make applications to their daily lives. Our goal is to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, spiritual growth and participation in the mission of the Catholic Church: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).”
(RCIA) Adult - Faith Formation/becoming Catholic
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process whereby adults enter the Catholic Church. Is a spiritual journey…that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.
RCIA is a process designed to lead a person to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. RCIA engages a person where they are in their circumstances as an adult, teen, child, unbaptized or baptized. RCIA consist on to lead an individual into a sacred journey of conversion and transformation. RCIA is adaptable to the uniqueness of individuals in their knowledge, cultural, and familiar experiences. As a person grows in faith they are lead into an intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation.
After receiving Christ in the sacraments of Christian initiation, the process continues for a life-time of maturing in Christian experience and spiritual growth.
“I am the Vine you are the Branches, if a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruits” (John 15:5)
At St. Patrick Catholic Church; our goal is to create a program of lifelong faith formation that is centered in and flows out of the events of Church life. It embraces all ages and generation, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.