Adult Faith Formation

The major tasks of adult catechesis are as follows:

• To promote formation and development of life in the Risen Christ through the sacraments, prayer life of the Church, works of charity and justice, retreats, and spiritual direction
• To promote evangelization as the means of bringing the Good News to all states of humanity
• To educate toward the development of an informed moral conscience
• To clarify religious and moral questions
• To clarify the relationship between the Church and the world, especially in light of the Church's social doctrine
• To develop the rational foundations of the faith and demonstrate the compatibility of faith and reason
• "To encourage adults to assume (their baptismal) responsibility for the Church's mission and to be able to give Christian witness in society."
• To develop creative ways to interest and encourage adults to take advantage of the various programs of enrichment and spiritual development being offered

National Directory for Catechesis

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.

Goals 

1. Invite and Enable Ongoing Conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life
2. Promote and Support Active Membership in the Christian Community.
3. Call and Prepare Adults to Act as Disciples in Mission to the World.

Six Dimensions of Adults Faith Formation Content

1. Knowledge of the Faith
2. Liturgical Life 
3. Moral Formation
4. Prayer
5. Communal Life
6. Missionary Spirit

Concrete Approaches to Adult Faith Formation

1. Liturgy
2. Family or Home-Centered Activities
3. Small Groups
4. Large Groups
5. Individual Activities

Updated August 19, 2024