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our task: assess and critique the effectiveness of the process of symbolic catechesis through the lens of the USCCB's 1999 Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation

"Catechetical methodologies are based on the proclamation of the faith from Sacred Scripture and Tradition and their application to human experience, or they are based on human experience examined in light of the Gospel and teachings of the Church.

These catechetical methods, though distinct, are complementary and should guide pastoral programs aimed at renewing the faith of all Catholics, including our missing brothers and sisters."

  • --Disciples Called to Witness (USCCB, 2012)

large groups

what is it that we pass on?

there's no pressure to find the right one method

effective and efficient to take advantage of times when adults are already present, as when their children's catechetical sessions are scheduled. Examples: lectures, panel presentations and discussions, group service projects, social events with a prayer or learning component, ecumenical activities, 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.

small groups

no single approach can meet everyone's needs

the General Directory for Catechesis states: "The maturation of the Christian life requires that it be cultivated in all its dimensions:

knowledge of the faith,

liturgical life,

moral formation,

prayer,

belonging to community,

missionary spirit.

--When catechesis omits one of these elements,

the Christian faith does not attain full development."

basic units of the parish

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

"each parish needs to consider seriously how it will make the lifelong faith formation of its adult members its chief catechetical concern"

individual activities

intentionality in the ordinary

making the ordinary multi-faceted

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...Parishes and dioceses can develop their own internet forums/chat rooms, which people can access at any time to engage in a discussion with other people of faith.

where are we headed with this?

home-centered activities

Our Hearts Were

Burning Within Us:

Three Major Goals of Adult Formation:

Diocesan newspapers, 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.

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*

liturgy

A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States

Published by the USCCB (1999)

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.

how do we go about it?

Principles for Adult Faith Formation

General Principles:

1. Plan adult faith formation to serve "the glory of God, the building of the Kingdom, and the good of the Church." *

2. Orient adult Christian learning toward adult Christian living.*

3. Strengthen the role and mission of the family in Church and society.*

Principles for Inculturating

Principles for Conducting

Principles for Planning

let adult faith formation programs be centers of service and inculturation*

--the best of our pastoral resources and energies

involve the whole people of God in inculturating the faith*

--essential and integral to the pastoral plan of the parish

--catechumenate is model for all catechesis

bring the power of the Gospel into culture and cultures*

engage adults actively in the actual life and ministry of the Christian community*

let the gifts of culture enrich the life of the Church*

treating adults like adults, respecting learning styles and experiences*

serve the needs and interests of the entire faith community*

wait, no really...how do we do this?

"why do you stand here looking into the sky?" (Acts 1:11)

Process of Symbolic Catechesis

Movements (as in a symphony)

Gathering (=prelude)

1. Reflecting on a common experience

2. Inerpreting the experience through a faith symbol

3. Moving outward from the experience to acts of justice

4. Praying together about the experience

Sending forth (=coda)

"symphony is a communal exercise...roles change"

"in all cases the catechesis is inductive"

living out "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic" "church"

the process is the content

occasional catechesis (weekly for 3-6 wks at a time)

small group format (7-15 participants)

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