I.
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"There are, moreover, numerous other Christians, often highly educated, whose religious formation amounts solely to that which they received in childhood. These also need to re-examine and develop their faith from a different standpoint."
General Directory for Catechesis #25Imagine a mature Church with people of all ages actively seeking
A
Deeper
Understanding of
Life
Tradition and
ScriptureAccording to data compiled in 1936, a person turning 68 in the year 2005 has surpassed his or her life expectancy by seven years. Conversely in the year 2050, over 4½ million people are expected to reach the age of 100. Most people graduate from high school by age 18. Consider the idea that Catholic Christians could live for 82 years beyond their “formal” religious education. This suggests much more time for the integration of faith, living and learning. When does a person know “all one needs to know” about his or her faith?
The intent of this pastoral is nothing less than to awaken a passion for renewal in the ministry of adult faith formation throughout the Church in the United States. This ambitious process holds three goals for adult faith formation. (See NDC, pp. 188-189)Three Major Goals for Adult Faith Formation
(Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us #67-73)
Note: The Collaborative for Education and Ministry in the Diocese of Worcester compiled survey of the current status of adult faith formation in the diocese. A compilation of this survey is available upon request.
Copyright 2001, 2008
Diocese of Worcester
Worcester, MA
Rev. 2