Catechesis of adults is the principal form of catechesis because it is addressed to the persons who have the greatest responsibilities and capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.
(National Directory for Catechesis, 2005)
The Diocese of Buffalo embraces a vision of faith formation that lasts one’s entire life. The journey toward discipleship influences our lives daily and prepares us to live the Gospel wherever we find ourselves. The Department of Lifelong Faith Formation supports parish leaders and individuals in their mission to ‘go and make disciples’ through formation and education. For more information contact Chris Hanley, Associate Director, or call 716-847-5521.
Adult Life Stages This one page chart describes the challenges and opportunities of each stage of adult life. This resource was gleaned from the Archdiocese of New York.
LENT 2012
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Find below great resources from Roman Catholic publishers. As additional resources arrive, I'll add them to this web-site. Please share your feedback, what you like and what you don't, with Chris Hanley.
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Twenty-Third Publications Whole Community, e-Resources, Small & Large Group, Daily, etc.!
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Disciples on the Journey Available in both English and Spanish! For a sample.
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Not By Bread Alone- Daily reflections for Lent Liturgical Press: Available in App, eBook, paperback and Large print!
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Our Sunday Visitor What is Lent? Gather ideas, information and resources!
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Quest A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities Available in both English and Spanish versions!
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RCL Benziger offers many programs and book resources. Once on the site, click on Our Products, then Adult Faith Formation to see your choices.
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Resource Publications A variety of books and topics on Lent.
Digital Resources & Adult Formation:
How can Digital Resources and Adult Formation enhance and support each other? People's time is valuable, i.e. time is money. By offering a weekly “blog” for people to read at the beginning of the week and scheduling a gathering later on in the week, adults can make the best use of their time.
SMALL FAITH SHARING GROUP(S):
BIBLE STUDY:
Monday Night Bible Study Group @ St. Benedict Parish- Eggertsville:This group meets virtually every Monday* at 7pm in the facility lunch room, (lower level/cafeteria) for 1 hour at 1317 Eggert Rd., NY 14226, beginning Sept. 16, 2010. Use the Eggert road entrance behind the rectory. *((Except for the second week of the month when they meet on Thursday.)) Bring a Bible. The topic is Matthew. For more information contact Carol at 716-633-1693 or
mathner@verizon.net
Fatima Shrine Bible Study Meets virtually every Monday night from 7:30 to 9pm. They study and reflect on the readings for the following Sunday's liturgy. All are welcome, no fee. Call Father Peter at 716-754-7489 Ext. 202 for information. 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14174-0167 For more information visit their website
www.fatimashrine.com
Great Adventure is a DVD based Bible study lecture series. The lectures are between 45-55 minutes each. Discussion is essential and fruitful prior to or after each lecture. To learn more about the Great Adventure, visit their website
www.ascensionpress.com To find a Great Adventure Bible study near you click on the following interactive
MAP.
St. John- Alden A Biblical Walk Through the Mass Contact Sr. Ellen McCarthy (716) 937-6959
St. Mary of the Angels - Olean The Great Adventure Contact Naomi (716) 372-4841
Little Rock Scripture study is a ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas, in partnership with Liturgical Press in Collegeville, Minnesota. They develop materials to help people: to read, study and live the Word of God. The lectures are 30 minutes in length, available in VHS, DVD and CD format. To learn more about Little Rock, visit their website
www.littlerockscripture.org
Most Precious Blood- Angola Gospel of Mark Coordinator Barbara Ruth (716) 549-0420
St. Peter- Lewiston Contact Dianne Wysocki (716) 754-2812
Catholic Biblical Studies Program is a community-based Bible study who's purpose is to promote knowledge through a critical, reflective and prayerful study. The "live" lectures are 2 hours in length by either Barbara Shanahan, MA or Father Paul Steller, MA. To learn more about Catholic Biblical Studies Program, visit their website
www.cbstudies.org
RETREATS & LOCATIONS:
10th Annual Catholic Men's Conference - Helping Men Renew Their Faith
Saturday, March 24, 2012 Cardinal O'Hara High School
More Information Registration Conference Details
Loyola Press- A Jesuit Ministry - 3-Minute Retreat
Center of Renewal - Stella Niagara, NY
32nd Annual Faith & Sharing Retreat March 2 - 4, 2012
Flyer part 1 Flyer part 2 Application WNY Catholic Article More Information
Adult Formation Program:
"I AM" is a PowerPoint presentation for all adults who haven't yet taken an active role in church life, who need that little boost of Yes, you can! Chris Hanley will present on the subject of Adult Faith Formation and your role in God's plan for salvation. We will discuss: Who are we? How do I share my faith? How do adults catechize one another? All are welcome. For more information or to schedule this presentation contact
Chris Hanley.
Adults Seeking Confirmation
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Where are adults coming from when they seek Confirmation as an adult?
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Do they attend church regularly or not at all?
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How much catechesis have they received or do they have little or none?
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How can they use their talents and gifts to build up the Body of Christ?
One program can not satisfy all the adults coming forth. The following CHART might help you plan a path for adults seeking Confirmation. The Guidelines for Confirmation have been updated (Nov. 2011) and "those beyond high school - adults, are now included into these guidelines. Contact Chris Hanley with your thoughts.
***RESOURCES FROM PAST PROGRAMING***
Effective Ministry with Maturing Adults- 12 Core Competencies Patrick B. Fox Click on the following for: PowerPoint Presentation Talking Notes Break-out group summaries Senior Adult Ministry- Dr. Richard Johnson Facts on Aging- Questions Facts on Aging- Answers 12 Core Competencies
Adult Confirmation 'Coffee Hour" Click on the following for: Meeting Notes Confirmation Goals & Good Catechesis Confirmation Resources