The average person spends most of their life in adulthood. As Church, we are reminded by the Bishops to place adult catechesis at the center of our catechetical ministry. This does not exclude outreach to youth, rather, it asks us to seek ways to plan faith formation that is on-going and lifelong. The Diocese of Buffalo offers the following resources to assist parishes in creating a holistic catechetical plan that takes into account the needs of all its members - of all ages.
We offer several resources to assist parishes in planning for catechesis across the life span. Click on Parish Faith Formation Inventory and the Faith Formation-Assessment Guide to find tools to help leaders look at the faith formation needs of your entire parish.
Are We Asking the Right Questions? Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D. wrote a recent article titled: Maturing Adult Faith Formation Are We Asking the Wrong Question? (Click on title to read article) Are the majority of our parishioners retired? What are we to do with maturing adults? The article offers a new paradigm, a new way of thinking.
ADULT FORMATION LEARNING EXCHANGE
For the latest in News & Trends, Research, Articles, Resources and more, click on title.
GEMS
Great Endeavors Minded & Shared by Janet Schaeffler, OP. I highly recommend her monthly newsletter with best practices and many great suggestions and thoughts. Past newsletters are archived under the tab Best Practices.
METHODOLOGIES:
Adult verses Child Learning Characteristics This easy read spells out the major differences between adult learning verses child learning.
5 Principles for the Teachers of Adults Same principle, just a little more in depth.
8 Kinds of Smart - An overview of multiple intelligences for catechists
BASICS IN ADULT FAITH FORMATION- ((Planning))
(Click on title to open)
Adult Faith Formation- A Concise Guide to Neil A. Parent
Toward an Adult Church- A Vision of Faith Formation Jane E. Regan
Christian Adulthood- A Journey of Self-Discovery Evelyn Eaton Whitehead & James D. Whitehead
Celebrating God's Hopes for Us- Engaging Adults in Meaningful Conversation Jane E. Regan & Mimi McReavy Bitzan
Nurturing Adult Faith- A Manual for Parish Leaders NCCL
ADULT FAITH FORMATION: ((Programming))
AMERICAN CATHOLIC
100's of articles archived from Catholic Update, Handouts that Help Out. Assign an article on Monday then gather later on in the week to discuss the contents. Many other resources also available on this web site.
BRIDGES - Small-Group Study with Thomas Merton
Bridges is designed for small groups with varying experiences, viewpoints, and beliefs. The format is simple and open-ended to accommodate both age-specific and intergenerational groups. For move information click on Ave Maria Press.
CATHOLIC CATECHISM FOR ADULTS
USCCA STUDY-AID A study guide for the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, that makes "students out of readers"! A 50 page Discussion Leaders Guide and a 100 page Study Aid are available. More information
CATHOLICISM by Father Robert Barron, Word on Fire
Fr. Robert created the ground breaking CATHOLICISM as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why, so adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith. This engaging and interesting formational program uses the art, architecture, literature, music and all the treasures of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church. More Information
ECHOES of FAITH PLUS by National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)
A basic-level, Video (704) or DVD (923) or Spanish (864) assisted resources for the formation, training, and enrichment of adults. Work books are highly encouraged. Titles are: H. Introduction to the Learner ((Faith Development)), I. Prayer and Spirituality, J. Liturgy and Sacraments, K. Catholic Morality, L. Introduction to Scripture, and M. I Believe, We Believe ((Creed and Church)). Videos and DVDs are available from the Diocesan Library, call (716) 847-8778 or email cbork@buffalodiocese.org
EXPLORING Our Catholic Faith
Are you looking to make a connection between faith and life? These handy four-page pamphlets make it easy for individuals or small groups to address a particular topic. For more information or a free sample click on RCL Benziger.
GROWING FAITH PROJECT
Six small group sessions to help us deepen our communion with Christ. A complete process from opening prayer to the final sharing, lasting about one hour. The kit includes Growing Faith booklets for each participant, plus Study and Prayer Guides & Marketing kit for the leader. For more information click on Twenty-Third Publications.
LECTIO DIVINA BIBLE STUDY
A new series demonstrating the biblical foundations of Catholic beliefs and practices. Each book combines the ancient practice of lectio divina with the tradition and scholarship of the Church. Each lesson takes the reader through a sequential process of listening, understanding, reflecting, praying, and acting. For more information Our Sunday Visitor Publications.
MINISTRY OF MOTHERS SHARING (MOMS)
Are Mom's in your parish looking to awaken an awareness in women of their inner sacred self and teach them new ways to inspire and affirm each other? For more information on this topic click on Resource Publications.
NUTS & BOLTS- Ideas & Practices for implementing Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
Are you looking for practical and visionary suggestions to increase participation in Adult Faith Formation? This resource includes "best practices", topics pertinent to adult faith formation and on-going research from experts and practitioners. For more information or a free sample click on Twenty-Third Publications.
QUEST A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities
This wonderful resource is produced by the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut. It's available in both English and Spanish versions. To view a sample or more information click on SAMPLE or QUEST.
SIX WEEKS WITH THE BIBLE
Ideal for small groups, this study will help Catholics grow more comfortable in sharing their faith with others and develop their confidence in their understanding of Scripture. For more information click on Six Weeks Leader's Guide Loyola Press
THRESHOLD BIBLE STUDY
Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion. The characters, places, and images that you will encounter in each of these topical studies will help you explore new dimensions of your faith and discover deeper insights for your spiritual life. The following podcast from author Stephen J Binz will give you a taste for his style.