Adult Faith Formation Commission
An Invitation to Serve
“Lifelong formation is always needed and must be a priority in the Church's catechetical ministry. Moreover, it must be considered the chief form of catechesis." (# 13 On Catechesis in Our Time)
“We [the U.S. Bishops] are convinced that the energy and resources we devote to adult faith formation will strengthen and invigorate all the charisms that adults receive and the activities they undertake in the Church and in society, to serve the Gospel of Christ and the people of today. Every Church ministry will be energized through a dynamic ministry of adult catechesis.” (# 40 Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us)
Mission
Acknowledging the need for life-long learning and the fruitful expression of a mature Christian faith, St Raphael Adult Faith Formation Commission seeks to help adults strengthen and deepen their relationship with God while growing in Knowledge of Faith, Liturgical Life, Morality, Expressions of Christian Prayer, Communal Life, Missionary Spirit, Care of God's Creation, Ministry and Leadership.
Vision Statement
The Adult Formation Commission will strive to provide each adult member of St. Raphael an opportunity to grow in all aspects of Christian life. With this growth, each adult will be more prepared to meet his/her daily life challenges having the Holy Spirit as his/her guide.
Purpose
To enhance the knowledge of the adult community of St. Raphael, through educational experiences, and to foster a greater understanding in the following areas of our Christian faith as recommended in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: Knowledge of the Faith, Liturgical Life, Moral Formation, Prayer, Communal Life, Missionary Spirit, Care of God's Creation.
The Call
- Recognition of one’s holiness and personal relationship with one’s God
- Aware of one’s call to minister to the People of God
- Desire to build, strengthen and nourish the Church
- Belief in the mission of the Adult Faith Formation
- Ability to work with a shared decision model of leadership, openness to diversity of viewpoints, and decision-making done by consensus
- Registered member of St. Raphael
Expectations
- To attend regular monthly commission meetings (4th Tuesday evening of each month)
- To attend joint commission-pastoral council meetings (a Saturday in November and March)
- To participate in a commission retreat (Saturday afternoon in summer)
- To participate in ongoing formation and training
- To assume a “shared leadership responsibility” for a portion of the commission’s work (see Shared Leadership Responsibilities attached)
To further explore the possibility of ministry with the Adult Faith Formation Commission, email Sr. Anne Hyzy or contact her at 630-355-4545 X-138. Explore the Charter for Adult Faith Formation.