CATHOLIC ADULT FORMATION AND EDUCATION

Director of Religious Formation
     Peggy Casing
     Phone:  248-844-8662

   Wow! I’m just coming back to earth after flying high during our GIFT week.  The comments, and compliments, this past week have been uplifting, to say the least.  Individuals, and families, are seeing the benefit from participating in faith formation, and that is affirming for all of the staff that works diligently, and often tirelessly to bring a program like this to the parish.   

   For those that don’t know, GIFT is the acronym for our intergenerational faith formation program.  (GIFT stands for Growing In Faith Together.)  It is offered for every member of our faith community.  Yes, I said everybody… not just people with kids… not just members of various ministries… everybody!  Within it, we strive to provide programming that connects to our every-day lived experience of faith. 

   Each session is geared to an event that is approaching, whether Church related, or something in the secular world.  It is that connection to events that helps participants to integrate what we have discussed into their everyday lives.  We knew it would take time to see the fruit of our labor, but here is where we, and our participants, are now seeing the big difference from other types of formation.  For example, in a classroom type setting, facts are leaned (most often by children) and soon forgotten.  Our parents, in the past, would ask kids what they learned, receive little response, and all would be set aside for another week.  At the end of eighth grade a check mark would be posted in the mental list of things to do, and religious formation would be considered “done.” We had kids, and adults, that were living very “non-Catholic” lives and not finding any problem with that fact.  In contrast, formation that is connected to participants lived experience, makes connections that impact how individuals participate in events, or how they live their lives.  Many individuals have commented, this past week, about the fact that they are now having conversations about faith, and how to live as a Christian, in ways that they never saw under the old type of formation.  They are finding that their Catholic faith does, indeed, make a difference in their lives.  Noticing these implications of Jesus’ message to all of us is not always comfortable, but is very necessary.  Understanding where we come up short, where changes need to be made, and how to make those changes, is what GIFT is all about.  We are excited, because that is the goal of ALL good religious formation.  As such, we provide opportunities for individuals to think… to make their own connections.  In a season of cookie cutters… GIFT isn’t cookie cutter formation.

Catholicism For Dummies
Beginning January 20th and running through February 24th, we will be offering a broad overview of the Catholic faith, as we run through the book, Catholicism for Dummies by Rev. John Trigilio Jr., PhD, ThD, and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD. The sessions will run each Tuesday night at 7:00 for six weeks.  You will need a copy of the book to fully participate.  To Register

Have Degree… Will Travel
I’m just dropping a little FYI to any of our parish groups.  If you would like a brief presentation, or want to incorporate a bit of formation, or reflection, into the gathering time for your group, please know that I will be happy to provide something for you.  Whether scripture, prayer, or Church teaching, these offerings can take as little as five or ten minutes within your meeting, or we can schedule something that could follow a format of several hours.  I am happy to tailor the content and format to fit your needs.  Please call, or email me, anytime to discuss your needs, and our many options. 

Sunday Morning Scripture Study
Please feel free to join us anytime.  Each week, we take a look at the historical background that affected the authors of our Sunday readings, and discuss how their message talks to us today.  Please consider joining us.  We meet, following the 9 am Mass, in the St. Joseph Room

Foundations for Studying and Praying the Bible
Sr. Mart Ann Flanagan, Ph.D, is happy to present a “mini-bible study course” that will introduce participants to skills and concepts that will help them study and pray with the bible with greater confidence and understanding.  Segment One will meet every Tuesday evening in October and November.  Sessions will be held  from 7-8 PM.  This course is a fantastic way to “get your feet wet” if you are new to studying scripture, and a great way to reinforce understanding if you aren’t new to bible studies.   Call the RE Office to register.  248-844-8662 

Bible Study in Spanish
If you speak Spanish, and want to grow in your knowledge of scripture, please join us on Thursday mornings, every week (except in December) at 9:30 AM.  Our facilitator is Andrea Ballina.  She will share with you “Se en Mobimiempo” process.

Catholic Adult Initiation
Would you like to learn more about the Church? The door is always open!  We are beginning to meet, but we are happy to have you join us at any time.  Please know, if you aren’t Catholic, but would like to be… or you just want to find out more, we are here.  Simply call, and we will work together to find a path that will fit for you.  Call Peggy at 248-844-8662 (or peggyc@smoth.org)