Today after all the Masses you are invited to come to the Parish Center for the Ministry Fair! I will be there to answer any questions you may have about what types of activities volunteers perform within the ministry of Faith Formation. What you may not know is that Faith Formation IS NOT limited to religious education for children. It is called Faith Formation, rather than CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), because ALL of us are on a spiritual journey – a journey to know, love, and serve God from the time we are baptized until the time we are buried. Therefore, Faith Formation opportunities are offered for everyone from the smallest pre-schooler to our most seasoned “saints-in-the-making.”
 
Faith Formation is the way that the institution of the Church passes on, or echoes, the Good News of the Gospel – that God became incarnate (made man) in the person of Jesus Christ -- that he suffered death and was buried to save us from our sins – that he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven – that he is with us until the end of the age in the holy Eucharist. It is a message we need to be reminded of and to explore ever more deeply as we pass through the different stages of our lives. Faith Formation does this by offering adults:
 

• Bible studies;
• Book clubs;
• Reading materials and talks on CDs (located in the church foyer);
• Programming specifically formulated to meet the needs of men;
• Financial studies that teach the proper role and stewardship of money;
• Women’s programs designed to encourage their spiritual gifts;
• Learning opportunities for married couples;
• Assistance for adults who are seeking God in his one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults); and
• Sacramental preparation – including marriage and convalidation (the blessing of a civil marriage in the Church).

 
I look forward to talking with you at the Faith Formation booth in the Parish Center!
 
Reminder:  If your child(ren) are in PreK, Kindergarten, 1^st or 2^nd grade and they attend faith formation classes on Sunday, their Learning About L.I.F.E. (Love-Infatuation-Friendship- Exploitation) class will take place next Sunday, Jan. 29^th in the north end of the Parish Center. A parent must accompany each child.  If you have any questions about this program, or if you and your child cannot attend for whatever reason, please contact Nancy Davis prior to the scheduled session.
*Jo Ann Elder holds a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University, New Orleans.