Adult Faith Formation
Click Here for Practice Homily of Deacon Candidate Bill Palamara on "Joy" for Mass on 5-11-11
The U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops in its document, Our Hearts were burning Within Us, teaches that "adult faith formation is essential to who we are and what we do as Church, and must be situated not at the periphery of the Church's educational mission but at its center."
St Athanasius Parish recognizes that each parish liturgy and ministry (liturgical ministry, social ministry, outreach ministry, etc.) provides opportunities for Adult Faith Formation --- and all adults are encouraged to participate in at least one ministry as part of their stewardship of time, talent and treasure.
In addition, for those who are ready to grow in their relationship with Christ through growth in their knowledge of Scripture and Church teaching, the parish offers a well-rounded program of Adult Faith Formation opportunities.
Current Adult Faith Formation Schedule Click this link for our most current schedule of adult faith formation offerings, as well as for links to classes available at other area parishes. For programs that are not shown on the schedule please call the Faith Formation Office. Basic information about on all our Adult Faith Formation opportunities appear below. For further details or questions about any programs, please call the Faith Formation Office.
Adult Faith Formation Committee The Adult Faith Formation Committee is open welcomes the participation of any interested adults. The Committee is tasked with coordinating the Adult Faith Formation programs and developing new programs.
RCIA: For Non-Catholics and Catholics Who Are Not Fully Initiated RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) offers a relaxed, friendly spiritual process for un-baptized persons and Christians of other denominations who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith (inquiry). Through the RCIA process participants are assisted in prayerfully discerning whether God is calling them to study the Catholic faith, and (if they feel called) preparing for and completing the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic faith (Baptism, Eucharist, and /or Reconciliation). RCIA is also appropriate for baptized Catholics who have not completed all their Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist, Confirmation). RCIA programs adapted for the needs of children or teenagers are also available.
Click here for information on the 2011-12 RCIA Program
Sacramental Preparation Programs for Adults: Programs are offered to prepare parents to guide their children through the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. For details click on this link to our Sacramental Preparation page. The parish also offers a Marriage Preparation program that offers the option of a very warm, personal, and effective "mentor couple" approach.
Scripture, Prayer and Faith Sharing Groups Several types of Scripture, Prayer and Faith Sharing Groups are available:
- Women's Scripture Study - Meets to discuss an approved book regarding Scripture topics of special interest to women. Meetings include informational presentations as well as questions for discussion. All women of any faith are welcome to join at any time.
- The Men's Group - The Mens' Group invites adult men to deepen their knowledge of and relationship with God through fellowship, scripture discussion and prayer, using Guideposts, a successful program text for Catholic men.
- The Faith Sharing Group (Discusses Readings for Upcoming Weekend) - reads and discussed the scheduled Sunday Mass readings in preparation for the following Sunday using the Catholic "Bringing Home the Word" resource.
- The Prayer Chain - The Prayer Chain group receives many prayer requests each week from parishioners and others in need of prayer. Communicating mostly by telephone, this group prays confidentially for the needs of all who request prayers. This group includes many home-bound and elderly parishioners, as well as others, who give great time and effort to this important ministry.
- The Ignatian Prayer Group - The Ignatian Prayer Group meets regularly to learn, practice, and pray together powerful Scripture-based prayer style developed by St. Ignatius.
- Marriage Encounter Groups - These groups are for couples who have complete a Marriage Encounter International weekend, designed to make good marriages better. The parish currently has two groups meeting regularly.
"Adult Faith Formation Best Practices, Diocese of Pittsburgh, 2011"
The Parish Mission offers an opportunity for all of the community to gather together in prayer and fellowship for a series of mini-retreats during Lent.
Other Faith Formation Classes and Retreats for Adults Throughout the year, other Faith Formation classes and retreats are offered for adults. Watch the bulletin and the Adult Faith Formation Calendar for details.
Diocesan Courses for Adult Education and Catechist Certification - The Diocese of Pittsburgh offers excellent classes and Speaker Series' for Adult Education and Catechist Certification at various times throughout the year. Classes are taught by Master Catechists, together with a priest, and cover a broad range of topics including Creed, Morality, Sacraments, Scripture, Catechetical Methods and more. The cost for these courses is very low and the cost is covered by the parish if you are a catechist. Click on this link for details on courses offered by the Diocese. The speaker series features nationally acclaimed experts on a variety of topics. Click here for details on the Speaker's Series.